Investigation of the changes in gut microbiota in high-fat-diet-induced obesity in rats with and without the probiotic supplementation <i>Bifidobacterium infantis</i> 35624

Obesity occurs with a low-grade inflammation as a result of the imbalance between energy intake and expenditure. This physiopathological status is accompanied by alterations in the gut microbiota. Living microorganisms called "probiotics" can affect the gut microbiota and can heal this imbalance, thus obesity. The aim of this study is to evaluate the changes in the gut microbiota in high-fat-diet-induced rats and to investigate whether any difference may be observed with the supplementation of <i>Bifidobacterium infantis</i> 35624 as a probiotic. The rats received different feeding regimens such as normal fat diet, high-fat diet, and <i>B</i>. <i>infantis</i> 35624 supplemented high-fat diet for 8 weeks. Weights gain was evaluated. Glucose and insulin levels, as well as gut microbiota, were examined at the end of the study. The high-fat diet group exceeded the criterion for obesity, and there was a significant increase in body weight over the study period (<i>p</i> < 0.001). A significant difference was found between the groups in terms of glucose and insulin levels (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Each group showed a different microbiota, and some bacterial species were found to be significantly associated with the weights of the groups (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Both high-fat diet and <i>B</i>. <i>infantis</i> 35624 supplementation caused changes in the gut microbiota. Beneficial strains associated with obesity may be clarified with species-specific studies to help prevent obesity.