The positive effects and underlying mechanisms of Undaria pinnatifida polysaccharides on type 2 diabetes mellitus in rats

Marine Compounds and Age-Related Diseases: The Path from Pre-Clinical Research to Approved Drugs for the Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes

Ageing represents a main risk factor for several pathologies. Among them, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are predominant in the elderly population and often require prolonged use of multiple drugs due to their chronic nature and the high proportion of co-morbidities. Hence, research is constantly looking for novel, effective molecules to treat CVD and T2DM with minimal side effects. Marine active compounds, holding a great diversity of chemical structures and biological properties, represent interesting therapeutic candidates to treat these age-related diseases. This review summarizes the current state of research on marine compounds for the treatment of CVD and T2DM, from pre-clinical studies to clinical investigations and approved drugs, highlighting the potential of marine compounds in the development of new therapies, together with the limitations in translating pre-clinical results into human application.

The polysaccharides from seeds of Glycyrrhiza uralensis ameliorate metabolic disorders and restructure gut microbiota in type 2 diabetic mice

T2D and its complications are significant threats to human health and are among the most concerning metabolic diseases worldwide. Previous studies have revealed that Glycyrrhiza uralensis polysaccharide extract (GUP) exhibits remarkable antioxidant capabilities and inhibits alpha-glucosidase activity. However, whether GUP improves glycemic control in T2D is unknown. This study aims to investigate the effects of GUP on glucose and lipid metabolism as well as the intestinal microbiota in HFD/STZ-induced T2D. The results demonstrated that GUP could significantly ameliorate hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and reduce liver lipid levels in T2D mice. Furthermore, it also enhanced the integrity of the intestinal barrier in T2D mice by reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and serum LPS levels. Interestingly, GUP treatment significantly lowered serum creatinine and urea nitrogen levels, mitigating renal function deterioration and interstitial fibrosis. Additionally, GUP intervention increased the α diversity of gut microbiota, promoting beneficial species like Akkermansia, Lactobacillus, Romboutsia and Faecalibaculum, while decreasing harmful ones such as Bacteroides, Escherichia-Shigella, and Clostridium sensu stricto 1 in T2D mice. Overall, this study highlights the potential of GUP in alleviating complications and enhancing intestinal health in T2D mice, providing valuable insights into dietary strategies for diabetes control and overall health improvement.

Green synthesis of cobalt ferrite and Mn doped cobalt ferrite nanoparticles: Anticancer, antidiabetic and antibacterial studies

BACKGROUND

CoFe2O4 are important magnetic NPs with high coercivity and moderate magnetization. These properties of CoFe2O4 NPs show variation when doped with various metals. Recent studies explained that Cobalt ferrites doped with metal ion like Mn+2, have attracted increasing attention in many applications, particularly in biomedical applications. A relatively simple way is employing plants and their extracts as precursors instead of toxic chemicals to produce NPs with desirable characteristic. In current study we report green synthesis and characterization of magnetic (CoFe2O4, MnCoFe2O4, CoFe2O4@S.C, MnCoFe2O4@S.C) nanoparticles using ethanolic extract of Swertia Chirata. To enhance application as biocompatible magnetic nano drug delivery vector and cell targeting efficacy of drugs, Glimepiride (GLM), Dexamethasone (DXM), Fexofenadine (FEX) and Levofloxacin (LVX) 1were loaded on synthesized NPs. Synthesized CFNPs has been broadly characterized and applied for in vitro anticancer, antidiabetic and antibacterial potential.

METHODS

For synthesis of CoFe2O4 (CF), CoMnFe2O4 (CFM), CoFe2O4@S.C (SCF) & CoMnFe2O4 @S.C (SCFM), stochiometric amounts 5 mmol of CoCl2·6 H2O (0.284 g) and 10 mmol FeCl3·6 H2O (0.378 g) were dissolved in 13 mL of deionized water. To this sodium acetate (3.05 g) and urea (0.6 g) were added until complete dissolution. Afterward n-heptane was added, and contents were then transferred to Teflon lining autoclave at 180 °C for 4 h. Black powder CoFe2O4 NPs after washing, were dried and calcined at 450 oC for 2 h.

