Low Molecular Weight Barley β-Glucan Affects Glucose and Lipid Metabolism by Prebiotic Effects

Lipid metabolism regulation by dietary polysaccharides with different structural properties

Lipid metabolism plays an important role in energy homeostasis maintenance in response to stress. Nowadays, hyperlipidemia-related chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and fatty liver pose significant health challenges. Dietary polysaccharides (DPs) have gained attention for their effective lipid-lowering properties. This review examines the multifaceted mechanisms that DPs employ to lower lipid levels in subjects with hyperlipidemia. DPs could directly inhibit lipid intake and absorption, promote lipid excretion, and regulate key enzymes involved in lipid metabolism pathways, including triglyceride and cholesterol anabolism and catabolism, fatty acid oxidation, and bile acid synthesis. Additionally, DPs indirectly improve lipid homeostasis by modulating gut microbiota composition and alleviating oxidative stress. Moreover, the lipid-lowering mechanisms of particular structural DPs (including β-glucan, pectin, glucomannan, inulin, arabinoxylan, and fucoidan) are summarized. The relationship between the structure and lipid-lowering activity of DPs is also discussed based on current researches. Finally, potential breakthroughs and future directions in the development of DPs in lipid-lowering activity are discussed. The paper could provide a reference for further exploring the mechanism of DPs for lipid regulations and utilizing DPs as lipid-lowering dietary ingredients.

Structural characteristics and biological activities of polysaccharides from barley: a review

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is rich in starch and non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs), especially β-glucan and arabinoxylan. Genotypes and isolation methods may affect their structural characteristics, properties and biological activities. The structure-activity relationships of NSPs in barley have not been paid much attention. This review summarizes the extraction methods, structural characteristics and physicochemical properties of barley polysaccharides. Moreover, the roles of barley β-glucan and arabinoxylan in the immune system, glucose metabolism, regulation of lipid metabolism and absorption of mineral elements are summarized. This review may help in the development of functional products in barley.

Doxorubicin-loaded zymosan nanoparticles: Synergistic cytotoxicity and modulation of apoptosis and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in C26 colorectal cancer cells

Zymosan is a β-glucan isolated from Saccharomyces cerevisiae that could be employed for drug delivery. We synthesized zymosan nanoparticles and measured their structural and morphological properties using XRD, UV-Vis spectroscopy, TEM and AFM. The loading of doxorubicin (DOX) onto the nanoparticles was confirmed by FT-IR, and the DOX release was shown to be pH-dependent. The effect of these agents on C26 cell viability was evaluated by MTT tests and the expression of genes connected with the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and apoptosis were analyzed by RT-qPCR and Western blotting. Treatments were able to suppress the proliferation of C26 cells, and the zymosan nanocarriers loaded with DOX enhanced the anti-proliferative effect of DOX in a synergistic manner. Zymosan nanoparticles were able to suppress the expression of cyclin D1, VEGF, ZEB1, and Twist mRNAs. Treatment groups upregulated the expression of caspase-8, while reducing the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, thus promoting apoptosis. In conclusion, zymosan nanoparticles as DOX nanocarriers could provide a more targeted drug delivery through pH-responsiveness, and showed synergistic cytotoxicity by modifying Wnt/β-catenin signaling and apoptosis.

Metabolomics reveals the effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum dy-1 fermentation on the lipid-lowering capacity of barley β-glucans in an in vitro model of gut-liver axis

