Hypoglycaemic effects and inhibitory effect on intestinal disaccharidases of oat beta-glucan in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

Peanut skin procyanidins reduce intestinal glucose transport protein expression, regulate serum metabolites and ameliorate hyperglycemia in diabetic mice

One of diabetic characteristics is the postprandial hyperglycemia. Inhibiting glucose uptake may be beneficial for controlling postprandial blood glucose levels and regulating the glucose metabolism Peanut skin procyanidins (PSP) have shown a potential for lowering blood glucose; however, the underlying mechanism through which PSP regulate glucose metabolism remains unknown. In the current study, we investigated the effect of PSP on intestinal glucose transporters and serum metabolites using a mouse model of diabetic mice. Results showed that PSP improved glucose tolerance and systemic insulin sensitivity, which coincided with decreased expression of sodium-glucose cotransporter 1 and glucose transporter 2 in the intestinal epithelium induced by an activation of the phospholipase C β2/protein kinase C signaling pathway. Moreover, untargeted metabolomic analysis of serum samples revealed that PSP altered arachidonic acid, sphingolipid, glycerophospholipid, bile acids, and arginine metabolic pathways. The study provides new insight into the anti-diabetic mechanism of PSP and a basis for further research.

Impact of Oat (Avena sativa L.) on Metabolic Syndrome and Potential Physiological Mechanisms of Action: A Current Review

Oat (Avena sativa L.), an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the Gramineae family, is widely grown in various regions including EU, Canada, America, Australia, etc. Due to the nutritional and pharmacological values, oats have been developed into various functional food including fermented beverage, noodle, cookie, etc. Meanwhile, numerous studies have demonstrated that oats may effectively improve metabolic syndrome, such as dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, atherosclerosis, hypertension, and obesity. However, the systematic pharmacological mechanisms of oats on metabolic syndrome have not been fully revealed. Therefore, in order to fully explore the benefits of oat in food industry and clinic, this review aims to provide up-to-date information on oat and its constituents, focusing on the effects on metabolic syndrome.

Beta-Glucans of Cereals: Functional and Technological Properties

β-glucans are a polymeric dietary fiber characterized by β-(1,3) and β-(1,4) glycosidic bonds between glucose monomers. They are often used as thickeners, stabilizers, and fat substitutes in foods. The functional and technological quality of β-glucans is attributed to their origin/source, molecular weight, and structural properties. In particular, physical treatments such as drying, cooking, freezing, and refrigeration influence their molecular, morphological, and rheological characteristics. In addition to their useful technical qualities, β-glucans are recognized for their numerous beneficial impacts on human health. For this reason, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has provided a positive opinion on health claims such as cholesterol lowering and hypoglycemic properties relating to oats and barley β-glucans. This paper provides insight into the properties of β-glucans and different treatments affecting their characteristics and then reviews the latest research on β-glucans as a functional ingredient for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Effect of Supplementation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae and β-glucans to Mares During Late Gestation on Colostrum Quality and Passive Transfer of Immunity in Foals

The objective of this study was to determine whether supplementation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae or β-glucan, in the maternal diet during late pregnancy affects the concentration of total IgG in the colostrum of mares and influences the concentration of IgG in its foals. A total of 21 pregnant mares were used, aged 6±2 years, 3±1 pregnancies, 450±50kg in weight, and they were distributed into three groups: the control group (n=7); the S. cerevisiae group (n=7), which received 10¹⁰CFU of S. cerevisiae orally; and the β-glucan group (n=7), which received 0.35g of β-glucan orally. All groups started from the 300th day of their pregnancies until delivery. Samples of colostrum and serum from the mares were collected immediately after delivery. Blood samples from their foals were collected 12h after birth. The IgG measurement was performed using radial immunodiffusion. The results underwent a variance analysis. Higher concentrations of IgG were observed in the colostrum of mares that were supplemented with β-glucans (74.14±15.25 g/L) when compared to the control group (53.80g±10.95g/L). Serum IgG concentrations of foals born to mares supplemented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae (11.57±5.05 g/L) showed a significant difference, with a higher concentration of IgG in the serum compared to the control group. Therefore, this study provides evidence that manipulation of the mares' diets in late gestation to add β-glucan increased the IgG concentration in their colostrum. The addition of S. cerevisiae appears to improve the concentration of IgG in their foals within 12h after birth.

