CN118203603A - A postbiotic and its application in regulating lipid metabolism - Google Patents

Abstract

The present application relates to a postbiotic and its application in regulating lipid metabolism. Specifically, the present application relates to the use of the postbiotic in preparing medicine or food. The present application also relates to a method for regulating the weight of a subject, and a method for inhibiting or reducing lipid absorption in the gastrointestinal tract of a subject.

Description

A postbiotic and its application in regulating lipid metabolism

Technical Field

The present application relates to a postbiotic and its application in regulating lipid metabolism. Specifically, the present application relates to the use of the postbiotic in preparing medicine or food. The present application also relates to a method for regulating the weight of a subject, and a method for inhibiting or reducing lipid absorption in the gastrointestinal tract of a subject.

Background technique

In modern society, the improvement of people's living standards, high-calorie diets, and unhealthy sedentary lifestyles have led to a gradual increase in the prevalence of obesity and a series of metabolic abnormalities, such as excessive lipid deposition leading to hyperlipidemia and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. In addition, adipocyte dysfunction can cause systemic inflammation and vascular sclerosis, leading to hypertension, cardiovascular disease, etc. With the increase in the number of overweight and obese people, the incidence of the above diseases is rising rapidly, and has become the main health concern of urban people in today's society, and the obese and overweight population is developing towards younger people.

At present, the treatment of obesity, overweight or abnormal lipid metabolism mainly relies on lifestyle intervention, including a low-saturated fatty acid diet and moderate to high-intensity exercise. In addition, it can also be combined with drug therapy, such as the lipase inhibitor orlistat; or taking drugs to treat hypertension or dyslipidemia and cholesterol-lowering drugs. These drugs have a certain effect on the treatment of obesity or abnormal lipid metabolism, but long-term use will cause relatively serious side effects on liver and kidney function.

Studies have found that probiotics can play an important role in the physiological metabolism of the human body by producing metabolites and regulating intestinal flora. According to the definition of probiotics given by British scientist Roy Fuller in 1989: a live microbial supplement that, after ingestion, benefits the host by improving the balance of intestinal microecology. The China Nutrition and Health Food Association has issued the group standard T/CNHFA 006-2022 "Probiotic Food Live Bacteria Rate Grading Specification" to grade the live bacteria rate of probiotic foods, emphasizing that allowing sufficient probiotics to reach the intestine alive is one of the basic conditions for probiotics to exert their efficacy.

In recent years, scientific research has shown that certain specific inactivated probiotics also have their own unique biological activities, which are called "postbiotics". "Postbiotics" are defined by the International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics as: preparations of inanimate microorganisms and/or their related components that provide health benefits to the host. The efficacy of postbiotics comes from the microbial cells themselves and their growth metabolites. It is generally believed that postbiotic preparations include: inactivated or dead microbial cells; macromolecules such as proteins, lipids and carbohydrates secreted by microorganisms or bound to the cell surface; microbial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and organic acids; cell wall components such as lipoteichoic acid, peptidoglycan and other components. With the continuous deepening of scientific research, the definition and scope of postbiotics will continue to improve. Compared with probiotics, inactivated probiotics have natural advantages in commercial production and product application.

Therefore, developing an inactivated probiotic strain that can regulate or improve abnormal lipid metabolism has high market value and broad applications.

Summary of the invention

The applicant of the present patent has screened a probiotic strain, Bifidobacterium breve 207-1, in the early stage, and its microbial preservation number is: GDMCC No.60962. In the subsequent research process, it was unexpectedly discovered that the postbiotics prepared by fermenting and inactivating the strain have outstanding effects in promoting fat decomposition and/or inhibiting fat absorption. Therefore, the postbiotics of the present application and the composition containing the same have great potential in the preparation of drugs or foods for diseases and/or symptoms related to fat gain.

Therefore, in a first aspect, the present application provides a postbiotic, or use of a composition comprising the postbiotic in preparing a medicine or food, wherein the medicine or food is used to prevent and/or improve a disease and/or symptom associated with fat gain in a subject;

The postbiotics are prepared by fermenting and inactivating Bifidobacterium breve, and the Bifidobacterium breve is deposited in Guangdong Microbiological Culture Collection Center with a deposit number of GDMCC No.60962.

Preparation of postbiotics

The postbiotics of the present invention can be prepared by various methods known in the art.

In certain embodiments, the postbiotic is prepared by inactivating Bifidobacterium breve. In certain embodiments, the postbiotic comprises Bifidobacterium breve in the form of dead bacteria.

In certain embodiments, the postbiotics are prepared by inactivating Bifidobacterium breve after fermentation. In certain embodiments, the postbiotics comprise Bifidobacterium breve in the form of dead bacteria, and primary metabolites and/or secondary metabolites produced during in vitro fermentation.

In this context, postbiotics can include many different ingredients.

In certain embodiments, the postbiotics include bacterial components of Bifidobacterium breve. In certain embodiments, the postbiotics include cell lysates of Bifidobacterium breve. In certain embodiments, the postbiotics include peptidoglycan, lipoteichoic acid, cell wall peptides, cell wall polysaccharides, pili-type structures, etc.

In certain embodiments, postbiotics include primary and/or secondary metabolites of Bifidobacterium breve. In certain embodiments, postbiotics include short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs, such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate), exopolysaccharides, functional proteins, vitamins (such as biotin, cobalamin, folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, riboflavin, and thiamine), and the like.

In such embodiments, those skilled in the art can select suitable methods to prepare various dead bacteria dosage forms of Bifidobacterium breve contained in the postbiotics. Therefore, the dosage forms of the postbiotics include, but are not limited to, pills, powders, capsules, tablets (e.g., effervescent tablets), film-coated agents, orally soluble granules, and liquid agents.

In certain embodiments, the postbiotic is a powder.

In certain embodiments, the postbiotic is bacterial powder.

In certain embodiments, the bacterial powder is prepared by the following method: culturing the Bifidobacterium breve, inactivating it, collecting the precipitate and drying it.

In certain embodiments, the bacterial powder is prepared by the following method: inactivating the Bifidobacterium breve after fermentation, collecting the precipitate by centrifugation, and vacuum freeze-drying.