RESULTS

XRD diffractogram of CF have proved the single-phase cubic spinel structure formation for all samples. Swertia Chirata formulations were shown to have effective in vitro antidiabetic activity. CF, CFM & SCFM showed good inhibition of α-glucosidase with very low concentration 6 µg/mL, 5 µg/mL and 4 µg/mL as compare to 12.41 µg/mL of acarbose. SCF showed that the value slightly higher than 16 µg/mL compared to standard. Drug loaded CFNPs (L-CFNPs, F-CFNPs, D-CFNPs & G-CFNPs) also effectively inhibited α-glucosidase. IC50 value for CFNPs inhibition of α-glucosidase was 12.4 µg/mL. All synthesized CF NPs showed cytotoxic potential against breast cancer cells MCF-7. About 50-60% cell viability and cytotoxicity 40% were observed for bare CFNPs as compare to Doxorubicin with related toxicity 80% and 20% cell viability. Among synthesized samples almost all samples without conjugation of any drug showed activities against at least one bacterial strain. CFM, SCF, SCFM were active against S. aureus at concentration 100 µg/mL, 100 µg/mL, and 50 µg/mL respectively.

CONCLUSION

The synthesized CF NPs showed significant cytotoxic potential against MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. Further, drug loaded samples displayed lesser cell viability and slightly increased cytotoxicity in range of 40-50% in comparison with bare CFNPs. However, higher toxicity was observed for CFMGS towards MCF-7 cells with results nearly equal to Doxorubicin with significant decrease in viability. CF, CFM & SCFM showed good inhibition of α-glucosidase with very low concentration 6 µg/mL, 5 µg/mL and 4 µg/mL as compare to 12.41 µg/mL of acarbose. Among synthesized samples almost all samples without conjugation of any drug showed activities against at least one bacterial strain.

Marine algal polysaccharides as future potential constituents against non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is one of the most chronic and incurable liver diseases triggered mainly by an inappropriate diet and hereditary factors which burden liver metabolic stress, and may result in liver fibrosis or even cancer. While the available drugs show adverse side effects. The non-toxic bioactive molecules derived from natural resources, particularly marine algal polysaccharides (MAPs), present significant potential for treating NASH. In this review, we summarized the protective effects of MAPs on NASH from multiple perspectives, including reducing oxidative stress, regulating lipid metabolism, enhancing immune function, preventing fibrosis, and providing cell protection. Furthermore, the mechanisms of MAPs in treating NASH were comprehensively described. Additionally, we highlight the influences of the special structures of MAPs on their bioactive differences. Through this comprehensive review, we aim to further elucidate the molecular mechanisms of MAPs in NASH and inspire insights for deeper research on the functional food and clinical applications of MAPs.

Positive interactions among Corynebacterium glutamicum and keystone bacteria producing SCFAs benefited T2D mice to rebuild gut eubiosis

Accumulating evidences strongly support the correlations between the compositions of gut microbiome and therapeutic effects on Type 2 diabetes (T2D). Notably, gut microbes such as Akkermansia muciniphila are found able to regulate microecological balance and alleviate dysmetabolism of mice bearing T2D. In order to search out similarly functional bacteria, bacteriophage MS2 with a good specificity to bacteria carrying fertility (F) factor were used to treat T2D mice. Based on multi-omics analysis of microbiome and global metabolism of mice, we observed that gavage of bacteriophage MS2 and metformin led to a significant increase in the abundance of Corynebacterium glutamicum and A. muciniphila, respectively. Consequently, the gut microbiota were remodeled, leading to variations in metabolites and a substantial increase in short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). In which, the amount of acetate, propionate, and butyrate presented negative correlations to that of proinflammatory cytokines, which was beneficial to repairing the intestinal barriers and improving their functions. Moreover, main short fatty acid (SCFA) producers exhibited positive interactions, further facilitating the restoration of gut eubiosis. These findings revealed that C. glutamicum and its metabolites may be potential dietary supplements for the treatment of T2D. Moreover, our research contributes to a novel understanding of the underlying mechanism by which functional foods exert their anti-diabetic effects.