Oat β-glucan and L-arabinose synergistically ameliorate glucose uptake in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells and exert anti-diabetic activity via activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway in db/db mice

Oat β-glucan (OBG) and L-arabinose (LA) have exhibited positive effects on diabetes and its complications. However, it is unclear whether OBG and LA have a synergistic effect. We investigated the effect of variable compositions (OBG : LA = 1 : 1, 1 : 2, 1 : 4,1 : 6, 1 : 8, 1 : 10, 2 : 1, 4 : 1, 6 : 1, 8 : 1, 10 : 1) on glucose uptake in IR-HepG2 cells induced by dexamethasone (DEX) to find out the optimal composition showing synergistic effects. Furthermore, this study evaluated the anti-diabetic activity of the optimal composition in db/db mice. In vitro, the OBG : LA = 1 : 1 group showed the strongest synergistic effects among the varied compositions, outperforming OBG and LA alone. In vivo, there were more beneficial effects in the OBG : LA = 1 : 1 group compared with the OBG and LA single-dosing groups. OBG : LA = 1 : 1 supplementation markedly decreased the levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG) and insulin (INS) in serum, improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, lowered blood lipid levels, and reduced liver lipid accumulation. Moreover, the western blot results indicated that the OBG : LA = 1 : 1 group up-regulated the protein expression of glucose transporter-4 (GLUT4), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), and phospho-protein kinase B (p-AKT), while down-regulating the protein expression of phospho-phosphorylated insulin receptor substrate-1 (p-IRS1) to enhance insulin transduction in liver tissues. These findings suggest that OBG : LA = 1 : 1 synergistically ameliorated glucose metabolism disorders and alleviated insulin resistance by promoting the PI3K/AKT pathway in the liver.

Nutraceutical Properties of Medicago sativa L., Agave Spp., Zea mays L. and Avena sativa L.: A Review of Metabolites and Mechanisms

Plants are the main sources of bioactive compounds (nutraceuticals) that function under different mechanisms of action for the benefit of human health. Mexico ranks fifth in the world in biodiversity, offering opportunities for healthy food. An important variety of crops are produced in the state of Hidalgo, e.g., based on the 2021 production, alfalfa, oats, maguey, and corn. The present review presents the latest findings of these crops, regarding the benefits they provide to health (bioactivity, nutraceuticals), and presents the compounds and mechanisms identified by which the benefit is provided. The knowledge compiled here is for the benefit of the recovery of the crops, the recognition of their bioactivities, in search of identifying the best routes of action for prevention, treatment and possible cure of chronic degenerative diseases (thereby promoting crop valorization). Exhaustive bibliographic research was carried out by means of engines and scientific databases. Articles published between 2001 and 2022 that included specific keywords (Scopus, EMBASE, EBSCO, PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, Google Scholar). Outstanding activities have been identified for the compounds in the crops, such as antiinflammatory, anticholesterolemic, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and chelating. The compounds that provide these properties are total phenols, phenolic acids, tannins, anthocyanins, carotenoids, iso-flavones, phytosterols, saponins, fructans, glycosides, glucans, avenanthramides, and polysaccharides.

Oat β Glucan Ameliorates Renal Function and Gut Microbiota in Diabetic Rats

Diabetic nephropathy is a severe complication of diabetes and the leading cause of end-stage renal disease and death. Therefore, we must find effective prevention and treatment approaches to the problem. Oat has a long history of use for its nutritional and medicinal properties, such as maintaining physiological blood glucose levels. Oat β glucan is one of the major bioactive substances produced by oat. However, the protective effects of oat β glucan on diabetic nephropathy are still unclear. This study generated a rat model of diabetic nephropathy to explore the potent therapeutic ability and mechanism of oat β glucan in renal function by 16S rRNA genes sequencing. Diabetic nephropathy model was established in forty rats by left nephrectomy and single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. These rats were randomly divided into the model group and three oat β glucan intervention groups. Twenty rats underwent sham operation and were randomly divided into normal control group and oat β glucan control group. Animals were treated by oral gavage for 8 consecutive weeks. The results showed that oat β glucan reduced blood glucose level and improved renal function (P < 0.05). Oat β glucan significantly improved serum inflammatory levels (P < 0.05). The diversity of intestinal microflora in diabetic nephropathy rats decreased with time prolongation, while oat β-glucan reversed the result. Compared with the model group at week 8, the abundances of Eubacterium, Butyricicoccus, and Ruminococcus were elevated significantly after oat β glucan intervention (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis indicated that abundances of Eubacterium, Butyricicoccus, and Ruminococcus were significantly negatively correlated with the levels of renal impairment markers. In summary, the findings of this study showed that oat β glucan can increase the diversity of intestinal flora, regulate the composition of intestinal flora, modulate intestinal flora metabolism, alleviate the inflammatory response, and further delay the development of diabetic nephropathy. Therefore, oat β glucan has the potential to be developed into the novel and safe drug for diabetic nephropathy.