In certain embodiments, the Bifidobacterium breve is fermented by MRS medium.

In certain embodiments, the Bifidobacterium breve is heat-inactivated at 70-95°C.

In certain embodiments, the medicament or food is used to prevent and/or improve a disease and/or symptom caused by fat gain in a subject.

In certain embodiments, the disease and/or symptom is selected from weight gain, obesity, fatty liver, fat accumulation (eg, visceral fat accumulation, subcutaneous fat accumulation), abnormal lipid metabolism, or any combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the subcutaneous fat accumulation is selected from abdominal fat accumulation, arm fat accumulation, leg fat accumulation, or any combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the visceral fat accumulation is selected from peri-intestinal fat accumulation, peri-renal fat accumulation, peri-gonadal fat accumulation, or any combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the disease caused by abnormal lipid metabolism is selected from the group consisting of hyperlipidemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or any combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the obese subject has a BMI greater than 23.9 kg/m2 (eg, BMI greater than 25 kg/ ^m2 , greater than 26 kg/ ^m2 , greater than 27 kg/ ^m2 , greater than 28 kg/ ^m2 , greater than 29 kg/ ^m2 , greater than 30 kg/ ^m2 ).

In certain embodiments, the drug or food can promote fat decomposition and/or inhibit fat absorption.

In certain embodiments, the medicament or food is capable of maintaining the subject's weight and/or BMI.

In certain embodiments, the medicament or food product is capable of reducing the subject's body weight and/or BMI.

In certain embodiments, the medicament or food can enable the subject to have a healthy BMI (eg, 18.5-23.9 kg/m ² ).

In certain embodiments, the drug or food is administered to a subject with a healthy BMI to maintain the subject's weight and/or BMI. In certain embodiments, the drug or food is administered to a subject with an overweight BMI to reduce the subject's weight and/or BMI, or to move the subject's weight and/or BMI toward a healthy weight and/or BMI (e.g., 18.5-23.9 kg/m ² ).

In certain embodiments, the drug or food can increase the subject's satiety after being administered to the subject.

In certain embodiments, the drug or food can reduce the food intake of the subject after being administered to the subject.

In certain embodiments, the medicament or food further comprises an additional active ingredient (eg, compound).

In certain embodiments, the additional active ingredient is capable of promoting lipolysis and/or inhibiting fat absorption; for example, L-carnitine.

In certain embodiments, the additional active ingredient is capable of accelerating metabolism; for example, tea polyphenols, caffeine.

In certain embodiments, the additional active ingredient is a lipase inhibitor; for example, orlistat.

As used herein, the term "pharmaceutical" encompasses pharmaceuticals for use in humans as well as pharmaceuticals for use in animals (ie, veterinary applications). In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical is for use in humans.

In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises a preparation of postbiotics.

In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is formulated for oral administration.

In certain embodiments, the drug or food is a drug targeted for gastrointestinal release, or a drug controlled for release in the gastrointestinal tract.

In certain embodiments, the medicament is in the form of a pill, powder, capsule, tablet (eg, effervescent tablet), film-coated tablet, orodispersible granules, liquid, suppository, or enema.

In the text, the term "food" is used in a broad sense, including food and drink for humans, and also covers food and drink (ie feed) for animals. In certain embodiments, the food is suitable for and designed for human consumption.

It is to be understood that, depending on the purpose, application mode or administration mode, the food of the present application may be in the form of liquid, solid, suspension or powder.

In certain embodiments, the food is selected from solid beverages, candies or juices, or the food is a dairy product (eg, yogurt, flavored fermented milk, lactic acid bacteria beverage, cheese).

In certain embodiments, the food product is a dietary supplement.

As used herein, the term "dietary supplement" refers to an edible product that can provide a beneficial effect (e.g., nutritional effect, preventive effect, therapeutic effect or other beneficial effect) to a consumer. In this article, dietary supplements include products such as health foods, special medical foods, nutritional products, and supplements.

In certain embodiments, the dietary supplement is formulated for oral administration.

In certain embodiments, the food may also include (but not limited to) one or any combination of the following substances: probiotics (e.g., probiotic bacteria), carbohydrates (e.g., dietary fiber), proteins (e.g., enzymes), lipids (e.g., fats), vitamins, and minerals.

In certain embodiments, the food product may also include an immunomodulator.

In certain embodiments, the food may further include plant ingredients (eg, flavonoids, polyphenolic plant extracts, etc.), milk substitutes, or metabolites or extracts of Bifidobacterium breve or its progeny.

In certain embodiments, the postbiotics of the present invention may also be combined with various sweeteners or flavoring agents, coloring substances, stabilizers, glidants, fillers, and other excipients acceptable in food.

In certain embodiments, the food product further comprises a prebiotic.

In certain embodiments, the prebiotic is selected from fructooligosaccharides, galacto-oligosaccharides, xylo-oligosaccharides, isomaltooligosaccharides, soy oligosaccharides, inulin, spirulina, arthrospira, versicolor polysaccharide, carrot nitrogen-containing polysaccharide, casein hydrolyzate, α-lactalbumin, lactoferrin, or any combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the food is in the form of a pill, a powder, a capsule, a tablet (eg, an effervescent tablet), a film-coated tablet, an orally disintegrating granule, or a liquid.

In certain embodiments, the subject is a mammal. In certain embodiments, the mammal is selected from rats, pigs, rabbits, monkeys, sheep, and humans.

In certain embodiments, the amount of postbiotics added to the medicine or food is 0.001 g-0.1 g.

In certain embodiments, the amount of postbiotics added to the medicine or food is 0.001-0.005 g, 0.005-0.01 g, 0.01-0.05 g or 0.05-0.1 g.

It is understood that those skilled in the art are capable of administering an effective amount of postbiotics to a subject according to the specific conditions of the subject.

In certain embodiments, since the postbiotics contain inactivated Bifidobacterium breve, the number of Bifidobacterium breve cells is used as the unit of measurement of Bifidobacterium breve. In certain embodiments, the number of Bifidobacterium breve cells in the postbiotics is 10 ⁸ -10 ¹⁴ /g (e.g., 10 ⁸ -10 ¹⁰ /g, 10 ¹⁰ -10 ¹² /g, 10 ¹² -10 ¹⁴ /g).

