Intake of Lactobacillus reuteri improves incretin and insulin secretion

Simon MC, Strassburger K, Nowotny B, Kolb H, Nowotny P, Burkart V, Zivehe F, Hwang JH, Stehle P, Pacini G, Hartmann B, Holst JJ, MacKenzie C, Bindels LB, Martinez I, Walter J, Henrich B, Schloot NC, Roden M. Intake of Lactobacillus reuteri Improves Incretin and Insulin Secretion in Glucose Tolerant Humans: A Proof of Concept. doi: 10.2337/dc14-2690. Diabetes Care. June 17, 2015

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Alterations in gut microbiota occur in obesity and type 2 diabetes. DZD scientists at the German Diabetes Center in Düsseldorf and an international research team analyzed the effects of daily intake of Lactobacillus reuteri. The prospective, double-blind, randomized trial was performed in 21 glucose tolerant humans. L. reuteri increased glucose-stimulatedGLP-1 and GLP-2 release by 76% and 43%, respectively, compared with placebo, along with 49% higher insulin and 55% higher C-peptide secretion. However, the intervention did not alter peripheral and hepatic insulin sensitivity, body mass, ectopic fat content, orcirculating cytokines.

The authors conclude that enrichment of gut microbiota with L. reuteri increases insulin secretion, possibly due to augmented incretin release, but does not directly affect insulin sensitivity or body fat distribution. This suggests that oral ingestion of one specific strain may
serve as a novel therapeutic approach to improve glucose-dependent insulin release.

Original publication:
Simon MC, Strassburger K, Nowotny B, Kolb H, Nowotny P, Burkart V, Zivehe F, Hwang JH, Stehle P, Pacini G, Hartmann B, Holst JJ, MacKenzie C, Bindels LB, Martinez I, Walter J, Henrich B, Schloot NC, Roden M. Intake of Lactobacillus reuteri Improves Incretin and Insulin Secretion in Glucose Tolerant Humans: A Proof of Concept. doi: 10.2337/dc14-2690. Diabetes Care. June 17, 2015

Link to the publication:
http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/early/2015/05/15/dc14-2690.long