Microbial Medicine: Targeting Diabetes, Obesity & More with Live Biotherapeutics

Metabolic diseases continue to be a global health burden, with a significant rise in metabolic dysregulation processes impacting obesity-linked insulin resistance, lipid metabolism, pro-inflammatory cells, cytokines and glucose homeostasis _[1].  Metabolic diseases include type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension (HTN), obesity, hyperlipidaemia (HLD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) _[1]. Obesity is the main metabolic disease burden with alarming rates of mortality and disability-adjusted life years; in 2019, reports on the 5 most common metabolic diseases (T2DM, HTN, obesity, HLD and NAFLD) showed that obesity was the cause of death in 40.36% and 41.83% of men and women, respectively _[1].

Previous research has identified a link between the gut microbiome and the development and progression of metabolic diseases _[2]. One example is T2DM, which is associated with gut microbiome dysbiosis and although exact mechanisms leading to this co-dependence are yet to be identified, the link is due to metabolic signals produced by components of the gut microbiome, which indirectly affect the host’s metabolism _[2]. More specifically, the levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and secondary bile acids are impacted when the presence of certain gut microbes change – e.g., Faecalibacterium prausnitzii is a common gut commensal and promotes SCFA production, so reduced levels of this anaerobe will lead to reduced SCFA levels _[2]. Unsurprisingly, this link means the gut microbiome is routinely investigated as a potential biomarker for metabolic disease therapy.

Live biotherapeutic products (LBPs) have great potential in the field of treating gut microbiome-derived diseases; LBPs are classified as a biological product that contains live organisms and can be used to prevent, treat or cure a disease/condition of humans _[3]. LBPs are often grouped together with probiotics, however they are slightly different in that LBPs are classed as medicinal products that target disease, whereas probiotics are classed as dietary supplements and are subject to less rigorous regulation _[3]. The use of microorganisms in treatment of metabolic diseases is not a new proposal, with research from over a decade ago showing that a combination of Lactobacillus plantarum KY1032 and L. curvatus HY7601 prevented fat accumulation in adipose tissue and the liver, suggesting that this multi-strain treatment could alleviate obesity-related metabolic changes _[4]. A major focus for the future of LBP research and development is to monitor changes post-LBP treatment to guarantee sustainable effects and long-term safety _[3].

The Don Whitley Scientific (DWS) Laboratory offers specialised testing of LBPs comprising live bacteria and fungi, commonly manufactured in lyophilized form. Our GLP-compliant laboratory is equipped with the innovative Whitley Anaerobic Workstations designed for strict environmental control, ensuring reliable cultivation and enumeration of fastidious anaerobes. Expert microbiologists at the DWS Laboratory are skilled in methods such as viable plate counts and total cell counting to assess viability in final dosage forms (e.g., capsules). By collaborating closely with research partners, the DWS Laboratory takes pride in being part of the journey of LBPs, knowing that every accurate test result contributes to breakthroughs that could transform lives.

Written by DWS Microbiologist Kirsty McTear

References

1. Chew NWS, Ng CH, Tan DJH, Kong G, Lin C, Chin YH, et al. The global burden of metabolic disease: Data from 2000 to 2019. Cell Metabolism [Internet]. 2023 Mar 7;35(3):414-428.e3. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36889281/
2. Martínez-López YE, Esquivel-Hernández DA, Sánchez-Castañeda JP, Neri-Rosario D, Guardado-Mendoza R, Resendis-Antonio O. Type 2 diabetes, gut microbiome, and systems biology: A novel perspective for a new era. Gut Microbes. 2022 Aug 24;24(14).
3. Min H, Choi KS, Yun S, Jang S. Live Biotherapeutic Products for Metabolic Diseases: Development Strategies, Challenges, and Future Directions. Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology. 2025 Mar 11;11(35):e2410054.
4. Yoo SR, Kim YJ, Park DY, Jung UJ, Jeon SM, Ahn YT, et al. ProbioticsL. plantarumandL. curvatusin Combination Alter Hepatic Lipid Metabolism and Suppress Diet-Induced Obesity. Obesity. 2013 Jun 11;21(12):2571–8.