Fucus vesiculosus polysaccharide alleviates type 2 diabetes in rats via remodeling gut microbiota and regulating glycolipid metabolism-related gene expression

The antidiabetic activity and underlying mechanisms of Fucus vesiculosus polysaccharide (FVP) were studied in type 2 diabetic rats. Our results exhibited that FVP intervention reversed body weight loss, alleviated hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in diabetic rats. FVP also had the potential to ameliorate dyslipidemia, liver and kidney dysfunction, decrease oxidative stress, promote glycogen synthesis, and boost short-chain fatty acid production and total bile acid excretion. 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis suggested that FVP interfered with the gut microbiota in a beneficial manner. Moreover, RT-qPCR results demonstrated that the antidiabetic activity of FVP in connection with the acceleration of blood glucose absorption and glycogen synthesis, the inhibition of gluconeogenesis, and the regulation of lipid metabolism in the liver. These findings suggested that FVP had antidiabetic effects on high-fat diet and STZ-induced diabetic rats and could be a potential resource for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Potential Application of Marine Fucosyl-Polysaccharides in Regulating Blood Glucose and Hyperglycemic Complications

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has become the world's third major disease after tumors and cardiovascular disease. With the exploitation of marine biological resources, the efficacy of using polysaccharides isolated from marine organisms in blood glucose regulation has received widespread attention. Some marine polysaccharides can reduce blood glucose by inhibiting digestive enzyme activity, eliminating insulin resistance, and regulating gut microbiota. These polysaccharides are mainly fucose-containing sulphated polysaccharides from algae and sea cucumbers. It follows that the hypoglycemic activity of marine fucosyl-polysaccharides is closely related to their structure, such as their sulfate group, monosaccharide composition, molecular weight and glycosidic bond type. However, the structure of marine fucosyl-polysaccharides and the mechanism of their hypoglycemic activity are not yet clear. Therefore, this review comprehensively covers the effects of marine fucosyl-polysaccharides sources, mechanisms and the structure-activity relationship on hypoglycemic activity. Moreover, the potential regulatory effects of fucosyl-polysaccharides on vascular complications caused by hyperglycemia are also summarized in this review. This review provides rationales for the activity study of marine fucosyl-polysaccharides and new insights into the high-value utilization of marine biological resources.

Characterizations of food-derived ellagic acid-Undaria pinnatifida polysaccharides solid dispersion and its benefits on solubility, dispersity and biotransformation of ellagic acid

The current study was aimed to enhance the solubility, dispersibility and biotransformation efficacy of ellagic acid (EA) by preparing food-derived ellagic acid-Undaria pinnatifida polysaccharides solid dispersion (EA/UPP SD). The results demonstrated that the solubility of EA/UPP SD was improved from 0.014 mg/mL to 0.383 mg/mL, and the enhancement was related to converting to a more amorphous state and restraining its self-aggregation during the mechanochemical process. The structure of EA/UPP SDs was mostly maintained by hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions between EA and UPP. Moreover, the result of in vitro anaerobic incubations showed the biotransformation process was improved with EA/UPP SD addition to substrate due to the advance of microbial accessibility in EA dispersion. Altogether, these results indicated that the EA/UPP SDs expanded the application of EA by increasing the solubility and dispersity, and provided a theoretical basis for bioconversion efficiency enhancement.

The number of metabolic syndrome risk factors predicts alterations in gut microbiota in Chinese children from the Huantai study

BACKGROUND

Evidence on the effect of gut microbiota on the number of metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk factors among children is scarce. We aimed to examine the alterations of gut microbiota with different numbers of MetS risk factors among children.

METHODS

Data were collected from a nested case-control study at the baseline of the Huantai Childhood Cardiovascular Health Cohort Study in Zibo, China. We compared the differences in gut microbiota based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing among 72 children with different numbers of MetS risk factors matched by age and sex (i.e., none, one, and two-or-more MetS risk factors; 24 children for each group).

