Abstract: The present disclosure provides a Lactobacillus plantarum strain and a method for regulating expression of IL-1? gene, TNF-? gene, MMP1? gene and TIMP1 gene, and treating gout using the Lactobacillus plantarum strain.

Abstract: Provided is a method of improving urogenital health, including administering to a subject a composition including an effective amount of a Lactobacillus johnsonii strain deposited under the accession number of DSM 33288 or a metabolite thereof. The Lactobacillus johnsonii strain, which is a probiotic, and metabolites thereof inhibit the growth of common pathogenic bacteria and fungi causing genitourinary tract infections, thereby reducing the risk of genitourinary tract infections or alleviating symptoms thereof. Also provided is a composition for improving urogenital health which includes the Lactobacillus johnsonii strain.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of reducing body fat, comprising administering a composition comprising an effective amount of Lactobacillus paracasei or a metabolite thereof to a subject in need thereof. The Lactobacillus paracasei or the metabolite thereof can effectively convert the fatty acid into conjugated linoleic acid, inhibit the accumulation of fat and promote the decomposition of fat in fat cells, and can effectively reduce the percentage of body fat, waist circumference, and hip circumference, and simultaneously increase the muscle mass of the subject.

Abstract: Lactobacillus plantarum TCI378 is provided. The Lactobacillus plantarum TCI378 was deposited at German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures (Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen and Zellkulturen, DSMZ) under the accession number DSM 32451. A method for losing fat and/or improving gastrointestinal functions is also provided. The method comprises administering to a subject in need an effective amount of a composition, wherein the composition comprises Lactobacillus plantarum TCI378 and/or its metabolites.

Abstract: Alteromonas macleodii Dow02-2 is provided, wherein the Alteromonas macleodii Dow02-2 was deposited at German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures (Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen and Zellkulturen, DSMZ) under the accession number DSM33380, and its metabolites comprise 2-hydroxy-3-methylbutyric acid. A method for providing 2-hydroxy-3-methylbutyric acid is also provided, wherein the method comprises isolating the 2-hydroxy-3-methylbutyric acid from metabolites of Alteromonas macleodii Dow02-2 of biologically pure culture. A method for at least one of increasing expression of TGM1 gene, increasing expression of KRT1 gene, increasing expression of KRT10 gene, increasing expression of KRT14 gene, increasing expression of FLG gene, increasing expression of GBA gene, and increasing expression of HAS3 gene is also provided, wherein the method comprises administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of 2-hydroxy-3-methylbutyric acid.

Abstract: Lactobacillus plantarum TCI378 is provided. The Lactobacillus plantarum TCI378 was deposited at German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures (Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen and Zellkulturen, DSMZ) under the accession number DSM 32451. A method for losing fat and/or improving gastrointestinal functions is also provided. The method comprises administering to a subject in need an effective amount of a composition, wherein the composition comprises Lactobacillus plantarum TCI378 and/or its metabolites.