Physiological Effects of Bioactive Compounds Derived from Whole Grains on Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases are a global health burden with an increasing prevalence. In addition, various metabolic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases. Dietary strategies based on healthy foods have been suggested for the prevention or improvement of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Grains are the most widely consumed food worldwide, and the preventive effects of whole grains (e.g., oats, barley, and buckwheat) on metabolic diseases have been reported. The germ and bran of grains are rich in compounds, including phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, and these compounds are effective in preventing and improving cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Thus, this review describes the characteristics and functions of bioactive ingredients in whole grains, focusing on mechanisms by which polyphenols, antioxidants, and dietary fiber contribute to cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, based on preclinical and clinical studies. There is clear evidence for the broad preventive and therapeutic effects of whole grains, supporting the value of early dietary intervention.

Dose-response effect of prebiotic ingestion (β-glucans isolated from Saccharomyces cerevisiae) in diabetic rats with periodontal disease

BACKGROUND

Periodontal disease is one of the most frequent comorbidities in diabetic patients and can contribute to poor blood glucose control.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of ingesting different doses of beta-glucans (BG) isolated from Saccharomyces cerevisiae on alveolar bone loss (ABL) and inflammatory/metabolic parameters in normal and diabetic rats with ligature-induced periodontal disease (PD).

DESIGN

Sixty male rats were assigned into two groups: non-diabetic or diabetic (i.p. 70 mg/kg streptozotocin) with PD. Then, groups were subdivided into five subgroups according BG doses: 0 mg/Kg; 10 mg/Kg; 20 mg/Kg; 40 mg/Kg or 80 mg/Kg. Animals received BG for 28 days and ligatures were placed on lower first molars during the last 14 days.

RESULTS

ABL of diabetic and non-diabetic animals receiving BG 40 mg/kg (1.33 ± 0.03 mm and 0.77 ± 0.07 mm, respectively) and 80 mg/kg (1.26 ± 0.07 mm and 0.78 ± 0.05 mm, respectively) doses was lower (p < 0.05) in comparison to respective controls (1.59 ± 0.11 mm and 0.90 mm ±0.08). COX-2 (Control: 1.66 ± 0.12; 40 mg/kg: 1.13 ± 0.07; 80 mg/kg: 0.92 ± 0.18) and RANKL expressions (Control: 1.74 ± 0.34; 40 mg/kg: 1.03 ± 0.29 ;80 mg/kg: 0.75 ± 0.21), together with the RANKL/OPG ratio (Control: 1.17 ± 0.08; 40 mg/kg: 0.67 ± 0.09; 80 mg/kg: 0.63 ± 0.28) were attenuated above the same dose (p < 0.05). BG did not influence (p > 0.05) metabolic parameters in non-diabetic rats. In diabetic animals, doses above 40 mg/kg reduced IL-1β (Control: 387 ± 66; 40 mg/kg: 309 ± 27; 80 mg/kg: 300 ± 14) and TNF-α (Control: 229 ± 19; 40 mg/kg: 128 ± 53; 80 mg/kg: 71 ± 25), blood glucose levels (Control: 402 ± 49; 40 mg/kg: 334 ± 32; 80 mg/kg: 287 ± 56), total cholesterol (Control: 124 ± 8; 40 mg/kg: 120 ± 10; 80 mg/kg: 108 ± 9), LDL-c + VLDL-c (Control: 106 ± 8; 40 mg/kg: 103 ± 10; 80 mg/kg: 87 ± 10) and triacylglycerols (Control: 508 ± 90; 40 mg/kg: 301 ± 40; 80 mg/kg: 208 ± 61), whereas increased HDL-c (Control: 18 ± 0.5; 40 mg/kg: 19 ± 1; 80 mg/kg: 21 ± 1) (p < 0.05). Optimal dose needed to reduce ABL was higher in diabetic animals with PD.

CONCLUSIONS

BG ingestion reduced ABL and improved inflammatory profile in a dose-dependent manner. Best effects were achieved with doses above 40 mg/kg.

β-glucan, "the knight of health sector": critical insights on physiochemical heterogeneities, action mechanisms and health implications

β-glucans, the class of biological response modifier has unceasing attention, not only for its immune stimulating but also for its role as prebiotics, modulator of physiological events etc. and is widely used in the treatment of cancer, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular diseases etc. However, β-glucan with different physiochemical properties is found to have discrete clinical functions and thus careful selection of the types of β-glucan plays pivotal role in providing significant and expected clinical outcome. Herein this review, we presented the factors responsible for diverse functional properties of β-glucan, their distinct mode of actions in regulating human health etc. Further, clinical aspects of different β-glucans toward the management of wound care, metabolic dysbiosis, fatty liver disorders and endurance training associated energy metabolism were compiled and exhibited in detail.

