Serum Proteomic Analysis in Obese Postmenopausal Women Before and After Multi-Species Probiotic Supplementation

The composition and functions of the gut microbiota can affect the development of obesity and metabolic disorders. Proteomics analysis has become important tool for characterizing the proteome and identifying serum biomarkers associated with specific conditions in different groups of patients. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the pathophysiological aspects of obesity and the relation between comorbidities and the gut microbiota by characterizing the protein profile in obese post-menopausal women before and after multi-species probiotic supplementation. MALDI-TOF MS analyses were performed in serum samples from the placebo group 24, from the low-dose probiotic group 24, and 23 from the high-dose probiotic group. Paired comparison analysis of protein–peptide patterns derived from patients at two time points (i.e., before and after treatment) revealed several peaks changing under treatment. Complement C3, Fibrinogen alpha chain, Coagulation factor XII, Tubulin beta-3 chain, Fibrinogen beta chain, Inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain H4, and Apolipoprotein A-I were identified. Depending on the administered dose, slightly different alterations were observed. In summary, the obtained results do not allow us to draw a conclusion regarding the influence of probiotic supplementation on peptide profile in obese post-menopausal women. However some of identified proteins could take part in the complex mechanism involving obesity, dysbiosis, and inflammation. Registration number: NCT03100162