Therefore, when the amount of postbiotics added to medicines or foods is 0.001 g, the number of postbiotics is 10 ⁵ -10 ¹¹ . When the amount of postbiotics added to medicines or foods is 0.1 g, the number of postbiotics is 10 ⁷ -10 ¹³ .

In certain embodiments, the composition comprises the postbiotic, and a microorganism selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, or any combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the microorganism is a probiotic.

In certain embodiments, the microorganism is yeast.

In certain embodiments, the yeast is selected from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces boulardii, Kluyveromyces marxianus, or any combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the bacteria is selected from Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., Bacillus spp., Propionibacterium spp., Streptococcus spp., Lactococcus spp., Pediococcus spp., Enterococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp., or any combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus are selected from the group consisting of Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus jensenii, Lactobacillus iners, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus curvatus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus johnsonii, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus spp. rhamnosus, Lactobacillus sakei, Lactobacillus salivarius, or any combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the bacterium of the genus Bifidobacterium is selected from: Bifidobacterium animalis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium adolescentis, or any combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the bacterium of the genus Bacillus is selected from: Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus coagulans, or any combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the Propionibacterium bacterium is selected from: Propionibacterium shermanii, Propionibacterium freudenreichii, Propionibacterium acidipropionici, or any combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the bacteria of the genus Streptococcus are selected from Streptococcus thermophilus, Streptococcus salivarius, or any combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the Lactococcus bacterium is Lactococcus lactis.

In certain embodiments, the bacterium of the genus Enterococcus is selected from Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus mundtii, or any combination thereof.

In a second aspect, the present application provides a method for regulating the weight of a subject, the method comprising: administering an effective amount of a postbiotic to the subject, wherein the postbiotic is prepared by fermenting and inactivating Bifidobacterium breve, and the Bifidobacterium breve is deposited in the Guangdong Provincial Microbiological Culture Collection Center with a deposit number of GDMCC No. 60962.

In certain embodiments, the effective amount of the postbiotic is 0.001 g-0.1 g; for example, 0.001-0.005 g, 0.005-0.01 g, 0.01-0.05 g, 0.05-0.1 g.

In certain embodiments, the obese subject has a BMI greater than 23.9 kg/m2.

In certain embodiments, the method is capable of maintaining the subject's body weight.

In certain embodiments, the method is able to reduce body weight in the subject.

In certain embodiments, the methods enable the subject to have a healthy BMI (eg, 18.5-23.9 kg/m ² ).

In certain embodiments, the subject is a mammal. In certain embodiments, the mammal is selected from rats, pigs, rabbits, monkeys, sheep, and humans.

In certain embodiments, the method is a method of regulating the body weight of a subject for non-therapeutic purposes.

In such embodiments, the subject does not have or have been diagnosed with a disease (eg, obesity).

In such embodiments, the subject has a healthy BMI.

In such embodiments, the subject has gained weight due to an unhealthy diet (eg, a high-fat diet, a high-sugar diet, a high-cholesterol diet) or environment.

In such embodiments, an effective amount of the postbiotic or a composition comprising the postbiotic is administered to a subject to maintain the subject's weight and/or BMI, or to reduce the subject's weight and/or BMI.

In such embodiments, the frequency and manner of administering the postbiotics or compositions comprising the postbiotics to the subject can be adjusted based on the subject's characteristics (e.g., age, sex, race, weight, height, BMI, body fat percentage, and/or medical history).

On the other hand, the present application provides a use of a postbiotic or a composition comprising the postbiotic in the preparation of a medicine or food, wherein the medicine or food is used to regulate the weight of a subject; wherein the postbiotic is prepared by inactivating Bifidobacterium breve after fermentation, and the Bifidobacterium breve is deposited in the Guangdong Provincial Microbiological Culture Collection Center with a deposit number of GDMCC No.60962.

In certain embodiments, the postbiotic is added in an amount of 0.001 g-0.1 g; for example, 0.001-0.005 g, 0.005-0.01 g, 0.01-0.05 g, 0.05-0.1 g.

In certain embodiments, the subject is a mammal. In certain embodiments, the mammal is selected from rats, pigs, rabbits, monkeys, sheep, and humans.

In certain embodiments, the Bifidobacterium breve is present in the postbiotic in the form of dead bacteria.

In such embodiments, those skilled in the art can select suitable methods to prepare various dead bacteria dosage forms of Bifidobacterium breve. Dead bacteria dosage forms include, but are not limited to, pills, powders, capsules, tablets (e.g., effervescent tablets), film-coated agents, orally soluble granules, and liquid agents.

In certain embodiments, the Bifidobacterium breve is in the form of a powder.

In certain embodiments, the Bifidobacterium breve is bacterial powder.

In certain embodiments, the bacterial powder is prepared by the following method: culturing the Bifidobacterium breve, inactivating it, collecting the precipitate and drying it.

In certain embodiments, the bacterial powder is prepared by the following method: inactivating the Bifidobacterium breve after fermentation, collecting the precipitate by centrifugation, and vacuum freeze-drying.

In certain embodiments, the Bifidobacterium breve is fermented by MRS medium.

In certain embodiments, the Bifidobacterium breve is heat-inactivated at 70-95°C.

In a third aspect, the present application provides a method for inhibiting or reducing lipid absorption in the gastrointestinal tract of a subject, the method comprising: administering an effective amount of a postbiotic to the subject, wherein the postbiotic is prepared by inactivating and fermenting Bifidobacterium breve, and the Bifidobacterium breve is deposited in the Guangdong Provincial Microbiological Culture Collection Center with a deposit number of GDMCC No.60962.

In certain embodiments, the effective amount of the postbiotic is 0.001 g-0.1 g; for example, 0.001-0.005 g, 0.005-0.01 g, 0.01-0.05 g, 0.05-0.1 g.

In certain embodiments, the method is capable of maintaining the subject's body weight.

In certain embodiments, the method is able to reduce body weight in the subject.

In certain embodiments, the method enables the subject to maintain a BMI (eg, 18.5-23.9 kg/m ² ).

