Effects of soy hull polysaccharide on dyslipidemia and pathoglycemia in rats induced by a high-fat-high-sucrose diet

Widely targeted metabolomics analysis reveals the effect of soybean hull polysaccharides on nonvolatile components of plant-based yogurt and its metabolic pattern

Soybean hull polysaccharides (SHPS) enhance the physicochemical properties of plant-based yogurt. However, their effects on the nutritional profile and biochemical mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to assess the impact of SHPS addition on the nonvolatile components of plant-based yogurt and its underlying mechanisms through widely targeted metabolomics analysis. The results demonstrated that the addition of SHPS (0.2 %-1.0 % w/v) enhanced the levels of free amino acids, sugars, and organic acids, with the addition of 0.6 % w/v being particularly effective in improving yogurt quality. Widely targeted metabolomics analysis revealed 278 differential metabolites between yogurt supplemented with 0.6 % SHPS (SPY) and the control sample. SHPS increased the content of various metabolites, including amino acids and derivatives, saccharides, organic acids, and flavonoids, among others. Key metabolic pathways affected by SHPS included pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis; valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis; and benzoate degradation. As the primary component of SHPS, galacturonic acid affected the metabolic products in yogurt by participating in the pentose and glucuronate interconversions and ascorbate and aldarate metabolism pathways. These findings elucidate the role of SHPS in modulating the nutritional composition of plant-based yogurt, offering valuable insights into its functional mechanisms in food processing.

The screening of α-glucosidase inhibitory peptides from β-conglycinin and hypoglycemic mechanism in HepG2 cells and zebrafish larvae

Inhibition of carbohydrate digestive enzymes is a key focus across diverse fields, given the prominence of α-glucosidase inhibitors as preferred oral hypoglycaemic drugs for diabetes treatment. β-conglycinin is the most abundant functional protein in soy; however, it is unclear whether the peptides produced after its gastrointestinal digestion exhibit α-glucosidase inhibitory properties. Therefore, we examined the α-glucosidase inhibitory potential of soy peptides. Specifically, β-conglycinin was subjected to simulated gastrointestinal digestion by enzymatically cleaving it into 95 peptides with gastric, pancreatic and chymotrypsin enzymes. Eight soybean peptides were selected based on their predicted activity; absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity score; and molecular docking analysis. The results indicated that hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions play important roles in inhibiting α-glucosidase, with the tripeptide SGR exhibiting the greatest inhibitory effect (IC50 = 10.57 μg/mL). In vitro studies revealed that SGR markedly improved glucose metabolism disorders in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells without affecting cell viability. Animal experiments revealed that SGR significantly improved blood glucose and decreased maltase activity in type 2 diabetic zebrafish larvae, but it did not result in the death of zebrafish larvae. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that SGR exerts its anti-diabetic and hypoglycaemic effects by attenuating the expression of several genes, including Slc2a1, Hsp70, Cpt2, Serpinf1, Sfrp2 and Ggt1a. These results suggest that SGR is a potential food-borne bioactive peptide for managing diabetes.

An investigation of a strengthening polysaccharide interfacial membrane strategy utilizing an anionic polysaccharide-alkaline ligand interfacial assembly for all-liquid printing

The applications of polysaccharides as emulsifiers are limited due to the lack of hydrophobicity. However, traditional hydrophobic modification methods used for polysaccharides are complicated and involve significant mechanical and thermal losses. In this study, soy hull polysaccharide (SHP) and terminally aminopropylated polydimethylsiloxane (NPN) were selected to investigate the feasibility of a simple and green interfacial membrane strengthening strategy based on the interfacial polymerization of anionic polysaccharides and fat-soluble alkaline ligands. Our results show that deprotonated SHP and protonated NPN can be complexed at the water/oil (W/O) interface, reduce interfacial tension, and form a strong membrane structure. Moreover, they can quickly form a membrane at the W/O interface upon the moment of contact to produce stable all-liquid printing products with complex patterns. However, the molecular weight of NPN affects the complexation reaction. Consequently, this study has long-term implications to expanding the areas of application for anionic polysaccharides.