Bioactive polysaccharides known as the biological response modifiers, can directly interact with intestinal epithelium cells (IEC) and regulate key metabolic processes such as lipid metabolism. Here, the coculture of Caco-2/HT29 monolayer (>400 Ω × cm2) and HepG2 cells was developed to mimic the gut-liver interactions. This system was used to investigate the effects of raw and fermented barley β-glucans (RBG and FBG) on lipid metabolism by directly interacting with IEC. Both RBG and FBG significantly and consistently reduced the lipid droplets and triacylglycerol levels in monoculture and coculture of HepG2 overloaded with oleic acid. Notably, FBG significantly and distinctly elevated PPARα (p < 0.05) and PPARα-responsive ACOX-1 (p < 0.01) gene expressions, promoting lipid degradation in cocultured HepG2. Moreover, the metabolomics analyses revealed that FBG had a unique impact on extracellular metabolites, among them, the differential metabolite thiomorpholine 3-carboxylate was significantly and strongly correlated with PPARα (r = -0.68, p < 0.01) and ACOX-1 (r = -0.76, p < 0.01) expression levels. Taken together, our findings suggest that FBG-mediated gut-liver interactions play a key role in its lipid-lowering effects that are superior to those of RBG. These results support the application of Lactiplantibacillus fermentation for improving hypolipidemic outcomes.

Recent Advances in the Preparation, Structure, and Biological Activities of β-Glucan from Ganoderma Species: A Review

Ganoderma has served as a valuable food supplement and medicinal ingredient with outstanding active compounds that are essential for human protection against chronic diseases. Modern pharmacology studies have proven that Ganoderma β-d-glucan exhibits versatile biological activities, such as immunomodulatory, antitumor, antioxidant, and antiviral properties, as well as gut microbiota regulation. As a promising polysaccharide, β-d-glucan is widely used in the prevention and treatment of various diseases. In recent years, the extraction, purification, structural characterization, and pharmacological activities of polysaccharides from the fruiting bodies, mycelia, spores, and fermentation broth of Ganoderma species have received wide attention from scholars globally. Unfortunately, comprehensive studies on the preparation, structure and bioactivity, toxicology, and utilization of β-d-glucans from Ganoderma species still need to be further explored, which may result in limitations in future sustainable industrial applications of β-d-glucans. Thus, this review summarizes the research progress in recent years on the physicochemical properties, structural characteristics, and bioactivity mechanisms of Ganoderma β-d-glucan, as well as its toxicological assessment and applications. This review is intended to provide a theoretical basis and reference for the development and application of β-d-glucan in the fields of pharmaceuticals, functional foods, and cosmetics.

Functional and Nutritional Characteristics of Natural or Modified Wheat Bran Non-Starch Polysaccharides: A Literature Review

Wheat bran (WB) consists mainly of different histological cell layers (pericarp, testa, hyaline layer and aleurone). WB contains large quantities of non-starch polysaccharides (NSP), including arabinoxylans (AX) and β-glucans. These dietary fibres have long been studied for their health effects on management and prevention of cardiovascular diseases, cholesterol, obesity, type-2 diabetes, and cancer. NSP benefits depend on their dose and molecular characteristics, including concentration, viscosity, molecular weight, and linked-polyphenols bioavailability. Given the positive health effects of WB, its incorporation in different food products is steadily increasing. However, the rheological, organoleptic and other problems associated with WB integration are numerous. Biological, physical, chemical and combined methods have been developed to optimise and modify NSP molecular characteristics. Most of these techniques aimed to potentially improve food processing, nutritional and health benefits. In this review, the physicochemical, molecular and functional properties of modified and unmodified WB are highlighted and explored. Up-to-date research findings from the clinical trials on mechanisms that WB have and their effects on health markers are critically reviewed. The review points out the lack of research using WB or purified WB fibre components in randomized, controlled clinical trials.

Interaction of beta-glucans with gut microbiota: Dietary origins, structures, degradation, metabolism, and beneficial function

Beta-glucan (BG), a polysaccharide comprised of interfacing glucose monomers joined via beta-glycosidic linkages, can be defined as a type of dietary fiber with high specificity based on its interaction with the gut microbiota. It can induce similar interindividual microbiota responses, thereby having beneficial effects on the human body. In this paper, we review the four main sources of BG (cereals, fungi, algae, and bacteria) and their differences in structure and content. The interaction of BG with gut microbiota and the resulting health effects have been highlighted, including immune enhancement, regulation of serum cholesterol and insulin levels, alleviation of obesity and improvement of cognitive disorders. Finally, the application of BG in food products and its beneficial effects on the gut microbiota of consumers were discussed. Although some of the mechanisms of action remain unclear, revealing the beneficial functions of BG from the perspective of gut microbiota can help provide theoretical support for the development of diets that target the regulation of microbiota.