RESULTS

The community richness (i.e., the total number of species in the community) and diversity (i.e., the richness and evenness of species in the community) of gut microbiota decreased with an increased number of MetS risk factors in children (P for trend < 0.05). Among genera with a relative abundance greater than 0.01%, the relative abundance of Lachnoclostridium (P_FDR = 0.009) increased in the MetS risk groups, whereas Alistipes (P_FDR < 0.001) and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group (P_FDR = 0.043) decreased in the MetS risk groups compared to the non-risk group. The genus Christensenellaceae_R-7_group excelled at distinguishing one and two-or-more risk groups from the non-risk group (area under the ROC curve [AUC]: 0.84 - 0.92), while the genera Family_XIII_AD3011_group (AUC: 0.73 - 0.91) and Lachnoclostridium (AUC: 0.77 - 0.80) performed moderate abilities in identifying none, one, and two-or-more MetS risk factors in children.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the nested case-control study and the 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology, we found that dysbiosis of gut microbiota, particularly for the genera Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, Family_XIII_AD3011_group, and Lachnoclostridium may contribute to the early detection and the accumulation of MetS risk factors in childhood.

Exploring the molecular mechanism of Ling-Gui-Zhu-Gan decoction for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus based on network pharmacology and molecular docking: A review

To investigate the mechanism of action of the classical formula Ling-Gui-Zhu-Gan (LGZG) decoction in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. The active ingredients and targets of LGZG decoction were collected by the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform database and mapped using Cytoscape software to show their interrelationships. GeneCards, Pharmacogenomics Knowledge Base, OMIM, Therapeutic Target Database, and Drugbank databases were used to obtain targets related to type 2 diabetes; protein-protein interaction networks were established with the help of the STRING platform. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses were performed on selected core targets with the help of the Metascape platform. Finally, the AutoDock platform was used to perform molecular docking and display the results by Pymol software. One hundred twenty-one active ingredients, 216 effective target genes, 11,277 type 2 diabetes mellitus-related genes, 210 crossover genes, and 18 core genes were obtained for LGZG decoction. The results obtained by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes indicated that the advanced glycosylation end products-receptor of advanced glycosylation end products signaling pathway, the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase-Akt signaling pathway, and HIF-1 signaling pathway might be the key signaling pathways. Molecular docking showed that the binding energy of quercetin, kaempferol, naringenin, and licorice chalcone A to the core target genes were all <5.0 kJ-mol-1, with good affinity. In this study, the potential active ingredients and mechanisms of action of LGZG decoction in the treatment of type 2 diabetes were initially investigated, which provided a basis for the in-depth study of its drug basis and mechanisms of action.

Physical Exercise and Diet: Regulation of Gut Microbiota to Prevent and Treat Metabolic Disorders to Maintain Health

Each person's body is host to a large number and variety of gut microbiota, which has been described as the second genome and plays an important role in the body's metabolic process and is closely related to health. It is common knowledge that proper physical activity and the right diet structure can keep us healthy, and in recent years, researchers have found that this boost to health may be related to the gut microbiota. Past studies have reported that physical activity and diet can modulate the compositional structure of the gut microbiota and further influence the production of key metabolites of the gut microbiota, which can be an effective way to improve body metabolism and prevent and treat related metabolic diseases. In this review, we outline the role of physical activity and diet in regulating gut microbiota and the key role that gut microbiota plays in improving metabolic disorders. In addition, we highlight the regulation of gut microbiota through appropriate physical exercise and diet to improve body metabolism and prevent metabolic diseases, aiming to promote public health and provide a new approach to treating such diseases.

Sodium alginate-based drug delivery for diabetes management: A review

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is among the biggest global health problems of the 21st century, which is characterised by insufficient insulin secretion and results in the augmentation of blood sugar levels. The current foundation of hyperglycemia therapy is oral antihyperglycemic medications like biguanides, sulphonylureas, α-glucosidase inhibitors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) agonists, sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors and others. Many naturally occurring substances have shown promise in treating hyperglycemia. Inadequate prologitivity of action, restricted bioavailability, site specificity, and dose-related side effects are some problems with currently available anti-diabetic medications. Sodium alginate has shown promise as a drug delivery mechanism, potentially solving issues with current therapies for several substances. This review summarizes the research on the efficacy of drug delivery systems based on alginate for transporting oral hypoglycemic medicines, phytochemicals, and insulin for treating hyperglycemia.