The decreased interface tension increased the transmembrane transport of soy hull polysaccharide-derived SCFAs in the Caco-2 cells

Polysaccharides impact intestinal fermentation and regulate interfacial properties which affect absorption and transportation. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), the main metabolites of soy hull polysaccharide lysate, are readily absorbed by the body and perform various physiological functions. We analysed the interfacial properties and transport of soy hull polysaccharide-derived SCFAs in the Caco-2 cell model to clarify the transmembrane transport mechanism. The results showed that the interfacial properties of the co-culture system were influenced by both transit time and concentration of SCFAs, the uptake and transit rates of SCFAs at 1-3 h increased significantly with time (P < 0.05). With increasing transit time and concentration, the transit rates of SCFAs on the apical side (AP) → basolateral side (BL) and BL → AP sides increased and then stabilised, the transit rate of the AP → BL side was higher than that of the BL → AP side. Proteomic analysis showed that soy hull polysaccharide-derived SCFAs resulted in the differential expression of 285 upregulated and 501 downregulated after translocation across Caco-2 cells. The differentially expressed proteins were mainly enriched in ribosomes, oxidative phosphorylation, nuclear transport, and SNARE vesicular transport. This study lays the theoretical foundation for understanding the structure-activity relationship of soy hull polysaccharides in the intestine.

Triterpenoids of Ganoderma lucidum inhibited S180 sarcoma and H22 hepatoma in mice by regulating gut microbiota

In order to explore effect of natural plant extracts on anti-tumor and prevent tumor development. The study assessed the antitumor effect of triterpenoids of Ganoderma lucidum (TGL) on S180 and H22 tumor bearing mice. A triterpene compound, 2α, 3α, 23-trihydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid, was successfully isolated and purified from G. lucidum. S180 and H22 cells were subcutaneously inoculated in the left axilla of mice to establish a transplantable tumor model. After, the mice were orally treated with TGL and evaluated by tumor inhibition rate, organ index, and the serum index. The Bax and Bcl-2 proteins and gut microbiota was analyzed using western blot and 16S rDNA sequencing respectively. The results showed the tumor inhibition rates of TGL were higher than 40% in H22 and S180 tumor bearing mice. TGL had a protective effect on the spleen and thymus, and improved lipid peroxidation caused by the increased free radicals. TGL downregulated Bcl-2 and upregulated Bax. In particular, TGL treatment improved the reduction of gut microbiota richness and structure.

EXPLORING the prophylactic potential of Azadirachta indica leaf extract against dyslipidemia

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Several studies revealed that different parts of Azadirachta indica A. Juss, has therapeutic potential against inflammatory issues and dyslipidemia which is a major contributing cause to cardiovascular diseases, oxidative stress and serum glucose levels, etc. AIM OF STUDY: Present study was conducted to evaluate anti-dyslipidemic capacity of Azadirachta indica leaf extract in dyslipidemic rabbits.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ethanolic extract of Azadirachta indica leaves was obtained by using Soxhlet apparatus. This extract was used for efficacy study on rabbits. In this context, 25 healthy rabbits were selected for study, Efficacy trial involved five groups of rabbits, 5 rabbits in each group; NC (Negative Control); healthy rabbits received normal diet. In remaining 20 rabbits, dyslipidemia was induced by using high fat diet for 28 days followed by administration of Azadirachta indica leaf ethanolic extract for 60 days in a dose-dependent manner. PC (Positive Control) include dyslipidemic rabbits received normal diet while G₁, G₂, G₃ groups included dyslipidemic rabbits receiving different concentrations of Azadirachta indica leaf extract (i.e. 300, 500 and 700 mg/kg of body weight, respectively). Blood samples were analyzed for serum lipid profile after every 15 days to determine the effect of treatments.

