Milk Fermented with Pediococcus acidilactici Strain BE Improves High Blood Glucose Levels and Pancreatic Beta-cell Function in Diabetic Rats

This study evaluated the effects of milk fermented with Pediococcus acidilactici strain BE and P. pentosaceus strain M103 on diabetes in rats (Rattus norvegicus). The bacteria were separately used as starter cultures for milk fermentation, and the products were then fed to diabetic rats for 15 days. Blood glucose levels, immunohistochemical and histological indicators, lipid profiles, and total lactic acid bacterium counts were evaluated before and after treatment. The administration of milk fermented with P. acidilactici strain BE reduced blood glucose levels from 410.27 ± 51.60 to 304.07 ± 9.88 mg/dL (p < 0.05), similar to the effects of metformin (from 382.30 ± 13.39 mg/dL to 253.33 ± 40.66 mg/dL, p < 0.05). Increased insulin production was observed in diabetic rats fed milk fermented with P. acidilactici strain BE concomitant with an increased number and percentage area of immunoreactive beta-cells. The structure of insulin-producing beta-cells was improved in diabetic rats fed milk fermented with P. acidilactici strain BE or metformin (insulin receptor substrate scores of 5.33 ± 0.94 and 3.5 ± 0.5, respectively). This suggests that the administration of milk fermented with P. acidilactici BE potentially reduces blood glucose levels and improves pancreatic beta-cell function in diabetic rats.