Lactobacillus rhamnosus PB01 Oral Supplementation Alleviates Metabolic and Reproductive Dysfunctions in Type 1 Diabetic Male Rats
Sihan Liu, Hiva Alipour, Malwina Ulanowska, Vladimir Zachar, Fereshteh DardmehABSTRACT
This study investigated the potential therapeutic effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus PB01 supplementation on metabolic and reproductive dysfunctions in Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) rat model. Diabetic rats treated with L. rhamnosus PB01 (1 × 10⁹ CFU/day) showed significant improvements in metabolic and reproductive outcomes. Specifically, diabetes‐induced weight loss was mitigated by approximately 13%, and the percentage of hyperactivated sperm in the treatment group was significantly 2.5 times higher than that of the diabetic controls. Additionally, testosterone levels were significantly elevated by 27%, further supporting the positive effects on reproductive health. The probiotic supplementation also led to improvements in insulin sensitivity, as evidenced by a 34.12% reduction in homeostasis model assessment index of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR). L. rhamnosus PB01 (DSM 14870) demonstrated potential as an adjunct therapy for managing T1DM‐associated complications in the rat model, by improving insulin sensitivity, supporting weight management, and partially restoring diabetes‐related fertility impairments, likely through modulation of hormonal pathways. However, further studies are needed to translate the results to humans and refine optimal dosing and supplementation duration for sustained benefits.