Does Dietary Sodium Alginate with Low Molecular Weight Affect Growth, Antioxidant System, and Haemolymph Parameters and Alleviate Cadmium Stress in Whiteleg Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)?

Decreasing low molecular weight can improve the digestibility and availability of ingredients such as sodium alginate. This study aimed to test the four dosages of low molecular weight sodium alginate (LMWSA) (0%: Control, 0.05%: 0.5 LMWSA, 0.10%: 1.0 LMWSA, and 0.2%: 2.0 LMWSA) in whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) (3.88 ± 0.25 g) for eight weeks. After finishing the trial, shrimp were exposed to cadmium (1 mg/L) for 48 h. While feed conversion ratio (FCR) improved in shrimp fed dietary 2.0 LMWSA (p < 0.05), there was no significant difference in growth among treatments. The results showed a linear relation between LMWSA level and FCR, and glutathione S-transferase (GST) before; and malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), GST, and alanine transaminase (ALT) after cadmium stress (p < 0.05). The GST, MDA, ALT, and aspartate transaminase (AST) contents were changed after stress but not the 2.0 LMWSA group. The survival rate after stress in 1.0 LMWSA (85.23%) and 2.0 LMWSA (80.20%) treatments was significantly higher than the Control (62.05%). The survival rate after stress negatively correlated with GST and ALT, introducing them as potential biomarkers for cadmium exposure in whiteleg shrimp. Accordingly, the 2.0 LMWSA treatment had the best performance in the abovementioned parameters. As the linear relation was observed, supplementing more levels of LMWSA to reach a plateau is recommended.

Impact of Oats on Appetite Hormones and Body Weight Management: A Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This study aims to review the hunger hormones in obesity management and the impact of oats in regulating these hormones for hunger suppression and body weight management. In this review, the impact of various edible forms of oats like whole, naked, sprouted, or supplemented has been investigated for their appetite hormones regulation and weight management.

RECENT FINDINGS

The onset of obesity has been greatly associated with the appetite-regulating hormones that control, regulate, and suppress hunger, satiety, or energy expenditure. Many observational and clinical studies prove that oats have a positive effect on anthropometric measures like BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, lipid profile, total cholesterol, weight, appetite, and blood pressure. Many studies support the concept that oats are rich in protein, fiber, healthy fats, Fe, Zn, Mg, Mn, free phenolics, ß-glucan, ferulic acid, avenanthramides, and many more. Beta-glucan is the most important bioactive component that lowers cholesterol levels and supports the defense system of the body to prevent infections. Hence, several clinical studies supported oats utilization against obesity, appetite hormones, and energy regulation but still, some studies have shown no or little significance on appetite. Results of various studies revealed the therapeutic potentials of oats for body weight management, appetite control, strengthening the immune system, lowering serum cholesterol, and gut microbiota promotion by increased production of short-chain fatty acids.

Whole grains-derived functional ingredients against hyperglycemia: targeting hepatic glucose metabolism

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by the dysregulation of glucose homeostasis, resulting in hyperglycemia. However, concerns have been raised about the safety and efficacy of current hypoglycemic drugs due to undesirable side effects. Increasing studies have shown that whole grains (WG) consumption is inversely associated with the risk of T2DM and its subsequent complications. Thus, dietary strategies involving functional components from the WG provide an intriguing approach to restoring and maintaining glucose homeostasis. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of the major functional components derived from WG and their positive effects on glucose homeostasis, demonstrates the underlying molecular mechanisms targeting hepatic glucose metabolism, and discusses the unclear aspects according to the latest viewpoints and current research. Improved glycemic response and insulin resistance were observed after consumption of WG-derived bioactive ingredients, which are involved in the integrated, multi-factorial, multi-targeted regulation of hepatic glucose metabolism. Promotion of glucose uptake, glycolysis, and glycogen synthesis pathways, while inhibition of gluconeogenesis, contributes to amelioration of abnormal hepatic glucose metabolism and insulin resistance by bioactive components. Hence, the development of WG-based functional food ingredients with potent hypoglycemic properties is necessary to manage insulin resistance and T2DM.

