From the gut to the heart: probiotic therapy with Saccharomyces boulardii and its potential role on diabetic cardiomyopathy in a murine model

Background: We investigated whether the probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii confers cardiometabolic protection and prevents diabetic cardiomyopathy by modulating inflammation, cardiac remodelling, cardiovascular function, and autonomic regulation. Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice were allocated into four groups: Control (C), Diabetes (DM), Control+Saccharomyces boulardii (CSb), and Diabetes+Saccharomyces boulardii (DMSb). Diabetes was induced with intraperitoneal streptozotocin (STZ), and treatments (sterile water or Saccharomyces boulardii) were administered orally for 8weeks. Blood glucose, cytokines, and nitric oxide levels were measured, along with cardiac function via echocardiography and direct blood pressure recordings. Results: Saccharomyces boulardii reduced blood glucose and increased cardiac IL-10 in diabetic mice, restoring nitric oxide levels. These effects were associated to reduced collagen deposition, preventing vascular damage and ventricular fibrosis, and were accompanied by improved systolic/ diastolic function and autonomic control. Conclusion: Saccharomyces boulardii improved cardiac structure, function, and autonomic control in diabetic mice, supporting its potential as adjunct therapy for diabetic cardiomyopathy.