β-Glucans as a panacea for a healthy heart? Their roles in preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide. Factors increasing the risks for CVD development are related to obesity, diabetes, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure and lifestyle. CVD risk factors may be treated with appropriate drugs, but prolonged can use cause undesirable side-effects. Among the natural products used in complementary and alternative medicines, are the β-ᴅ-glucans; biopolymers found in foods (cereals, mushrooms), and can easily be produced by microbial fermentation. Independent of source, β-glucans of the mixed-linked types [(1 → 3)(1 → 6)-β-ᴅ-glucans - fungal, and (1 → 3)(1 → 4)-β-ᴅ-glucans - cereal] have widely been studied because of their biological activities, and have demonstrated cardiovascular protective effects. In this review, we discuss the roles of β-ᴅ-glucans in various pathophysiological conditions that lead to CVDs including obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, hypertension, atherosclerosis and stroke. The β-glucans from all of the sources cited demonstrated potential hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic and anti-obesogenicity activities, reduced hypertension and ameliorated the atherosclerosis condition. More recently, β-glucans are recognized as possessing prebiotic properties that modulate the gut microbiome and impact on the health benefits including cardiovascular. Overall, all the studies investigated unequivocally demonstrated the dietary benefits of consuming β-glucans regardless of source, thus constituting a promising panaceutical approach to reduce CVD risk factors.

Anti-diabetic effects of the soluble dietary fiber from tartary buckwheat bran in diabetic mice and their potential mechanisms

Background

Tartary buckwheat has beneficial effects on glucose and lipid metabolism of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, the physiological effects of a soluble dietary fiber (SDF) from tartary buckwheat have rarely been studied, especially in vivo.

Objective

This study aimed to examine the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of SDF from tartary buckwheat bran on high-fat diet/streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.

Design

The SDF of tartary buckwheat bran was collected according to the Association of Official Analytical Chemists method 991.43. Diabetic mice were treated with high-fat diets supplemented with 0.5, 1, and 2% SDF for 8 weeks. Parameters related to glucose and lipid metabolism and relevant mechanisms, including the excretion of short-chain fatty acids and the glycemic signaling pathway in the liver, were investigated. In addition, the structural characterization of a purified polysaccharide from SDF of tartary buckwheat bran was illustrated.

Result

Supplementation with SDF in the diet resulted in reduced levels of fasting blood glucose, improved oral glucose tolerance, increased levels of liver glycogen and insulin, as well as improved lipid profiles in both the serum and liver, in diabetic mice. The amelioration of glucose and lipid metabolism by SDF was accompanied by an increase in the short-chain fatty acid levels in the cecum and co-regulated by hepatic adenosine-5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation. A neutral tartary buckwheat polysaccharide with an average molecular weight of 19.6 kDa was purified from the SDF, which consisted mainly of glucose with α-glycosidic bonds.

Conclusions

The SDF of tartary buckwheat bran exhibits hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects in diabetic mice, contributing to the anti-diabetic mechanisms of tartary buckwheat.

β-Glucan Metabolic and Immunomodulatory Properties and Potential for Clinical Application

β-glucans are complex polysaccharides that are found in several plants and foods, including mushrooms. β-glucans display an array of potentially therapeutic properties. β-glucans have metabolic and gastro-intestinal effects, modulating the gut microbiome, altering lipid and glucose metabolism, reducing cholesterol, leading to their investigation as potential therapies for metabolic syndrome, obesity and diet regulation, gastrointestinal conditions such as irritable bowel, and to reduce cardiovascular and diabetes risk. β-glucans also have immune-modulating effects, leading to their investigation as adjuvant agents for cancers (solid and haematological malignancies), for immune-mediated conditions (e.g., allergic rhinitis, respiratory infections), and to enhance wound healing. The therapeutic potential of β-glucans is evidenced by the fact that two glucan isolates were licensed as drugs in Japan as immune-adjuvant therapy for cancer in 1980. Significant challenges exist to further clinical testing and translation of β-glucans. The diverse range of conditions for which β-glucans are in clinical testing underlines the incomplete understanding of the diverse mechanisms of action of β-glucans, a key knowledge gap. Furthermore, important differences appear to exist in the effects of apparently similar β-glucan preparations, which may be due to differences in sources and extraction procedures, another poorly understood issue. This review will describe the biology, potential mechanisms of action and key therapeutic targets being investigated in clinical trials of β-glucans and identify and discuss the key challenges to successful translation of this intriguing potential therapeutic.

