The anti-obesity effects of <i>Clostridium butyricum</i> B-3 and its impact on gut microbiota

Obesity has emerged as a significant global health threat. In this study, we investigated the anti-obesity properties of <i>Clostridium butyricum</i> B-3, a strain noted for its high butyric acid production. This strain was administered to mice on a high-fat diet (HFD) to assess its potential anti-obesity effects. Our findings indicate that three different dosages of <i>C. butyricum</i> B-3 significantly (<i>P</i> < 0.05) mitigated excessive weight gain and ameliorated kidney and liver damage in HFD mice. A medium dose (10⁷ CFU/day) of <i>C. butyricum</i> B-3 markedly reduced levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and elevated levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in HFD mice. Additionally, this dosage lowered serum levels of inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α. Furthermore, treatment with <i>C. butyricum</i> B-3 enhanced the diversity and relative abundance of gut microbiota in HFD-fed mice. Notably, the gut microbiota composition of the high-dose (10⁸ CFU/day) group closely resembled that of mice fed a normal diet. <i>C. butyricum</i> B-3 also significantly increased the concentrations of acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid in the gut. In summary, <i>C. butyricum</i> B-3 demonstrated significant anti-obesity effects and the ability to regulate intestinal microbiota in HFD mice.IMPORTANCEObesity represents one of the most severe global health challenges of our time. <i>Clostridium butyricum</i> has recently been recognized as a next-generation probiotic with considerable potential for applications in intestinal health, metabolic diseases, and neuroprotection. Our research focused on a specific strain of <i>C. butyricum</i> known for its anti-obesity effects, which displayed robust capabilities in mitigating obesity and regulating intestinal flora. This strain holds significant promise for development in anti-obesity nutritional products and pharmaceuticals.