In certain embodiments, the subject is a mammal. In certain embodiments, the mammal is selected from rats, pigs, rabbits, monkeys, sheep, and humans.

In certain embodiments, the method is a method of inhibiting or reducing lipid absorption in the gastrointestinal tract of a subject for non-therapeutic purposes.

In such embodiments, the subject does not have or have been diagnosed with a disease (eg, obesity).

In such embodiments, the subject has a healthy BMI.

In such embodiments, the subject has gained weight due to an unhealthy diet (eg, a high-fat diet, a high-sugar diet, a high-cholesterol diet) or environment.

In such embodiments, an effective amount of the postbiotic or composition comprising the postbiotic is administered to a subject to maintain the subject's weight and/or BMI, or to reduce the subject's weight and/or BMI.

In such embodiments, the frequency and manner of administering the postbiotics or compositions comprising the postbiotics to the subject can be adjusted based on the subject's characteristics (e.g., age, sex, race, weight, height, BMI, body fat percentage, and/or medical history).

On the other hand, the present application provides a use of a postbiotic or a composition comprising the postbiotic in the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition, wherein the pharmaceutical composition is used to inhibit or reduce lipid absorption in the gastrointestinal tract of a subject; wherein the postbiotic is prepared by inactivating Bifidobacterium breve after fermentation, and the Bifidobacterium breve is deposited in the Guangdong Provincial Microbiological Culture Collection Center with a deposit number of GDMCC No.60962.

In certain embodiments, the postbiotic is added to the medicine or food in an amount of 0.001 g-0.1 g; for example, 0.001-0.005 g, 0.005-0.01 g, 0.01-0.05 g, 0.05-0.1 g.

In certain embodiments, the subject is a mammal. In certain embodiments, the mammal is selected from mice, pigs, rabbits, monkeys, sheep, and humans.

In certain embodiments, the Bifidobacterium breve is present in the postbiotic in the form of dead bacteria.

In such embodiments, those skilled in the art can select suitable methods to prepare various dead bacteria dosage forms of Bifidobacterium breve. Dead bacteria dosage forms include, but are not limited to, pills, powders, capsules, tablets (e.g., effervescent tablets), film-coated agents, orally soluble granules, and liquid agents.

In certain embodiments, the Bifidobacterium breve is in the form of a powder.

In certain embodiments, the Bifidobacterium breve is bacterial powder.

In certain embodiments, the bacterial powder is prepared by the following method: culturing the Bifidobacterium breve, inactivating it, collecting the precipitate and drying it.

In certain embodiments, the bacterial powder is prepared by the following method: inactivating the Bifidobacterium breve after fermentation, collecting the precipitate by centrifugation, and vacuum freeze-drying.

In certain embodiments, the Bifidobacterium breve is fermented by MRS medium.

In certain embodiments, the Bifidobacterium breve is heat-inactivated at 70-95°C.

Definition of Terms

In the present invention, unless otherwise specified, the scientific and technical terms used herein have the meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art. Meanwhile, in order to better understand the present invention, the definitions and explanations of the relevant terms are provided below.

As used herein, the term "lipid metabolism" is a biochemical reaction, specifically referring to the process of synthesis, decomposition, digestion, absorption, and transport of lipid substances in an organism under the action of various related enzymes. The main lipid substances in the blood include cholesterol, triacylglycerol (TAG), phospholipids (PL) and free fatty acids. In certain embodiments, fat is processed into substances required by the body through lipid metabolism to ensure the operation of normal physiological functions.

As used herein, the term "abnormal lipid metabolism" refers to abnormal synthesis, decomposition, digestion, absorption, and transport of lipid substances in the body, resulting in excessive or insufficient lipids in tissues. Long-term high cholesterol, high saturated fatty acids and high-calorie diets, genetic factors, abnormal apolipoproteins, mental work, lack of exercise, mental stress, etc. may all lead to abnormal lipid metabolism. Abnormal lipid metabolism may lead to hyperlipidemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.

As used herein, the term "pharmaceutically acceptable carrier" refers to a carrier that is pharmacologically and/or physiologically compatible with a subject and an active ingredient, which is well known in the art (see, e.g., Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences. Edited by Gennaro AR, 19th ed. Pennsylvania: Mack Publishing Company, 1995), and includes, but is not limited to, pH regulators, surfactants, adjuvants, and ionic strength enhancers. For example, pH regulators include, but are not limited to, phosphate buffers; surfactants include, but are not limited to, cationic, anionic or nonionic surfactants, such as Tween-80; ionic strength enhancers include, but are not limited to, sodium chloride.

As used herein, the term "dietary supplement" refers to an edible product that can provide a beneficial effect (e.g., nutritional effect, preventive effect, therapeutic effect or other beneficial effect) to a consumer. In this article, dietary supplements include products such as health products, nutritional products, and supplements.

As used herein, the term "drug" covers drugs for both human and animal use in human and veterinary medicine, and also covers drugs for incorporation into animal feed (e.g., livestock feed and/or pet food). In addition, the term "drug" as used herein means any substance that provides a therapeutic, preventive, and/or beneficial effect. The term "drug" as used herein is not necessarily limited to substances that require a marketing approval, but includes substances that can be used in cosmetics, health products, foods (including, for example, feed and beverages), probiotic cultures, and dietary supplements.

Advantageous Effects of the Invention

The applicant of the present invention has previously screened a probiotic strain, Bifidobacterium breve 207-1, whose microbial preservation number is GDMCC No. 60962. In the subsequent research process, it was unexpectedly discovered that the strain has outstanding effects in promoting fat decomposition and/or inhibiting fat absorption after inactivation. Therefore, the strain of the present application and the composition containing the strain have great potential in the preparation of drugs or foods for diseases and/or symptoms related to fat gain, for example, they have the potential to be applied to diseases and/or symptoms such as weight gain, obesity, fatty liver, and fat accumulation.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and examples, but it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the following drawings and examples are only used to illustrate the present invention, rather than to limit the scope of the present invention. Various objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art based on the following detailed description of the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG1 shows the fluorescence intensity graph of zebrafish treated with different samples to promote fat decomposition.