Hypocaloric, plant-based oatmeal interventions in the treatment of poorly-controlled type 2 diabetes: A review

BACKGROUND

Lifestyle interventions, including dietary modifications, play a key role in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. By the second half of the last century, dietary oatmeal interventions had frequently been used in patients with diabetes; however, with the widespread introduction of insulin, this practice gradually fell into disuse. Within the last decades, the original oatmeal intervention, first described in 1903, has been modified towards a hypocaloric, low-fat, and plant-based intervention.

AIM

The aim of this review was to investigate the current role of these adapted short-term dietary oatmeal interventions in the treatment of patients suffering from poorly-controlled type 2 diabetes. A special focus was put on opportunities for and barriers to its clinical implementation and its potential mechanisms of action.

METHODS

The electronic databases of PubMed and Google Scholar were searched using the keywords "oat," "oats," "oatmeal," and "diabetes."

RESULTS

While there are a limited number of clinical studies including hypocaloric short-term dietary oatmeal interventions, there is evidence that these interventions may lead to a significant decrease in mean blood glucose levels and a significant reduction of insulin dosage in patients suffering from poorly-controlled type 2 diabetes.

CONCLUSION

Modified short-term dietary oatmeal interventions are an effective and economical tool in the treatment of patients suffering from poorly-controlled type 2 diabetes.

Effect of embryo-remaining oat rice on the lipid profile and intestinal microbiota in high-fat diet fed rats

Embryo-remaining oat rice (EROR), as a newly developed oat product, is popular in China for its good taste, but little is known about its healthy functions. In this study, the effects of EROR on lipid metabolism regulation were investigated in in vitro and in vivo models. The results showed that the oat ethanol extracts significantly alleviated lipid accumulation, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in HepG2 cells. EROR supplementation dramatically improved the lipid profile in the serum and liver and downregulated the expression levels of HMGCR, SREBP-1C and FAS, which are related to lipid metabolic disorder in high-fat diet (HFD) fed rats. A HFD decreases the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the cecum, which are related to intestinal microbiota dysbiosis. The intake of EROR significantly increased the total SCFAs, acetate and propionate and promoted the abundance of SCFA-producing bacteria. Furthermore, the intake of EROR led to abundant increases in Bifidobacterium and Akkermansia and decreases of Rombutsia, Fusicatenibacter, Holdemanella and Turicibacter, which were negatively and positively correlated with the lipid metabolism-related indices. These results provide evidence that EROR is a good functional food candidate to ameliorate lipid metabolic disorder and hyperlipidemia.

Progress in the discovery of naturally occurring anti-diabetic drugs and in the identification of their molecular targets

Diabetes mellitus (DM), a chronic metabolic disease, severely affects patients' life and intensively increases risks of developing other diseases. It is estimated that 0.4 billion individuals worldwide are subjected to diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes mellitus. At present, although various synthetic drugs for diabetes such as Alogliptin and Rosiglitazone, etc. have been used to manage diabetes, some of them showed severe side effects. Given that the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus, natural occurring drugs are beneficial alternatives for diabetes therapy with low adverse effects or toxicity. Recently, more and more plant-derived extracts or compounds were evaluated to have anti-diabetic activities. Their anti-diabetic mechanisms involve certain key targets like α-glucosidase, α-amylase, DPP-4, PPAR γ, PTP1B, and GLUT4, etc. Here, we summarize the newly found anti-diabetic (type 2 diabetes mellitus) natural compounds and extracts from 2011-2017, and give the identification of their molecular targets. This review could provide references for the research of natural agents curing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

β-Glucan successfully stimulated the immune system in different jawed vertebrate species

Several reports have shown the positive effects of β-glucans on the immune. Howeverthese studies have a broad experimental design including β-glucans compounds. Consequently, a study using the same β-glucan molecule, administration route and experimental design is needed to compare the effects of β-glucan across vertebrate species. For this end, during 28 days we fed four different vertebrate species: mice, dogs, piglets and chicks, with two β-glucan molecules (BG01 and BG02). We measured the serum interleukin 2 as an indicator of innate immune response, the neutrophils and monocytes phagocytosis index as a cellular response and antibody formation as an adaptive response. The results clearly showed that the different β-glucan molecules exhibited biologically differently behaviors, but both molecules stimulate the immune system in a similar pattern in these four species. This finding suggests that vertebrates shared similar mechanisms/patterns in recognizing the β-glucans and confirms the benefits of β-glucans across different vertebrate species.

