University thesis:
Dissertation, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, 2023
Footnote:
Kumulative Dissertation, enthält Zeitschriftenaufsätze
Tag der Verteidigung: 09.10.2023
Zusammenfassungen in deutscher und englischer Sprache
Description:
The application of bacterial strains as a groundbreaking, natural method to combat metabolic diseases is rapidly expanding. However, previous screenings have overlooked their relevance in human metabolic diseases like Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Given NAFLD's global prevalence and the lack of approved treatments, exploring probiotics as supplements to hinder NAFLD's severe progression, potentially leading to hepatocellular carcinoma, shows promise. My research integrated innovative techniques— in silico, in vitro, and in vivo—to identify potential probiotic bacterial strains for managing NAFLD. Precise methodologies resembling the clinical/human setting of NAFLD are crucial in the pre-clinical screening process. The Caco-2 cell line, standard for assessing intestinal permeability, tends to overestimate small intestine epithelium resistance. Identifying an accurate in vitro model reflecting small intestine permeability features is vital (Article1). Maintaining small intestine homeostasis significantly affects peripheral organ function, notably the liver. Thus, targeting gut health is promising for liver health. Evaluating lactobacilli and bifidobacteria species in various in vitro models identified B. longum and L. kalixensis as potential probiotic cultures for NAFLD management (Article 2). Validating in vitro responses in pre-clinical models is crucial before asserting the health benefits and safety of bacterial species for humans. Four identified bacterial species underwent analysis in a NAFLD murine model (Manuscript 3), but supplementation didn't demonstrate a beneficial effect. This thesis highlights the importance of early screenings to identify potential probiotic bacterial species for disease management. It emphasizes expanding bacterial species/strains for testing and developing advanced screening platforms mimicking specific clinical conditions. These approaches promise progress in precision probiotic development for metabolic diseases.