RESULTS

Significant reduction in total cholesterol (60 ± 3.4 mg/dL), triglycerides (40.31 ± 2.5 mg/dL) and low-density lipoprotein (28.87 ± 2.1 mg/dL) was observed in G₂ (P ≤ 0.05)while a significant increase was observed in high-density lipoprotein (60.47 ± 1.7 mg/dL) of G₂ (P ≤ 0.05) as compared to other groups.

CONCLUSION

Results revealed that ethanolic extract of Azadirachta indica leaves in G₂ group (@ 500 mg/kg of body weight) normalized lipid profile in dyslipidemic rabbits after 60 days of extract administration which significantly lowered TC, TG, LDL levels (P ≤ 0.05) and improved HDL level.

Chinese patent medicine shouhui tongbian capsule attenuated loperamide-induced constipation through modulating the gut microbiota in rat

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Shouhui tongbian capsule (SHTC) is a commercial Chinese patent medicine used in the treatment of constipation. However, its mechanism of action remains unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study was undertaken to assess SHTC relieved effects on the clinical symptoms of loperamide (LOP) induced constipation in Sprague Dawley (SD) rat model and to clarify the relationship between the protective effect of SHTC on constipation and the gut microbiota.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Constipation male SD rats models were induced with solution of LOP (1.5 mg/kg bw), and rats were treated with an oral dose of SHTC (35, 70 mg/kg bw) three times a day after successful modeling. All rats were assessed weekly by change in body weight, gastric emptying rate, fecal moisture content and wet/dry weight. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) were used to observe parts of the rats small intestine. The gut microbiota in colonic contents was analyzed using 16SrRNA gene sequencing. Contents of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GCMS).

RESULTS

The results confirmed the therapeutic effects of SHTC on constipation. Specifically, SHTC could alleviate the decrease in body weight, gastric emptying rate and fecal moisture content caused by LOP-induced constipation. The pathological damage of small intestine was significantly improved by H&E staining. Notably, SHTC increased the relative abundances of Lactobacillus and the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroides (F/B). In addition, the content of acetic acid and propionic acid was significantly increased in constipated rats fed with SHTC.

CONCLUSION

SHTC could ameliorate the development of LOP-induced constipation in rats by remodeling the structure of gut microbial community and regulating production of intestinal metabolites.

Effects of different enzyme extraction methods on the properties and prebiotic activity of soybean hull polysaccharides

In this study, five different processes, including hot water (HW-ASP), single enzyme (cellulase, pectinase and papain; C-ASP, PE-ASP, and P-ASP), and compound-enzyme (cellulose: pectinase: papain = 3:3:1; CE-ASP) for the extraction of soybean hull polysaccharides (ASPs) were employed, and the characterization and prebiotics activity of five polysaccharides were analyzed. These polysaccharides possessed different primary structural characteristics, including molecular weight distribution, monosaccharide composition, chemical composition, surface morphology, potential particle size, etc., while similar functional groups. In vitro digestibility assay indicated that C-ASP had strong resistance to gastric juice hydrolysis and α-amylase as compared with HW-ASP. Furthermore, C-ASP elevated the acidifying activity and promoted the growth of probiotics (Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Lactobacillus acidophilus) during the fermentation (p < 0.05). C-ASP improved the levels of total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and had better prebiotic activity than HW-ASP (p < 0.05). These findings denote that enzyme-assisted polysaccharides extracted from soybean hulls have the potential to be served as novel probiotics.