Processing and Prebiotics Characteristics of β-Glucan Extract from Highland Barley

β-glucan extract (GE) was obtained from highland barley bran using alkaline–acid–alcohol extraction method. The stability, solubility, foaming ability, and prebiotics characteristics of GE were assessed consecutively. GE demonstrated excellent heat stability (hardly degraded at 220 °C) and pH stability, especially at neutral or alkaline condition, and its solubility was significantly influenced by temperature instead of pH or NaCl, achieving 0.91 g/100 g at 100 °C. Good foaming ability and foam stability of GE were observed during low temperatures (≤40 °C), neutral or alkaline condition. GE indicated a strong anti-digestibility capacity of resisting the hydrolysis of α-amylase and simulated human gastric acid. Interestingly, GE could effectively promote the growth of Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Bifidobacterium adolescentis, which was close to fructooligosaccharide. The results of this study could offer valuable information for the application of β-glucan from highland barley as prebiotics in promoting human intestinal health metabolism.

In Vitro and In Vivo Antioxidant and Anti-Hyperglycemic Activities of Moroccan Oat Cultivars

Improvement of oat lines via introgression is an important process for food biochemical functionality. This work aims to evaluate the protective effect of phenolic compounds from hybrid Oat line (F11-5) and its parent (Amlal) on hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress and to establish the possible mechanisms of antidiabetic activity by digestive enzyme inhibition. Eight phenolic acids were quantified in our samples including ferulic, p-hydroxybenzoic, caffeic, salicylic, syringic, sinapic, p-coumaric and chlorogenic acids. The Oat extract (2000 mg/kg) ameliorated the glucose tolerance, decreased Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) and oxidative stress markers, including Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Glutathione (GSH) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) in rat liver and kidney. Furthermore, Metformin and Oat intake prevented anxiety, hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis in diabetic rats. In vivo anti-hyperglycemic effect of Oat extracts has been confirmed by their inhibitory activities on α-amylase (723.91 μg/mL and 1027.14 μg/mL) and α-glucosidase (1548.12 μg/mL & 1803.52 μg/mL) enzymes by mean of a mixed inhibition.

Effects of β-Glucans Ingestion on Alveolar Bone Loss, Intestinal Morphology, Systemic Inflammatory Profile, and Pancreatic β-Cell Function in Rats with Periodontitis and Diabetes

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of β-glucan ingestion (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on the plasmatic levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-10 (IL-10), alveolar bone loss, and pancreatic β-cell function (HOMA-BF) in diabetic rats with periodontal disease (PD). Besides, intestinal morphology was determined by the villus/crypt ratio. A total of 48 Wistar rats weighing 203 ± 18 g were used. Diabetes was induced by the intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (80 mg/kg) and periodontal inflammation, by ligature. The design was completely randomized in a factorial scheme 2 × 2 × 2 (diabetic or not, with or without periodontitis, and ingesting β-glucan or not). The animals received β-glucan by gavage for 28 days. Alveolar bone loss was determined by scanning electron microscopy (distance between the cementoenamel junction and alveolar bone crest) and histometric analysis (bone area between tooth roots). β-glucan reduced plasmatic levels of TNF-α in diabetic animals with PD and of IL-10 in animals with PD (p < 0.05). β-glucan reduced bone loss in animals with PD (p < 0.05). In diabetic animals, β-glucan improved β-cell function (p < 0.05). Diabetic animals had a higher villus/crypt ratio (p < 0.05). In conclusion, β-glucan ingestion reduced the systemic inflammatory profile, prevented alveolar bone loss, and improved β-cell function in diabetic animals with PD.

In vitro fermentation of oat β-glucan and hydrolysates by fecal microbiota and selected probiotic strains

BACKGROUND

Emerging evidence suggested that the prebiotic ability of β-glucan was intimately related to its molecular weight (M_w ). However, the effect of oat β-glucan with differing M_w on gut homeostasis was inconsistent. Importantly, knowledge of the fermentation properties of oat β-glucan fractions was still limited. The present study aimed to evaluate the prebiotic potential of raw and hydrolyzed oat β-glucan during in vitro fermentation by fecal microbiota and selected probiotic strains.

RESULTS

The results obtained showed that both oat β-glucan (OG) and hydrolysates (OGH) comparably promoted the growth of fecal Lactobacillus counts (P < 0.05). Importantly, OGH revealed greater fermentability compared to OG as denoted by lower pH value and higher short-chain fatty acid concentration (P < 0.05). Moreover, OGH was found to be more favorable to provide growth substrates for Lactobacillus helveticus R389 (LR389), Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG ATCC 53103 (LGG) and Bifidobacterium longum BB536 (BB536) than OG, and was preferentially utilized by LR389, LGG and BB536 as the sole carbon source.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study indicate that oat β-glucan hydrolysates could serve as a more promising material for developing novel symbiotic foods. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Sustaining Effect of Intensive Nutritional Intervention Combined with Health Education on Dietary Behavior and Plasma Glucose in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients

Diabetes mellitus is very common in elderly Chinese individuals. Although nutritional intervention can provide a balanced diet, the sustaining effect on at-home dietary behavior and long-term plasma glucose control is not clear. Consequently, we conducted a long-term survey following one month of experiential nutritional intervention combined with health education. Based on the Dietary Guidelines for a Chinese Resident, we found that the food items met the recommended values, the percentages of energy provided from fat, protein, and carbohydrate were more reasonable after one year. The newly formed dietary patterns were “Healthy”, “Monotonous”, “Vegetarian”, “Japanese”, “Low energy”, and “Traditional” diets. The 2h-PG of female participants as well as those favoring the “Japanese diet” decreased above 12 mmol/L. Participants who selected “Japanese” and “Healthy” diets showed an obvious reduction in FPG while the FPG of participants from Group A declined slightly. “Japanese” and “Healthy” diets also obtained the highest DDP scores, and thus can be considered suitable for T2DM treatment in China. The results of the newly formed dietary patterns, “Japanese” and “Healthy” diets, confirmed the profound efficacy of nutritional intervention combined with health education for improving dietary behavior and glycemic control although health education played a more important role. The present study is encouraging with regard to further exploration of comprehensive diabetes care.

The effect of oat β-glucan on in vitro glucose diffusion and glucose transport in rat small intestine

BACKGROUND

Many previous studies have reported the role of oat β-glucan (OBG) in the reduction of postprandial glucose, and hypothesised that OBG may form a protective layer along the intestinal wall, acting as a viscous barrier to decrease glucose transportation. This study examined whether the molecular weight (MW) and concentration of OBG affected the diffusion of glucose in vitro. The effect of OBG on glucose transportation in vitro and sodium-potassium adenosine triphosphatase (Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase) activity in the everted small intestines of normal rats was also examined.

RESULTS

In vitro, higher MWs and concentrations of OBG increased the inhibitory effects on glucose diffusion and glucose adsorption. The transport of glucose by glucose transporters and Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity in the small intestinal mucosa of rats were significantly lower following the addition of OBG than those in the absence of OBG at the same time-points throughout glucose transportation (P < 0.05). In the OBG-treated group, the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity decreased with increasing OBG MW. However, as the concentration of OBG in the solution increased, the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity in the small intestine increased due to stronger gastrointestinal motility. We also found that higher MWs of OBG had a greater inhibitory effect on intestinal disaccharidase activities in vitro.

CONCLUSION

Oat β-glucan is able to adsorb glucose molecules, inhibit glucose transport, decrease the concentration of available glucose and suppress disaccharidase activities in the small intestine.

Oat (Avena sativa L.): Oil and Nutriment Compounds Valorization for Potential Use in Industrial Applications

Oat is a promising plant for the future. It is edible and beneficial thanks to its nutritional, medicinal and pharmaceutical uses and, hence, recognized to be useful for a healthier world. The assessment of the vital functions of oat components is important for industries requiring correct health labelling, valid during the shelf life of any product. Oil, enzymes and other biomolecules of nutraceutic or dietary usage from oats would be valorized for this purpose. Although oats have a unique and versatile composition including antioxidants and biomolecules indispensable for health, they are undervalued in comparison with other staple cereals such as wheat, barley and rice. Furthermore, oats, apart from maize, comprise a high oil content used for a wide range of beneficial purposes. In addition, they contain beta glucan that has proven to be very helpful in reducing blood cholesterol levels and other cardiovascular diseases risks. In fact, there is diversity in the composition and content of the beneficial oat components within their genotypes and the different environmental conditions and, thus, oats are amenable to be enhanced by agronomic practices and genetic approaches.

The regulatory effects of Cissus quadrangularis on some enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

CONTEXT

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is probably the single most important metabolic disease and is widely recognized as one of the leading causes of death and disability. Cissus quadrangularis Linn. (Vitaceae) is a medicinal food and is reported to possess hypoglycemic activity.

OBJECTIVE

The present study evaluates the effect of ethyl acetate fraction of C. quadrangularis stem (CQSF) on carbohydrate metabolism in hepatic tissues of experimental diabetic rats. The phytochemical compounds present in the CQSF extract were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Diabetic animals were treated with CQSF (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight) for 45 d. Several indices such as blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin, liver function tests, hepatic glycogen content, and the activities of carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes were assayed after 45 d of extract treatment.

RESULTS

A pronounced effect was observed with extract doses 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight. CQSF at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight significantly decreased the altered levels of blood glucose by about 56%. CQSF also modulated the activities of carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes by significantly increasing the activity of hexokinase (1.9-fold) and pyruvate kinase (2.2-fold) and significantly reducing the activity of glucose-6-phosphatase (41.23%), fructose-1,6-diphosphatase (29.43%), and glycogen phosphorylase (35.07%). GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 10 chemical constituents, and N-methyl-1-adamantane acetamide was found to be the prevailing compound in the extract.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The current study suggests the antidiabetic potential of CQSF, mediated through the regulation of carbohydrate metabolic enzyme activities.

