How Much in Vitro Cholesterol Reducing Activity of Lactobacilli Predicts Their in Vivo Cholesterol Function?

International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-78024420121030How Much in Vitro Cholesterol Reducing Activity of Lactobacilli Predicts Their in Vivo Cholesterol Function?404413ENMaster of Science in Biotechnology, Food Security Research Center, Isfahan university of Medical ScienceAssistant Professor, Food Security Research Center (1), School Of Nutrition and Food Science (2), Isfahan university of Medical ScienceBachelor in Science in Analytical Chemistry, Food Security Research Center, Isfahan university of Medical ScienceMaster of Science in health Statistics and Epidemiology, Food Security Research Center, Isfahan university of Medical Science20121030Background: Based on literature, in vitro cholesterol removal of lactic acid bacteria has been accounted for their in vivo cholesterol reduction. But recently, it has been proposed that such in vitro characteristic may not be directly relevant to their in vivo activity. The objective of this study was to find how much in vitro cholesterol reducing potential of Lactobacillus plantarumA7 (LA7), a native strain isolated from an infant fecal flora, reflects its in vivo efficiency. Methods: LA7 previously showed serum cholesterol reducing capability in mice subjected to fatty diet. Here, we investigate whether the given strain is capable of in vitro cholesterol assimilation or consumption. LA7 was cultured in whole milk and de‑Man–Rogosa– Sharpe (MRS) added with water‑soluble cholesterol. Colorimetric method was adopted for cholesterol determination in both cultured media during incubation period. Results: No cholesterol assimilation was detected by growth and incubation of the active culture in either of the medium. Thus, in vivo cholesterol function of LA7 was not caused by cholesterol consumption. A comprehensive review of literature on the related studies also showed that there are other documented studies’ evidenced the uncertainty of the direct relation between in vitro and in vivo studies. Conclusion: cholesterol removal from the cultured media may not be considered as an appropriate integral index for selection of Lactobacillus strains with cholesterol‑lowering activity. Keywords: Cholesterol, in vitro, in vivo, Lactobacillus plantarum, milkhttp://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/979http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/979/936