Lactobacillus Rhamnosus Yoba Modulates Serum Cholesterol in Normo-Lipidemic Wistar Rats Fed a High Fat Diet (P20-013-19)

The study was aimed at assessing the effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus yoba on the serum lipid profile and body weight of male Wistar rats fed a high fat diet. 20 seven week old male rats weighing between 120 g and 180 g were used for the study and divided into 4 groups of 5 rats each. The control group was fed normal mice pellets and distilled water, while the other groups were fed mice pellets supplemented with 3% cholesterol and 2% saturated fat in addition to any of distilled water, Lactobacillus rhamnosus yoba or Norvastatin respectively. The body weight was measured at the start of the study and after 2 weeks while serum parameters were measured after 8 weeks. Data was analyzed using SPSS Version 20. ANOVA and Tukey’s tests determined significant differences in means at 95% confidence interval. Lactobacillus rhamnosus yoba significantly (P < 0.005) modulated weight gain, serum total cholesterol and triglycerides when compared to the control. Similarly, LDL-cholesterol was significantly modulated (P < 0.005) while HDL-cholesterol was significantly enhanced (P < 0.005) when compared to the control. The ability of Lactobacillus rhamnosus yoba to elevate HDL cholesterol and modulate LDL-cholesterol without the side effects of statins makes it a potential functional food. In line with the findings, the present study justifies the use of Lactobacillus rhamnosus yoba as a probiotic in fermented foods. NA.