Obesity is a global health problem that affects the quality of life. It is a multidimensional chronic risk factor for major medical conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer. This clinical trial evaluated the efficacy of Lactobacillus sakei OK67 (DW2010), a lactic acid bacterium, in reducing body and visceral fat in overweight individuals (body mass index ≥25 kg/m2 and <30 kg/m2), aged 20-60 years. A total of 100 subjects placed in a lifestyle modification program were randomly assigned to receive either DW2010 (2.0 g/day, 1.0 × 1010 CFU) or a placebo for 12 weeks. The efficacy of DW2010 was evaluated by measuring body fat mass using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and visceral fat area using computed tomography. After 12 weeks, the change in body fat in the DW2010 group was not markedly different from that in the placebo group. However, visceral fat area decreased more in the DW2010 group than in the placebo group (p = 0.035). During the clinical trial, no major adverse events were reported. Moreover, no statistical differences were observed in the biochemical parameters of the DW2010 and placebo groups. Overall, we concluded that the intake of DW2010 for 12 weeks is safe and potentially reduces visceral fat in lifestyle-modified overweight subjects.

Dry eye disease (DED) is one of the most prevalent eye diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Latilactobacillus sakei (L. sakei) either as an ophthalmic bacterial lysate (drops, no live organism) or as an oral probiotic (capsules) on immunological and clinical outcomes of patients with DED. This study was a randomized, placebo-controlled, triple-masking clinical trial with four parallel arms. Patients were randomly assigned in a 2x2 factorial design combining active vs placebo capsules and active vs placebo eye drops in a 1:1x1:1 ratio. The ophthalmic drops are approved for use in the European Union as a medical device (CE registration code 0425-MED-004235). A total of 40 patients were evaluated. DED signs and symptoms decreased significantly by using active drops compared to placebo, as measured by the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), Tear Break-up Time (TBUT), and Schirmer I tests (all p<0.0001). Conversely, neither active capsules nor their interaction effect with active drops achieved significance vs placebo. There was also a significant decrease in the tear levels of IL-6 (p=0.0007), TNFα (p<0.0001), and IFNγ (p<0.0001) in patients receiving active drops. Intake of both active products (drops and capsules) was well tolerated. Postbiotic ophthalmic formulation containing L. sakei lysate significantly improved the signs and symptoms of DED and suppressed ocular surface inflammatory response. Conversely, oral intake of L.sakei as a probiotic capsule had no effect in these patients (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04938908).