Figure 2 shows the staining of vascular fat in the intestine and tail of zebrafish after zebrafish were treated with different samples.

FIG3 shows a curve diagram of the changes in body weight of mice in different treatment groups at different time points, wherein, compared with the model group, #p<0.05.

FIG4 shows the total weight gain of mice in different treatment groups before and after treatment, where #p<0.05 compared with the model group.

FIG5 shows the HE staining results of liver tissues of mice in different treatment groups.

Notes on the Deposit of Biological Materials

Bifidobacterium breve 207-1 has been preserved at the Guangdong Microbial Culture Collection Center (GDMCC) located on the 5th floor of Building 59, No. 100 Xianlie Middle Road, Guangzhou. It has the preservation number GDMCC No. 60962, and the preservation time is January 15, 2020.

Detailed ways

The invention will now be described with reference to the following examples which are intended to illustrate the invention rather than to limit the invention.

Unless otherwise specified, the experiments and methods described in the embodiments are carried out basically according to conventional methods well known in the art and described in various references. For example, conventional techniques such as immunology, biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, cell biology, genomics and recombinant DNA used in the present invention can be found in Sambrook, Fritsch and Maniatis, MOLECULAR CLONING: A LABORATORY MANUAL, 2nd edition (1989); CURRENT PROTOCOLS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (ed. by F.M. Ausubel et al., (1987)); METHODS IN ENZYMOLOGY series (Academic Publishing Company): PCR 2: A PRACTICAL METHOD. APPROACH) (M. J. MacPherson, B. D. Hames, and G. R. Taylor, eds. (1995)), and ANIMAL CELL CULTURE (R. I. Freshney, ed. (1987)).

In addition, if the specific conditions are not specified in the examples, they are carried out according to the conventional conditions or the conditions recommended by the manufacturer. If the manufacturer is not specified in the reagents or instruments used, they are all conventional products that can be obtained commercially. It is known to those skilled in the art that the embodiments describe the present invention by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. All public cases and other references mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Example 1. Test strains

Preparation method of postbiotics

The live bacteria of Bifidobacterium breve 207-1 were fermented in MRS medium at 35-37°C for 24h to 72h, and then heat-inactivated at 70-95°C. The inactivated bacteria were centrifuged to obtain the precipitate, and then vacuum-freeze-dried. The dried bacteria were sieved to obtain the final postbiotics. The postbiotics passed the tests of various indicators including sensory requirements, net content, total lactic acid bacteria, bacterial count, and coliform group, and met the requirements of the "Measurement Supervision and Management Measures for Quantitative Packaged Commodities" issued by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine No. 75. After testing, the number of Bifidobacterium breve 207-1 in the postbiotics was 3×10 ¹¹ /g.

Source of experimental strains

The Bifidobacterium breve involved in this experiment all originated from By-Health's own strain library. These strains were isolated from normal full-term newborn fecal samples born in West China Women's and Children's Hospital of Sichuan University. Specifically, fresh feces were collected in sterile fecal collection tubes within 1-4 months after the birth of the infant. After sampling, it was immediately stored at 4°C and sent to the laboratory by the sampling personnel at low temperature for dilution and culture of the fecal samples. If it could not be operated immediately, it was stored anaerobically at 4°C and cultured on the same day. It was then separated and purified by the plate method to obtain a single strain, and the specific species of the isolated strains were identified by Mérieux's API 50 CH and 16S rDNA sequencing. After being numbered, it was preserved in By-Health's own strain library. Among them, Bifidobacterium breve 207-1 was preserved in the early research process because of its acid and bile resistance and other characteristics, and a patent was applied for.

Example 2. Evaluation of the efficacy of postbiotics in promoting lipolysis in zebrafish

2.1 Experimental animals

Melanin allele mutant translucent Albino strain zebrafish were raised in 28°C fish farming water (water quality: 200 mg of instant sea salt was added to every 1L of reverse osmosis water, conductivity was 450-550μS/cm; pH was 6.5-8.5; hardness was 50-100 mg/L CaCO3), bred and provided by our company's fish farming center, the experimental animal use license number is: SYXK (Zhejiang) 2022-0004, and the breeding management meets the requirements of the international AAALAC certification (certification number: 001458).

Zebrafish were bred in natural pairs, and zebrafish aged 2 days post fertilization (2dpf) were used to determine the maximum detection concentration (MTC) of the samples in promoting lipolysis and their efficacy evaluation.

2.2 MTC determination

2dpf melanin allele mutant Albino strain zebrafish were randomly selected in a 6-well plate, and 30 zebrafish were treated in each well (experimental group). The samples were given water-soluble and a normal control group was set up at the same time, with a capacity of 3mL per well. After 2 days of treatment at 28℃, the MTC of the samples on normal zebrafish was measured. Under the experimental conditions, the MTC of postbiotics in promoting lipolysis was 2000μg/mL.

2.3 Evaluation of the efficacy of promoting lipolysis (phenotype)

2dpf melanin allele mutant Albino strain zebrafish were randomly selected in 6-well plates, and 30 zebrafish were treated in each well (experimental group). The samples were given water-soluble, and the positive control resveratrol 11.4μg/mL (Shanghai Aladdin Biochemical Technology Co., Ltd.) was used. At the same time, a normal control group was set up, and the volume of each well was 3mL. After 1 day of treatment at 28℃, each experimental group was given Nile red dye in water. After 1 day of treatment at 28℃, 10 zebrafish were randomly selected from each experimental group and placed under a fluorescence microscope for photography. The data were analyzed and collected using NIS-Elements D 3.20 advanced image processing software, and the fluorescence intensity of zebrafish yolk sac fat was analyzed. The statistical analysis results of this indicator were used to evaluate the efficacy of the sample in promoting lipolysis. The statistical analysis results were expressed as mean±SE. SPSS26.0 software was used for statistical analysis, and p<0.05 indicated that the difference was statistically significant. The experimental results are shown in Table 1 and Figure 1.

