This study investigated the therapeutic efficacy of low and high doses of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 1008 (LP1008) in a high-fat diet-fed male mouse model.

Mice at 37 weeks of age were fed a standard diet (n = 8) or a 45% high-fat diet for 28 weeks, and the high-fat- diet-fed mice were divided into vehicle, low-dose and high-dose LP1008 groups (n = 8 per group) on the basis of the treatment administered for an additional 8 weeks.

LP1008 suppressed the increase in total cholesterol levels and liver function parameters and alleviated histological changes in the brain, cecum, gastrocnemius, and testes. In terms of reproductive function, LP1008 attenuated the decreases in sperm quality, sperm maturity, testosterone levels, and levels of enzymes involved in testosterone biosynthesis. Furthermore, LP1008 altered impairments in spatial learning and memory and induced slight alterations in the gut microbiota. Moreover, LP1008 exerted antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects in aged, obese male mice.

LP1008 reversed, diet-induced obesity, age-related reproductive dysfunction, and pathological damage because of increasing testosterone levels and alterations of the gut microbiome, with the regulation of mediators involved in oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation.