Abundance of Clostridium Butyricum in Gut Microbiota Correlates with Obesity Phenotype Irrespective of Diet in Outbred Sprague-Dawley CD Rats (P21-027-19)

Objectives Gut microbiota profiles contribute to differences in obesity phenotype. The contribution of specific bacterial species has not been shown. In two sequential studies, we examined the abundance of total bacteria, and the species Clostridium butyricum in relation to the propensity of outbred Sprague-Dawley CD rats to accumulate abdominal fat. As a probiotic, C. butyricum is associated with enhanced butyrate production, reduced inflammation and prevention of diet induced weight gain. Outbred CD rats have two obesity phenotypes; obese‐resistant rats (OR) remain lean while obese‐prone (OP) rats develop obesity within 4 weeks when fed the same high calorie diet. Hypothesis: Propensity of Outbred CD rats to gain fat correlates with abundance of specific bacterial species.