International journal of molecular sciences2026; 27(17); 7816; doi: 10.3390/ijms27177816

Multiple Probiotic Lactic Acid Bacteria with Marked Cholesterol-Lowering Effects Were Discovered in Equine Colostrum.

Liu, X
·
Hudayibieergen, K
·
Yeerjiang, B
·
Manaer, T
·
Nabi, X

Abstract: Xinjiang ranks among the key domestication origins of horses. Local nomadic ethnic groups have a long-standing tradition of consuming equine dairy products, which endows mare-derived dairy matrices with abundant, distinctive and scarce probiotic resources. Equine colostrum is rich in immunoglobulins and growth factors; nevertheless, its pharmacological activities and micro-ecological composition remain poorly characterized. This study aimed to isolate and screen native strains with cholesterol-lowering potential from Xinjiang equine colostrum and conduct a preliminary investigation into their underlying mechanisms. Following isolation and taxonomic identification, one strain of , four strains of , and two yeast strains including and were obtained. All the aforementioned isolates are indigenous microorganisms naturally inhabiting mare colostrum. In vitro assays demonstrated bile salt hydrolase activity and cholesterol clearance rates ranging from 45.07% to 87.14%, with composite probiotic formulations exhibiting superior efficacy. In vivo results demonstrated that the combination formulation significantly reduced serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( < 0.05), alleviated hepatic lipid deposition, and regulated gut microbiota composition-notably by enhancing the abundance of beneficial bacteria. It also increased fecal short-chain fatty acids and decreased bile acid levels. These findings demonstrate that the native strains isolated from mare colostrum possess desirable probiotic properties and lipid-lowering bioactivities. Their unique source and natural combinatorial characteristics provide candidate-strain resources for the development of novel functional foods and nutritional supplements.

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Publication Date: 2026-08-31 PubMed ID: 42737713PubMed Central: PMC13566805DOI: 10.3390/ijms27177816Google Scholar: Lookup

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Summary
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Affiliations
MeSH
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Conflict of Interest
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Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

Overview

This research focused on isolating and studying probiotic bacteria from equine colostrum in Xinjiang to evaluate their cholesterol-lowering effects.
The study identified specific native strains with potent cholesterol-lowering abilities and examined their mechanisms and benefits both in laboratory tests and live animal models.

Background and Importance

Equine Colostrum: The first milk produced by mares after giving birth; rich in immunoglobulins and growth factors.
Cultural Significance: In Xinjiang, a major region for horse domestication, nomadic groups consume horse dairy products, offering a unique source of probiotic microbes.
Knowledge Gap: Despite its richness, the specific pharmacological effects and microbial composition of equine colostrum were previously not well understood.

Research Goals

Isolate native microbial strains naturally found in Xinjiang mare colostrum.
Evaluate their potential to lower cholesterol based on laboratory tests.
Explore how these strains affect cholesterol metabolism and gut microbiota in live animal experiments.

Methodology

Isolation & Identification: Multiple strains of lactic acid bacteria and yeast were isolated from horse colostrum samples.
In vitro Screening: Tests for bile salt hydrolase activity (an enzyme that can help in cholesterol metabolism) and cholesterol clearance rates (ability to remove cholesterol) were performed.
In vivo Testing: Animal models were given composite probiotic formulations combining the isolated strains to assess effects on serum lipid levels and liver health.
Microbiota Analysis: Gut bacterial compositions were analyzed to understand probiotic influence on beneficial microbes.
Metabolic Measurements: Levels of fecal short-chain fatty acids and bile acids were monitored as indicators of gut health and lipid metabolism.

Key Findings

Several strains with strong cholesterol-lowering potential were identified, demonstrating cholesterol clearance rates between 45.07% and 87.14% in vitro.
The combination (composite) probiotic formulations outperformed individual strains in reducing cholesterol.
Administration of these probiotic mixtures in vivo significantly lowered serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL (bad cholesterol), indicating improved lipid profiles.
Liver tissue showed reduced fat deposits after probiotic treatment, suggesting protection against fatty liver conditions.
Beneficial changes in gut microbiota were observed, including increased abundance of healthy bacteria.
There was a rise in fecal short-chain fatty acids, important for gut barrier function and metabolism, along with decreased bile acid levels, reflecting improved lipid and gut metabolism.

Implications and Potential Applications

The study identified equine colostrum as a promising source of novel probiotic strains with strong cholesterol-lowering properties.
The unique combination of natural strains derived from this distinctive niche suggests possibilities for synergistic effects beyond individual bacteria.
These findings set the stage for developing new functional foods or dietary supplements targeting cholesterol management and cardiovascular health.
Utilizing probiotics from equine colostrum can contribute to both traditional knowledge and innovative nutrition science.

Conclusion

Native probiotic strains isolated from Xinjiang mare colostrum demonstrate marked cholesterol-lowering activity and beneficial impacts on lipid metabolism and gut microbiota.
These findings highlight the value of equine colostrum as a reservoir of bioactive microbes, with promising applications for promoting health and preventing lipid-related diseases.

Cite This Article

APA

Liu X, Hudayibieergen K, Yeerjiang B, Manaer T, Nabi X. (2026). Multiple Probiotic Lactic Acid Bacteria with Marked Cholesterol-Lowering Effects Were Discovered in Equine Colostrum. Int J Mol Sci, 27(17), 7816. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27177816

Publication

International journal of molecular sciences

ISSN: 1422-0067

NlmUniqueID: 101092791

Country: Switzerland

Language: English

Volume: 27

Issue: 17

PII: 7816

Researcher Affiliations

Liu, Xuelian

School of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumchi 830017, China.
Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines Active Components and Drug Release Technology, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumchi 830017, China.
Engineering Research Center of Xinjiang and Central Asian Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumchi 830017, China.

Hudayibieergen, Kuerdan

School of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumchi 830017, China.
Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines Active Components and Drug Release Technology, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumchi 830017, China.
Engineering Research Center of Xinjiang and Central Asian Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumchi 830017, China.

Yeerjiang, Baheban

School of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumchi 830017, China.
Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines Active Components and Drug Release Technology, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumchi 830017, China.
Engineering Research Center of Xinjiang and Central Asian Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumchi 830017, China.

Manaer, Tabusi

School of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumchi 830017, China.
Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines Active Components and Drug Release Technology, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumchi 830017, China.
Engineering Research Center of Xinjiang and Central Asian Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumchi 830017, China.

Nabi, Xinhua

School of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumchi 830017, China.
Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines Active Components and Drug Release Technology, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumchi 830017, China.
Engineering Research Center of Xinjiang and Central Asian Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumchi 830017, China.

MeSH Terms

Animals
Colostrum / microbiology
Probiotics / pharmacology
Horses
Female
Cholesterol / blood
Cholesterol / metabolism
Lactobacillales / isolation & purification
Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Anticholesteremic Agents / pharmacology

Grant Funding

2024D01D19 / the Key Project Fund of the Autonomous Region Natural Science Foundation

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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