Table 1. Results of the test on the effect of samples on promoting lipolysis (n=10)

Note: Compared with the normal control group, *p<0.05, ***p<0.001

2.4 Evaluation of the efficacy of promoting lipolysis (gene)

Uncoupling protein 1 (ucp1) (Gene ID: 83908) is a specific protein on the inner membrane of mitochondria. When ucp1 is activated, it uncouples the oxidative phosphorylation of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, thereby inhibiting the synthesis of ATP in the body, releasing energy in the form of heat energy, and increasing the body's energy consumption. Studies have shown that overexpression of ucp1 in white fat can reduce the weight of obese mice. Activation of ucp1 increases energy output and reduces the synthesis of fatty acids.

The total RNA of zebrafish in each group in step 1.3 was extracted using Universal RNA Extraction TL Kit C (Foshan Aowei Biotechnology Co., Ltd.), and the concentration and purity of total RNA were measured using a UV-visible spectrophotometer, and the quality was qualified. 2.00 μg of total RNA from zebrafish samples was taken and operated according to the instructions of the cDNA first-strand synthesis kit to synthesize 20.0 μL cDNA. The ucp1 primer information is shown in Table 2.

Table 2. Primer sequence information of β-actin and ucp1 genes

The expression of β-actin and ucp1 genes was detected by q-PCR. β-actin was used as the internal reference for gene expression to calculate the relative RNA expression of ucp1 gene. The statistical results were expressed as mean ± SE. SPSS26.0 software was used for statistical analysis. p < 0.05 indicated that the difference was statistically significant. The results are shown in Table 3.

Table 3. Experimental results of evaluation of the effect of samples on promoting lipolysis (ucp1 gene) (n=3)

Note: Compared with the normal control group, **p<0.01, ***p<0.001

The results showed that postbiotics have the effect of promoting zebrafish lipolysis. Specifically, in terms of phenotype, the fluorescence intensity of yolk sac fat was significantly reduced compared with the control group, and the lipolysis effect was best at a concentration of 2000 μg/mL.

At the gene level, compared with the control group, 1000 μg/mL and 2000 μg/mL of inactivated postbiotics significantly upregulated the relative gene expression of ucp1. This result suggests that postbiotics may reduce the weight of obese mice by upregulating the expression of ucp1.

Example 3. Evaluation of the effect of postbiotics in inhibiting fat absorption in zebrafish

3.1 Experimental animals

Wild-type AB zebrafish were raised in fish farming water at 28°C (water quality: 200 mg of instant sea salt was added to every 1 L of reverse osmosis water, the conductivity was 450-550 μS/cm; pH was 6.5-8.5; hardness was 50-100 mg/L CaCO3), bred and provided by our company's fish farming center, the experimental animal use license number is: SYXK (Zhejiang) 2022-0004, and the breeding management complies with the requirements of the international AAALAC certification (certification number: 001458).

Zebrafish were bred in natural pairs. Zebrafish aged 5 dpf were used for the determination of the maximum detection concentration (MTC) of the sample's inhibitory effect on fat absorption and its efficacy evaluation.

3.2 MTC determination

5dpf wild-type AB strain zebrafish were randomly selected in beakers, and 30 zebrafish were treated in each beaker (experimental group). The samples were given water-soluble, and a normal control group and a model control group were set up at the same time, with a capacity of 20mL per cup. After 1h of treatment at 28℃, except for the normal control group, the remaining concentration groups were fed with pure egg yolk powder in water to establish a food fat absorption model for zebrafish. After 1 day of treatment at 28℃, the MTC of the sample on the model zebrafish was determined. Under the experimental conditions, the MTC of postbiotics in inhibiting fat absorption is 2000μg/mL.

3.3 Evaluation of fat absorption inhibition efficacy (phenotype)

5dpf wild-type AB strain zebrafish were randomly selected in beakers, and 30 zebrafish were treated in each beaker (experimental group). The samples were given water-soluble, and the positive control orlistat (Shandong New Era Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) was 15.0μg/mL. At the same time, a normal control group and a model control group were set up, and the capacity of each cup was 20mL. After 1h of treatment at 28℃, except for the normal control group, the other concentration groups were fed with pure egg yolk powder in water to establish a food fat absorption model. After 28℃ for 1 day, Oil Red O was given for overall fat staining. After decolorization and bleaching, 10 zebrafish were randomly selected from each experimental group and photographed under a dissecting microscope. NIS-Elements D 3.20 advanced image processing software was used to collect data, analyze the intestinal and tail vascular fat staining intensity, and evaluate the sample's ability to inhibit fat absorption with the statistical analysis results of this indicator. The statistical analysis results are expressed as mean±SE. SPSS26.0 software was used for statistical analysis, and p<0.05 indicated that the difference was statistically significant. The results are shown in Table 4. The zebrafish gut and tail vascular fat staining is shown in Figure 2 .

Table 4. Results of the experiment on evaluation of the efficacy of samples in inhibiting fat absorption (phenotype) (n=10)

Compared with the model control group, ***p<0.001

3.4 Evaluation of the efficacy of inhibiting fat absorption (gene)

adipor2 (Gene ID: 560140) encodes the adiponectin receptor AdipoR2. Adiponectin is a hormone secreted by adipocytes that increases fatty acid burning and energy expenditure. Adiponectin activates the AMPK and PPARα pathways, thereby stimulating fatty acid oxidation, increasing fatty acid burning and reducing tissue cholesterol content in the liver. AdipoR2 is the receptor for full-length adiponectin and mediates increased AMPK, PPARα ligand activity, and the ability of adiponectin to oxidize fatty acids and take up glucose. Obesity reduces adiponectin levels and also reduces adipor2 expression levels, resulting in reduced adiponectin sensitivity and reduced fatty acid burning capacity, creating a vicious cycle. The lepa gene (Gene ID: 100150233) encodes the protein hormone leptin secreted by adipocytes. Leptin plays a major role in the regulation of energy homeostasis. Circulating leptin binds to leptin receptors in the brain and activates downstream signaling pathways that inhibit feeding and promote energy expenditure. Leptin levels increase in the obese state, thereby inhibiting food intake, while weight loss leads to a decrease in leptin levels, thereby increasing food intake.

