Effects of probiotic supplementation on platelet morphology in overweight/obese woman

Abstract

Obesity could be associated with enhanced platelet (PL) function and thrombosis. Also, changes in gut microbiota composition were observed in obese patients, and probiotics supplementation has been shown to improve some of the obesity-associated metabolic parameters. This study aimed to determine the possible effects of probiotic supplementation on platelet morphology in overweight/obese premenopausal women.Twenty overweight (BMI = 25.0-29.9 kg/m2) and obese (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2) women participated in double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. They were randomly assigned to receive one capsule daily of probiotics (7x1010 CFU Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (DSM9843), 5x109 CFU Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii and 40mg octacosanol; N=10) or placebo (N=10) for 3 months. To determine changes in the parameters of platelet activation - the platelet count (PC), platelet distribution width (PDW), Feret diameter, and hypogranular appearance, blood samples were obtained for an automated hematology analyser and peripheral smears staining. Although difference in PC was not found between groups, supplementation with probiotics decreased PDW compared to the placebo group (p<0.05). Regarding platelets diameter, there is an decrease in group supplemented with probiotics compared to placebo, however, a statistical difference has not been reached. Further, the proportion of hypogranular PL was increased in a probiotic-supplemented group compared to the placebo group (p<0.01). In conclusion, probiotic supplementation achieved improvements in platelets morphology and hematological indices in overweight/obese premenopausal women.