Imbalance of Microbacterial Diversity Is Associated with Functional Prognosis of Stroke

Objectives

There is mounting evidence to suggest that the pathophysiology of stroke is greatly influenced by the microbiota of the gut and its metabolites, in particular short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The primary purpose of the study was to evaluate whether the levels of SCFAs and the gut microbiota are altered in poststroke patients and to examine the relationship between these alterations and the physical condition, intestinal health, pain, or nutritional status of patients.

Methods

Twenty stroke patients and twenty healthy controls were enrolled in the current study, and their demographics were matched. Gas chromatography was used to determine the fecal SCFAs, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to evaluate their fecal microbiota. Microbial diversity and richness were examined using the diversity indices alpha and beta, and taxonomic analysis was utilized to determine group differences. The relationships between the gut microbiome and fecal SCFAs, discriminant bacteria, and poststroke clinical outcomes were analyzed.

Results

Less community richness (ACE and Chao) was observed in the poststroke patients (P < 0.05), but the differences between the poststroke group and the healthy control group in terms of species diversity (Shannon and Simpson) were not statistically significant. The makeup of the poststroke gut microbiota was distinct from that of the control group, as evidenced by beta diversity. Then, the relative abundances of the taxa in the poststroke and control groups were compared in order to identify the specific microbiota changes. At the level of phylum, the poststroke subjects showed a significant increase in the relative abundances of Akkermansiaceae, Fusobacteriota, Desulfobacterota, Ruminococcaceae, and Oscillospirales and a particularly noticeable decrease in the relative abundance of Acidobacteriota compared to the control subjects (P < 0.05). In regard to SCFA concentrations, lower levels of fecal acetic acid (P = 0.001) and propionic acid (P = 0.049) were found in poststroke subjects. Agathobacter was highly correlated with acetic acid level (r = 0.473, P = 0.002), whereas Fusobacteria (r = -0.371, P = 0.018), Flavonifractor (r = -0.334, P = 0.034), Desulfovibrio (r = -0.362, P = 0.018), and Akkermansia (r = -0.321, P = 0.043) were negatively related to acetic acid levels. Additionally, the findings of the correlation analysis revealed that Akkermansia (r = -0.356, P = 0.024), Desulfovibrio (r = -0.316, P = 0.047), and Alloprevotella (r = -0.366, P = 0.020) were significantly negatively correlated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. In addition, the Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction score (r = 0.495, P = 0.026), Barthel index (r = -0.531, P = 0.015), Fugl-Meyer Assessment score (r = -0.565, P = 0.009), Visual Analogue Scale score (r = 0.605, P = 0.005), and Brief Pain Inventory score (r = 0.507, P = 0.023) were significantly associated with alterations of distinctive gut microbiota.

Conclusions

Stroke generates extensive and substantial alterations in the gut microbiota and SCFAs, according to our findings. The differences of intestinal flora and lower fecal SCFA levels are closely related to the physical function, intestinal function, pain, or nutritional status of poststroke patients. Treatment strategies aimed at modulating the gut microbiota and SCFAs may have the potential to enhance the clinical results of patients.

Effects of paramylon-rich Euglena gracilisEOD-1 powder on visceral fat obesity in moderately obese Japanese adults: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial

To investigate whether supplementation of paramylon (PM)-rich Euglena gracilis EOD-1 powder (EOD-1) reduces visceral fat obesity in moderately obese Japanese subjects. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention study was conducted involving 36 Japanese adults with a body mass index (BMI) ≥25 and <30 kg/m². Subjects were randomly assigned into two groups to consume EOD-1 capsules (EOD-1 group, 2.6 g PM/day) or cellulose capsules (placebo group) for a 12-week period. Anthropometric measurements including visceral fat area (VFA) and blood samples were measured at baseline and throughout the trial. There was no significant difference in VFA between the two groups, although subgroup analysis by gender showed a significant decrease in VFA in the male EOD-1 group compared with the placebo group. Serum adiponectin levels in all subjects from the EOD-1 group were significantly higher than in the placebo group. By comparison with the placebo group, the subjects in the EOD-1 group showed a significant reduction in serum HbA1c levels. EOD-1 intake led to a significant reduction in VFA in male subjects with moderate obesity (BMI 25-30 kg/m²). PM in EOD-1 may contribute to preventing visceral fat obesity in male Japanese subjects. Moreover, PM may also contribute to improving glucose homeostasis in moderately obese Japanese adults.