β(1-3)(1-6)-D-glucans modulate immune status in pigs: potential importance for efficiency of commercial farming

BACKGROUND

In face of the challenge of the emergent diseases and the current efforts of the governments to create conditions to ban growth-promoting antibiotics and to improve efficiency of the commercial farming, new opportunities are created for natural, highly effective and cost affordable immunomodulators; able to induce and enhance resistance against diseases and to reduce farming-related stress. Supplementation of animal feed with β(1-3)(1-6)-D-glucans has been repeatedly shown to modulate the immune system ant to influence growth characteristics of farmed animals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In our study we focused on evaluation of effects of an insoluble, fungi-derived β(1-3)(1-6)-D-glucan as dietary supplement in piglets. We measured the growth, phagocytosis of peripheral blood cells and interleukin 2 (IL-2) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) production after feeding with 15 mg of glucan/kg/day.

CONCLUSIONS

Following supplementation, β(1-3)(1-6)-D-glucan has been shown to stimulate growth, phagocytic activity, and IL-2 production. In addition, it significantly lowered the cortisol and TNF-α levels after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge.

Biological activities of derivatized D-glucans: a review

D-Glucans have triggered increasing interest in commercial applications in the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors because of their technological properties and biological activities. The glucans are foremost among the polysaccharide groups produced by microorganisms with demonstrated activity in stimulating the immune system, and have potential in treating human disease conditions. Chemical alterations in the structure of D-glucans through derivatization (sulfonylation, carboxymethylation, phosphorylation, acetylation) contributes to their increased solubility that, in turn, can alter their biological activities such as antioxidation and anticoagulation. This review surveys and cites the latest advances on the biological and technological potential of D-glucans following chemical modifications through sulfonylation, carboxymethylation, phosphorylation or acetylation, and discusses the findings of their activities. Several studies suggest that chemically modified d-glucans have potentiated biological activity as anticoagulants, antitumors, antioxidants, and antivirals. This review shows that in-depth future studies on chemically modified glucans with amplified biological effects will be relevant in the biotechnological field because of their potential to prevent and treat numerous human disease conditions and their clinical complications.

Oat beta-glucan ameliorates insulin resistance in mice fed on high-fat and high-fructose diet

Methods

This study sought to evaluate the impact of oat beta-glucan on insulin resistance in mice fed on high-fat and high-fructose diet with fructose (10%, w/v) added in drinking water for 10 weeks.

Results

The results showed that supplementation with oat beta-glucan could significantly reduce the insulin resistance both in low-dose (200 mg/kg⁻¹ body weight) and high-dose (500 mg/kg⁻¹ body weight) groups, but the high-dose group showed a more significant improvement in insulin resistance (P<0.01) compared with model control (MC) group along with significant improvement in hepatic glycogen level, oral glucose, and insulin tolerance. Moreover, hepatic glucokinase activity was markedly enhanced both in low-dose and high-dose groups compared with that of MC group (P<0.05).

Conclusion

These results suggested that supplementation of oat beta-glucan alleviated insulin resistance and the effect was dose dependent.

Interaction of barley β-glucan and tea polyphenols on glucose metabolism in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Soluble dietary fiber and antioxidants have received much attention as most important components of functional foods. However, few data are available on the effects of the combination of tea polyphenols (TP) and β-glucan (BG) on blood glucose in a diabetic rat. The effects of administration of barley BG and TP or their combination (TP + BG) on blood glucose, lipid profiles, and antioxidant parameters on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were investigated. Significant improvements on the blood glucose level, serum lipid parameters (decreases in triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL-C, and increase in HDL-C), lipid peroxidation (decrease in malondiadehyde content), and serum antioxidant status (increases in superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and total antioxidant capacity) resulted in diabetic rats after administering TP + BG. This study, therefore, demonstrated that the intake of TP + BG has beneficial effects on glucose tolerance, lipid metabolism, and serum antioxidant status. It also revealed that TP + BG is better than TP or BG alone in improving glucose metabolism and antioxidant status in diabetic rats. Practically, the present study suggested that polyphenols-rich cereal foods are help for type 2 diabetes.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Although TP or BG was definitely helpful in the treatment and management of diabetes mellitus, synthetic anti-hyperglycemic effects were found between TP and BG. The fortification of a BG-rich cereal diet with TP could be used as a strategy to maintain health of diabetic subjects.