An emerging role of Beclin-1-mediated autophagy in the cardioprotective impact of Lactobacillus acidophilus in diabetic hyperlipidemic rats beside the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potency

Background: Cardiac dyshomeostasis is steadily increasing in obese diabetics, with growing evidence pointing to a potential connection between diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) and gut microbiota alterations. The probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus (Lacto-B) has garnered significant interest for its beneficial properties. This study aimed to explore the mechanisms by which Lacto-B exerts its protective effects and to assess the role of beclin-1-mediated autophagy in DCM. Method: Twenty-four rats were grouped into Control, Lacto-B, high-fat diet (HFD), and HFD + Lacto-B, for 8-week experimental period. Lacto-B was administrated at a dose of (2 x 108) colony-forming units/ml/d by oral gavage. Echocardiographic, biochemical, and microscopic evaluations for cardiac changes were assessed. Glycemic and lipid profiles, oxidative stress, inflammatory markers nuclear factor-кB, interleukin-1β, interleukin-10, and beclin-1 protein were evaluated. Results: The findings revealed that concurrent Lacto-B treatment with HFD limited weight gain, improved insulin sensitivity and dyslipidemia, preserved cardiac functions and structure evidenced by reduced serum injury biomarker, atherogenic indices, myocardial hypertrophy, and collagen deposition, along with improved ejection fraction and fractional shortening. Furthermore, there were boosts in the total antioxidant capacity and the anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 along with the reductions in the cardiac malondialdehyde, total oxidant status, nuclear factor-кB gene and interleukin-1β. Additionally, downregulation of beclin-1 autophagic protein was evident versus HFD group. Conclusion: It is noteworthy that Lacto-B reduced the HFD-induced exaggerated autophagic activity in DCM. In addition to its hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects, lacto-B was able to restore redox and inflammatory balance. Therefore, it could reduce the DCM risks and be a preventive strategy.