Classification of the Occurrence of Dyslipidemia Based on Gut Bacteria Related to Barley Intake

Barley is a grain rich in β-glucan, a soluble dietary fiber, and its consumption can help maintain good health and reduce the risk of metabolic disorders, such as dyslipidemia. However, the effect of barley intake on the risk of dyslipidemia has been found to vary among individuals. Differences in gut bacteria among individuals may be a determining factor since dietary fiber is metabolized by gut bacteria and then converted into short-chain fatty acids with physiological functions that reduce the risk of dyslipidemia. This study examined whether gut bacteria explained individual differences in the effects of barley intake on dyslipidemia using data from a cross-sectional study. In this study, participants with high barley intake and no dyslipidemia were labeled as “responders” to the reduced risk of dyslipidemia based on their barley intake and their gut bacteria. The results of the 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the fecal samples of responders (n = 22) were richer in Bifidobacterium, Faecalibacterium, Ruminococcus 1, Subdoligranulum, Ruminococcaceae UCG-013, and Lachnospira than those of non-responders (n = 43), who had high barley intake but symptoms of dyslipidemia. These results indicate the presence of certain gut bacteria that define barley responders. Therefore, we attempted to generate a gut bacteria-based responder classification model through machine learning using random forest. The area under the curve value of the classification model in estimating the effect of barley on the occurrence of dyslipidemia in the host was 0.792 and the Matthews correlation coefficient was 0.56. Our findings connect gut bacteria to individual differences in the effects of barley on lipid metabolism, which could assist in developing personalized dietary strategies.

Lentinan Impairs the Early Development of Zebrafish Embryos, Possibly by Disrupting Glucose and Lipid Metabolism

LNT is the major biologically active substance extracted from Lentinus edodes (L. edodes). Although functional and pharmacological studies have demonstrated that LNT has multiple benefits for animals and humans, the safety assessment is far from sufficient. To evaluate the potential safety risk, larval zebrafish were continuously exposed to varying concentrations of LNT for 120 h. The 96 h LC50 of LNT was determined to be 1228 μg/mL, and morphological defects including short body length, reduced eye and swim bladder sizes and yolk sac edema were observed. In addition, LNT exposure significantly reduced the blood flow velocity and locomotor activity of larval zebrafish. The biochemical parameters were also affected, showing reduced glucose, triglyceride and cholesterol levels in zebrafish larvae after being exposed to LNT. Correspondingly, the genes involved in glucose and lipid metabolism were disrupted. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates the adverse potential of high concentrations of LNT on the development of zebrafish larvae in the early life stage.

Theoretical and Experimental Insights into the Possible Interfacial Interactions between β-Glucan and Fat Molecules in Aqueous Media

Excessive body fat and high cholesterol are one of the leading reasons for triggering cardiovascular risk factors, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Beta-glucan (BG)-based dietary fibers are found to be effective for lowering fat digestion in the gastrointestinal tract. However, the fat capturing mechanism of BG in aqueous medium is still elusive. In this report, we studied the dietary effect of barley-extracted BG on docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, a model fat molecule) uptake and the impact of the aqueous medium on their interactions using computational modeling and experimental parameters. The possible microscale and macroscale molecular interactions between BG and DHA in an aqueous medium were analyzed through density functional theory (DFT), Monte-Carlo (MC), and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. DFT analysis revealed that the BG polymer extends hydrogen bonding and nonbonding interactions with DHA. Bulk simulation with multiple DHA molecules on a long-chain BG showed that a viscous colloidal system is formed upon increasing DHA loading. Experimental size and zeta potential measurements also confirmed the electrostatic interaction between BG-DHA systems. Furthermore, simulated and experimental diffusion and viscosity measurements showed excellent agreement. These simulated and experimental results revealed the mechanistic pathway of how BG fibers form colloidal systems with fat molecules, which is probably responsible for BG-induced delayed fat digestion and further halting of fatty molecule absorption in the GI tract.

