Effect of probiotics on olanzapine-induced metabolic syndrome in Wistar albino rats

Introduction and Aim: Olanzapine is the most efficacious second-generation antipsychotic (SGA) used in the treatment of schizophrenia and at the same time, it is known to cause metabolic syndrome (MS). The aim was to assess the adequacy of probiotics in fighting the unfriendly impacts of olanzapine treatment such as weight gain, hyperlipidaemia, and hyperglycaemia in the olanzapine-induced MS model in rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n=6), and were treated for 28 days as follows: Group-I: normal saline 1 ml/kg/day orally, Group-II: olanzapine 2 mg/kg/day i.p., Group-III: probiotic: 0.6 g/kg/day orally, Group-IV: probiotic: 1.2 g/kg/day orally, Group-V: olanzapine 2 mg/kg/day i.p., + probiotic: 0.6 g/kg/day orally, Group-VI: olanzapine 2 mg/kg/day i.p. + probiotic: 1.2 g/kg/day orally. Bodyweight, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and lipid profile were assessed at baseline and the end of each week. Data were analysed by applying repeated measures ANOVA, followed by a post-hoc Bonferroni test. P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: There was a significant increment in the body weight, FBG, total cholesterol, and triglycerides level after olanzapine treatment (p<0.001), and similarly a decline in the body weight, FBG, total cholesterol, and triglycerides level in the probiotic-treated groups (p<0.001). There was a decrease in weight gain and FBG levels caused by olanzapine in the probiotic-treated groups. Conclusion: Probiotics forestalled the advancement of hyperlipidaemia, hyperglycaemia, decreased weight, and an increase in FBG levels induced by olanzapine. A long-term evaluation should also be directed to assess probiotics' impact on olanzapine-induced MS and their plausible mechanism.