The total RNA of zebrafish in each group in step 2.3 was extracted using Universal RNA Extraction TL Kit C, and the concentration and purity of total RNA were determined using a UV-visible spectrophotometer. 2.00 μg of total RNA from zebrafish samples was taken and 20.0 μL of cDNA was synthesized according to the instructions of the cDNA first-strand synthesis kit. The primer information is shown in Table 5.

Table 5. Primer sequence information of β-actin, adipor2 and lepa genes

The expression of β-actin, adipor2 and lepa genes was detected by q-PCR. β-actin was used as the internal reference for gene expression to calculate the relative RNA expression of adipor2 and lepa genes. The statistical results were expressed as mean ± SE. SPSS26.0 software was used for statistical analysis. p < 0.05 indicated that the difference was statistically significant. The results are shown in Table 6.

Table 6. Samples' fat absorption inhibition efficacy evaluation (gene) experimental results (n=3)

Compared with the model control group, *p<0.05, **p<0.01, ***p<0.001

The results showed that postbiotics have the effect of inhibiting zebrafish fat absorption. Specifically, in terms of phenotype, compared with the model control group, the intensity of fat staining in the intestine and tail blood vessels was significantly reduced. Compared with positive drugs, the fluorescence intensity at different concentrations was lower than that of orlistat, showing a better effect of inhibiting fat absorption.

At the gene level, compared with the model control group, postbiotic treatment can significantly upregulate the relative expression of adipor2 and downregulate the relative expression of lepa. This result suggests that postbiotics may inhibit fat absorption by regulating the relative expression of these two genes.

Example 4. Study on the effect of postbiotics on improving obesity in mice

Eight-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were maintained at an ambient temperature of 21±2℃, a humidity of 30-70%, and 12h light alternation. They were allowed to drink water and take in feed freely. After 7 days of adaptive feeding, they were randomly divided into 3 groups, with 16 mice in each group. The control group (CON) was fed with ordinary feed and gavaged with normal saline; the model group (HFD) was fed with high-fat, high-cholesterol, high-fructose feed (HFHCD) and gavaged with normal saline; the inactivated bacteria group (HK207-1) was fed with high-fat, high-cholesterol, high-fructose feed and gavaged with postbiotics (0.01g inactivated bacteria powder dissolved in 200ul normal saline and fed); the food intake and body weight of the mice were recorded weekly; the mice were killed in the 5th week and blood and organs were collected.

After blood was collected from the eyeball, the blood was allowed to stand for more than 2 hours, centrifuged at 2000×g for 20 minutes at 4°C, and the supernatant was collected. The serum was separated by centrifugation at 2000×g for 5 minutes at 4°C. The liver, visceral fat (peri-intestinal + peri-renal + peri-gonadal), and inguinal subcutaneous fat were collected and weighed. The liver tissue was stained with H&E; transcriptomics was used to detect the mRNA expression of the adipogenic gene SCD1 (Gene ID: 20249), the lipolysis gene HSL (Gene ID: 16890), and the gene ACOX3 (Gene ID: 80911) involved in fatty acid β-oxidation.

The body weight of mice in the model group was significantly higher than that of the blank group 2 weeks after modeling (Figure 3), and the total weight gain of the model group was much higher than that of the blank group, indicating that the modeling was successful. The body weight of mice fed with postbiotics was significantly lower than that of the model group after 5 weeks (Figure 4), and the total weight gain was significantly lower than that of the model group, indicating that postbiotics can improve obesity.

The accumulation of liver fat, subcutaneous fat and visceral fat in mice fed a high-fat diet was significantly higher than that in the blank group, while the intervention of postbiotics could significantly reduce the accumulation of liver fat and peri-intestinal and peri-renal fat in mice, and had certain potential in improving subcutaneous fat accumulation, indicating that postbiotics can improve visceral fat accumulation and abdominal obesity. Liver transcriptome data showed that compared with the model group, postbiotic intervention could significantly downregulate the fat synthesis gene SCD1 and significantly upregulate the gene ACOX3 involved in fat oxidation. This result shows that postbiotic intervention can regulate lipid metabolism by promoting fat decomposition and fat oxidation.

From the results of liver staining (Figure 5), it can be seen that the high-fat feeding model group caused balloon-like lesions in liver cells, resulting in a certain degree of fatty liver, and the intervention of postbiotics can alleviate this lesion, indicating that postbiotics have the effect of improving fatty liver.

Table 7. Fat weight of mouse organs

Control group CON Model group HFD Probiotics 207-1 Liver fat/g 0.916 1.127* 1.013# Subcutaneous fat/g 0.330 0.636* 0.530 Periintestinal fat/g 0.155 0.312* 0.218# Perirenal fat/g 0.068 0.282* 0.195# Perigonal fat/g 0.386 0.732* 0.669

Compared with the blank group, *p<0.05; compared with the model group, #p<0.05

Table 8. Expression levels of genes involved in fat metabolism in the liver

Control group CON Model group HFD Probiotics 207-1 SCD1 1676.1 3999.6* 2932.2# HSL 8.4 13.4* 12.6 ACOX3 11.2 13.9* 16.3#

Compared with the blank group, *p<0.05; compared with the model group, #p<0.05

Although the specific embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made to the details according to all the teachings that have been published, and these changes are within the scope of protection of the present invention. The entire invention is given by the attached claims and any equivalents thereof.