Evaluation of novel nutraceuticals based on the combination of oat beta-glucans and a green coffee phenolic extract to combat obesity and its comorbidities. A randomized, dose-response, parallel trial

Obesity and its associated comorbidities are a major public health concern worldwide. Reduced energy intake and increased physical activity interventions have limited success in the long term. Nutraceuticals might be an alternative means to help lose weight and reduce obesity-associated cardiometabolic risk factors without changes in the habitual diet. The objective of the present study was to comparatively evaluate the efficiency of nutraceuticals based on the combination of a decaffeinated green coffee bean extract (GCBE) and two types of oat beta-glucans (BG) with different physiochemical properties on obesity related biomarkers in overweight/obese subjects. A randomized, dose-response, parallel, blind study was carried out in four groups of subjects (n = 15 each) who consumed for 6 weeks, twice a day, a nutraceutical containing 3 g d^-1 or 5 g d^-1 doses of 35% or 70% BG and a fixed amount of GCBE providing 600 mg d^-1 of phenols. 35% BG showed a 10 and 100 times higher molecular weight and viscosity, respectively, compared to 70% BG. Food intake, anthropometry and different cardiometabolic markers were assessed at the beginning and end of the intervention. According to the general model of variance with repeated measure analysis, the intervention caused positive changes in the levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, haemoglobin A1c, insulin, systolic blood pressure (SBP), total body fat percentage (TBF%), visceral fat percentage, and waist and hip circumferences without differences among the treatments, except for SBP and TBF%. Looking into the rates of change [(end value - beginning value)/beginning value] of these parameters, 5 g - 70% BG was the treatment that lowered TBF% the most. In conclusion, 5 g - 70% BG may be more effective in helping to lose weight and additionally, it produced the least bloating according to participants' subjective perception.

The effect of cereal Β-glucan on body weight and adiposity: A review of efficacy and mechanism of action

The current review examines the totality of the evidence to determine if there exists a relationship between β-glucan and body weight and adiposity and whether such a relationship is a consistent, causal and plausible one. Observational studies suggest an association between oat (i.e., β-glucan) intake and reduced body weight, waist circumference and adiposity. High and moderate quality randomized controlled trials that were specifically designed to evaluate the efficacy of β-glucan on anthropometric outcomes were given the highest weight. Several of these studies indicated a causal relationship between β-glucan consumption and reduction in body weight, BMI, and at least one measure of body fat within diets that were not calorie-restricted. A review of additional animal and human evidence suggests multiple plausible mechanisms by which β-glucan may impact satiety perception, gastric emptying, gut hormones, gut microbiota and short chain fatty acids in the complex interplay of appetite and energy regulation.

Hepatic Lipidomics Analysis Reveals the Ameliorative Effects of Highland Barley β-Glucan on Western Diet-Induced Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Mice

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by marked imbalances in lipid storage and metabolism. Because the beneficial health effects of cereal β-glucan (BG) include lowering cholesterol and regulating lipid metabolism, BG may alleviate the imbalances in lipid metabolism observed during NAFLD. The aim of our study was to investigate whether BG from highland barley has an effect on western diet-induced NAFLD in mice. Using lipidomics, we investigated the underlying mechanisms of BG intervention, and identified potential lipid biomarkers. The results reveal that BG (300 mg/kg body weight) significantly alleviated liver steatosis. Lipidomics analysis demonstrated that BG also altered lipid metabolic patterns. We were able to identify 13 differentially regulated lipid species that may be useful as lipid biomarkers. Several genes in the hepatic lipid and cholesterol metabolism pathways were also modulated. These findings provide evidence that BG ameliorates NAFLD by altering liver lipid metabolites and regulating lipid metabolism-related genes.