Lactoplantibacillus plantarum CECT7527 cell wall (L. plantarum CECT7527)

Lactoplantibacillus plantarum CECT7527 (formerly Lactobacillus plantarum) is a probiotic strain specifically selected for its ability to lower blood cholesterol levels. The target refers to the physical structure of the bacterial cell wall which facilitates the binding and sequestration of dietary and biliary cholesterol within the intestinal lumen (Lye et al., 2010). By binding cholesterol, the bacterium prevents its micellar solubilization and subsequent absorption by intestinal enterocytes, leading to increased fecal excretion of sterols. This mechanism, often complemented by high bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity, contributes to a reduction in total and LDL cholesterol in the host (Fuentes et al., 2013). Clinically, this strain is used as a nutraceutical intervention for managing mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia and reducing cardiovascular risk. It is most commonly marketed under the commercial name AB-Life and is considered safe for general consumption as a food supplement.

Other names

Lactobacillus plantarum CECT7527AB-LifeProbiotic cholesterol-binding siteL. plantarum CECT 7527

Physical sequestration of intestinal cholesterol through binding to the bacterial cell wall, which prevents micellar solubilization and subsequent absorption by enterocytes, combined with bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity that deconjugates bile salts (Fuentes et al., 2013; Bosch et al., 2014).