Emulsification characteristics of soy hull polysaccharides obtained by membrane separation

Membrane separation technology was used to separate and purify the microwave-assisted oxalic acid extraction of soy hull polysaccharides (MOSP) in order to obtain samples of different molecular weights. The emulsification characteristics of the MOSP were investigated including protein adsorption, polysaccharide adsorption, interfacial tension, emulsion index, and particle size; optical microscopy and Phenom electron microscopy were used to elucidate the emulsion structures. In addition, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and high-performance gel-filtration chromatography (HPGFC) were used to study the differences in the components and structures of MOSP in different molecular weights. The molecular weight had several important effects on the emulsifying properties of MOSP. The adsorption capacities of the emulsion droplets containing low molecular weight MOSP (L-MOSP), middle molecular weight MOSP (M-MOSP), and high molecular weight MOSP (H-MOSP) were relatively low, and those of H-MOSP were slightly higher than those of L-MOSP. With extended storage time, the particle sizes of the emulsions rich in L-MOSP, M-MOSP, and H-MOSP increased. L-MOSP, M-MOSP, and H-MOSP were mainly composed of furans. The conformation of the molecular chain was spherical. The emulsions formed with H-MOSP were the most stable.

The potential mechanisms of Macrocystis pyrifera polysaccharides mitigating type 2 diabetes in rats

Our previous studies have proved that the anti-digestive polysaccharide from Macrocystis pyrifera possesses potential hypoglycemic and lipid-lowering activities; however, its potential mechanisms for improving diabetes have not been elucidated. The current study was aimed to determine the anti-diabetic effects and possible mechanisms of Macrocystis pyrifera polysaccharides (MPP) in diabetic rats. After 8-week MPP treatment, the serum profiles, gut bacteria composition and relative gene expressions of rats were determined. MPP administration effectively ameliorated the diabetic symptoms, dyslipidemia, liver and kidney damage, oxidative stress and chronic inflammation in diabetic rats. In addition, MPP treatment could also notably improve the microbial dysbiosis by increasing the beneficial bacteria and decreasing a bacterial pathogen in the diabetic rats. The RT-qPCR analysis indicated that MPP intervention significantly up-regulated the IRS/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and down-regulated the relative expressions of glucose-6-phosphatase (G-6-Pase), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA reductase (HMGCR) and sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c) in diabetic rats. These results demonstrated that MPP had the potential to be exploited as functional foods or pharmaceutical supplements for preventing and treating diabetes.

An Insight into Antihyperlipidemic Effects of Polysaccharides from Natural Resources

Hyperlipidemia is a chronic metabolic disease caused by the abnormal metabolism of lipoproteins in the human body. Its main hazard is to accelerate systemic atherosclerosis, which causes cerebrovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease and thrombosis. At the same time, although the current hypolipidemic drugs have a certain therapeutic effect, they have side effects such as liver damage and digestive tract discomfort. Many kinds of polysaccharides from natural resources possess therapeutic effects on hyperlipidemia but still lack a comprehensive understanding. In this paper, the research progress of natural polysaccharides on reducing blood lipids in recent years is reviewed. The pharmacological mechanisms and targets of natural polysaccharides are mainly introduced. The relationship between structure and hypolipidemic activity is also discussed in detail. This review will help to understand the value of polysaccharides in lowering blood lipids and provide guidance for the development and clinical application of new hypolipidemic drugs.

Na+/Ca2+ induced the migration of soy hull polysaccharides in the mucus layer in vitro

This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of Na⁺/Ca²⁺-induced soy hull polysaccharide (SHP) migration in the mucus layer. The viscosity, potential, microstructure, SHP migration, and metabolite migration were analyzed. The results showed that Na⁺ had little effect on the viscosity of polysaccharides, while Ca²⁺ increased the viscosity of polysaccharides. Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ promoted the migration of SHP particles by reducing the zeta potential, while they decreased the migration of SHP chyle particles by increasing the aggregation. SHP was fermented by gut microbiota to produce a large number of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Compared with Ca²⁺, Na⁺ increased the migration of total SCFAs in the mucus layer. The high-Na⁺/Ca²⁺ mucus internal environment had a specific effect on the transport of nutrients in the intestine.

Enhancing the bioaccessibility of puerarin through the collaboration of high internal phase Pickering emulsions with β-carotene

Puerarin is a medicinal and edible flavonoid compound found in the traditional Chinese medicine Pueraria lobata rhizome that has potential biological benefifits, including for the treatment of diabetes and memory...