Claims (10)

1. Use of a postbiotic or a composition comprising the postbiotic in the preparation of a medicament or food for preventing and/or improving a disease and/or symptom associated with fat gain in a subject; The postbiotics are prepared by fermenting and inactivating Bifidobacterium breve, and the Bifidobacterium breve is deposited in Guangdong Microbiological Culture Collection Center with a deposit number of GDMCC No.60962. 2. The use according to claim 1, wherein the medicine or food is used to prevent and/or improve a disease and/or symptom caused by fat gain in a subject; The disease and/or symptom is selected from weight gain, obesity, fatty liver, fat accumulation (e.g., visceral fat accumulation, subcutaneous fat accumulation), abnormal lipid metabolism, or any combination thereof; Preferably, the subcutaneous fat accumulation is selected from abdominal fat accumulation, arm fat accumulation, leg fat accumulation, or any combination thereof; Preferably, the visceral fat accumulation is selected from peri-intestinal fat accumulation, peri-renal fat accumulation, peri-gonadal fat accumulation, or any combination thereof; Preferably, the obese subject has a BMI greater than 23.9 kg/m ² (e.g., a BMI greater than 25 kg/m ² , greater than 26 kg/m ² , greater than 27 kg/m ² , greater than 28 kg/m ² , greater than 29 kg/m ² , greater than 30 kg/m ² ); Preferably, the drug or food can promote fat decomposition and/or inhibit fat absorption; Preferably, the drug or food is capable of maintaining the subject's weight and/or BMI; Preferably, the drug or food can reduce the weight and/or BMI of the subject; Preferably, the drug or food can enable the subject to have a healthy BMI (eg, 18.5-23.9 kg/m ² ). 3. The use according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the Bifidobacterium breve exists in the form of dead bacteria in the medicine or food; Preferably, after the drug or food is administered to a subject, it can increase the subject's sense of fullness; Preferably, after the drug or food is administered to a subject, the subject's food intake can be reduced; Preferably, the medicine or food further comprises another active ingredient (e.g., compound); Preferably, the additional active ingredient is capable of promoting fat decomposition and/or inhibiting fat absorption; for example, L-carnitine; Preferably, the additional active ingredient is capable of accelerating metabolism; for example, tea polyphenols, caffeine; Preferably, the additional active ingredient is a lipase inhibitor (eg orlistat). 4. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the drug has one or more characteristics selected from the following: (1) The drug is a drug that is targeted for gastrointestinal release or a drug that is controlled for release in the gastrointestinal tract; (2) The drug further comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; (3) The drug is in the form of pills, powders, capsules, tablets (e.g., effervescent tablets), film-coated tablets, orally disintegrating granules, liquids, suppositories or enemas. 5. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the food has one or more characteristics selected from the following: (1) The food is a dietary supplement; (2) The food further comprises prebiotics; Preferably, the prebiotics are selected from fructooligosaccharides, galacto-oligosaccharides, xylooligosaccharides, isomaltooligosaccharides, soybean oligosaccharides, inulin, spirulina, arthrospira, versicolor polysaccharide, carrot nitrogen-containing polysaccharide, casein hydrolyzate, α-lactalbumin, lactoferrin, or any combination thereof; (3) The food is selected from solid beverages, candies or juices, or the food is a dairy product (e.g., yogurt, flavored fermented milk, lactic acid bacteria beverage, cheese); (4) The food is in the form of pills, powders, capsules, tablets (e.g., effervescent tablets), film-coated tablets, orally disintegrating granules, or liquids. 6. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 5, having one or more characteristics selected from the following: (1) The subject is a mammal; preferably, the mammal is selected from mice, pigs, rabbits, monkeys, sheep, and humans; (2) The amount of postbiotics added to the drug or food is 0.001g-0.1g; (3) The amount of postbiotics added to the medicine or food is 0.001-0.005 g, 0.005-0.01 g, 0.01-0.05 g or 0.05-0.1 g. 7. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the composition comprises the postbiotic and a microorganism selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, or any combination thereof; Preferably, the microorganism is a probiotic; Preferably, the microorganism is yeast; Preferably, the yeast is selected from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces boulardii, Kluyveromyces marxianus, or any combination thereof; Preferably, the bacteria is selected from Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., Bacillus spp., Propionibacterium spp., Streptococcus spp., Lactococcus spp., Pediococcus spp., Enterococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp., or any combination thereof. 8. The use according to claim 7, wherein the use has one or more characteristics selected from the following: (1) The bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus are selected from the group consisting of Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus jensenii, Lactobacillus iners, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus curvatus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus johnsonii, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus spp. rhamnosus, Lactobacillus sakei, Lactobacillus salivarius, or any combination thereof; (2) the bacterium of the genus Bifidobacterium is selected from the group consisting of Bifidobacterium animalis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium adolescentis, or any combination thereof; (3) The bacterium of the genus Bacillus is selected from: Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus coagulans, or any combination thereof; (4) The Propionibacterium bacterium is selected from the group consisting of Propionibacterium shermanii, Propionibacterium freudenreichii, Propionibacterium acidipropionici, or any combination thereof; (5) The bacteria of the genus Streptococcus are selected from Streptococcus thermophilus, Streptococcus salivarius, or any combination thereof; (6) The bacteria of the genus Lactococcus is Lactococcus lactis; (7) The bacteria of the genus Enterococcus are selected from the group consisting of Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus mundtii, or any combination thereof. 9. A method for regulating the weight of a subject, the method comprising: administering an effective amount of a postbiotic to the subject, wherein the postbiotic is prepared by fermenting and inactivating Bifidobacterium breve, and the Bifidobacterium breve is deposited in Guangdong Microbiological Culture Collection Center with a deposit number of GDMCC No. 60962; Preferably, the effective amount of postbiotics is 0.001g-0.1g; for example, 0.001-0.005g, 0.005-0.01g, 0.01-0.05g, 0.05-0.1g; Preferably, the method is capable of maintaining the subject's body weight; Preferably, the method is capable of reducing the body weight of the subject; Preferably, the method enables the subject to maintain a BMI (eg, 18.5-23.9 kg/m ² ); Preferably, the subject is a mammal; Preferably, the mammal is selected from mice, pigs, rabbits, monkeys, sheep and humans. 10. Use of a postbiotic or a composition comprising the postbiotic in the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition, the pharmaceutical composition being used to inhibit or reduce lipid absorption in the gastrointestinal tract of a subject, wherein the postbiotic is prepared by inactivating and fermenting Bifidobacterium breve, the Bifidobacterium breve being deposited in Guangdong Microbiological Culture Collection Center with a deposit number of GDMCC No. 60962; Preferably, the pharmaceutical composition is capable of maintaining the subject's body weight; Preferably, the pharmaceutical composition is capable of reducing the body weight of the subject; Preferably, the pharmaceutical composition can enable the subject to have a healthy BMI (eg, 18.5-23.9 kg/m ² ); Preferably, the subject is a mammal; Preferably, the mammal is selected from mice, pigs, rabbits, monkeys, sheep and humans.