Abstract
Bifidobacterium bifidum G9-1 (BBG9-1) was administered orally to ExHC (Exogenously Hypercholesterolemic) rats, Wistar fatty rats and KK-Ay mice, and the effect on the lipids of the plasma and liver was found to be as follows. 1) BBG9-1 significantly reduced the levels of cholesterol and triglyceride in the plasma and liver of ExHC rats fed a cholesterol-enriched diet. In addition, the cholesterol level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and the cholesterol and triglyceride levels of very low-density lipoprotein/chylomicron (VLDL/CM) were lower in the BBG9-1-administered rats than in the control rats. 2) In Wistar fatty rats, BBG9-1 significantly decreased the levels of cholesterol and triglyceride in the liver but not those in the plasma. 3) In KK-Ay mice, BBG9-1 significantly reduced not only the levels of cholesterol and triglyceride in the plasma and liver, but also the plasma glucose level. These results suggest that BBG9-1 lowers elevated levels of blood lipids and/or hepatic lipids in hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia and hyperglycemia.
