Effect of Iranian native Bifidobacterium bifidum on blood lipid parameters in hypercholesterolemic male Wistar rats

Disruption of lipid metabolism in some populations causes cardiovascular disease. Now, cardiovascular disease is the first cause of death in industrialized countries. Probiotics are live microorganisms and if that these organisms enough used could be health effects for the host. The aim of this study was investigation of effect of Bifidobacterium bifidum on blood lipid level in hypercholesterolemic rats. In this experimental study, 28 male rats with an average weight of 5 ± 120 g divided to 4 groups: The first group was control, the second group was treated with probiotic, third group treated was hypercholesterolemic and the fourth group was hypercholesterolemic rats that treated with probiotic. 109 cfu/ml of lyophilized Bifidobacterium bifidum daily was gavages for 21 days. Then, blood samples were taken from the hearts of rats and lipid factors were determined. The results showed that significant reduction in total cholesterol and LDL levels in hypercholesterolemic rats treated with Bifidobacterium (P