Supplementation of Yoghurt with Apilactobacillus kunkeei Strain Ameliorates Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Rat Model

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: This study evaluated whether yoghurt containing <i>Apilactobacillus kunkeei</i> DSM 12361 protects rats against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We hypothesized that this fructophilic probiotic, with anti-inflammatory properties, may affect NAFLD progression by improving the gut microbiome, lowering intestinal ethanol production, and modulating inflammatory and metabolic pathways linked to hepatic fat accumulation. <b>Methods</b>: Wister rats were randomized into three groups; rats in the control group (HFrD) were fed a high-fructose (70%) diet while rats in experimental groups were fed the same diet mixed with 10% of yoghurt containing YC-180 starter culture (HFrD-Y) or yoghurt containing YC-180 and <i>Apilactobacillus kunkeei</i> DSM 12361 (HFrD-Y-A). <b>Results</b>: After six weeks of intervention, levels of plasma triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose, liver enzymes (ALT and AST), interleukin (IL)-6, fecal ethanol, <i>Enterobacteriaceae</i>, and hepatic index were significantly increased (<i>p</i> < 0.05) in the HFrD group as compared to rats in both experimental groups. Moreover, plasma levels of liver enzymes, lipid profile, glucose, and IL-6 were significantly lower (<i>p</i> < 0.05) in rats of the HFrD-Y-A group than those in the HFrD-Y group. Furthermore, plasma levels of IL-10 and fecal <i>Lactobacilli</i> and <i>Bifidobacteria</i> were significantly increased (<i>p</i> < 0.05) in the experimental groups when compared to rats in the control group. <b>Conclusions</b>: In sum, the obtained results indicated that yoghurt containing <i>Apilactobacillus kunkeei</i> could decrease the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) through (a) blocking the inflammation process associated with NAFLD, (b) enhancing the lipid profile, (c) lowering fecal ethanol, and (III) decreasing the levels of fecal <i>Enterobacteriaceae</i> in comparison with levels of fecal <i>Lactobacilli</i> and <i>Bifidobacteria</i> in rats. More research on molecular mechanisms of the potential effects of the <i>Apilactobacillus kunkeei</i> strain against NAFLD is still required.