Effect and Correlation of Rosa roxburghii Tratt Fruit Vinegar on Obesity, Dyslipidemia and Intestinal Microbiota Disorder in High-Fat Diet Mice

To investigate the effect of Rosa roxburghii Tratt fruit vinegar (RFV) on the intervention of obesity and hyperlipidemia and its potential mechanism, a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity model in mice was established and gavaged with RFV, saline and xuezhikang for 30 consecutive days, respectively. The results showed that RFV supplementation significantly reduced fat accumulation, and improved dyslipidemia and liver inflammation in HFD mice. RFV intervention for 30 days significantly improved the diversity of gut microbiota and altered the structure of gut microbiota in HFD mice. Compared with the model group (MC), the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes at least decreased by 15.75% after RFV treatment, and increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria (Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Lactobacillaceae, Bacteroides, Akkermansia,) and decreased the relative abundance of harmful bacteria (Ruminococcaceae, Erysipelotrichaceae, Ruminococcaceae _UCG-013, Lachnospiraceae, Allobaculum, Actinobacteria). Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed that Erysipelotrichaceae, Allobaculum, Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-013, uncultured_bacterium_f_Lachnospiraceae and Desulfobacterota were positively correlated (p < 0.05) with the body weight of mice, while Proteobacteria was negatively correlated (p < 0.05) with the body weight of mice. The two main bacteria that could promote dyslipidemia in obese mice were Actinobacteria and Firmicutes, while those that played a mitigating role were mainly Bacteroidetes. It is concluded that RFV plays an important role in the intervention of obesity and related complications in HFD mice by regulating their gut microbiota.

Ruminococcaceae_UCG-013 Promotes Obesity Resistance in Mice

Alterations in the gut microbiome have been linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes, in epidemiologic studies and studies of fecal transfer effects in germ-free mice. Here, we aimed to identify the effects of specific gut microbes on the phenotype of mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). After eight weeks of HFD feeding, male C57BL/6J mice in the HFD group ranking in the upper and lower quartiles for body weight gain were considered obese prone and obese resistant, respectively. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to determine the composition of the intestinal microbiota, and fecal transplantation (FMT) was conducted to determine whether the microbiota plays a causal role in phenotypic variation. Ruminococcaceae_UCG-013 was more abundant in the gut microbes of mice with a lean phenotype than in those with an obese phenotype. Ruminococcaceae_UCG-013 was identified as the most significant biomarker for alleviating obesity by random forest analysis. In a correlation analysis of serum parameters and body weight, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-013 was positively associated with serum HDL-C levels and negatively associated with serum TC, TG, and LDL-C levels. To conclude, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-013 was identified as a novel microbiome biomarker for obesity resistance, which may serve as a basis for understanding the critical gut microbes responsible for obesity resistance. Ruminococcaceae_UCG-013 may serve as a target for microbiome-based diagnoses and treatments in the future.

A Comprehensive Review of the Cardioprotective Effect of Marine Algae Polysaccharide on the Gut Microbiota

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one cause of death worldwide. Recent evidence has demonstrated an association between the gut microbiota and CVD, including heart failure, cerebrovascular illness, hypertension, and stroke. Marine algal polysaccharides (MAPs) are valuable natural sources of diverse bioactive compounds. MAPs have many pharmaceutical activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antidiabetic effects. Most MAPs are not utilized in the upper gastrointestinal tract; however, they are fermented by intestinal flora. The relationship between MAPs and the intestinal microbiota has drawn attention in CVD research. Hence, this review highlights the main action by which MAPs are known to affect CVD by maintaining homeostasis in the gut microbiome and producing gut microbiota-generated functional metabolites and short chain fatty acids. In addition, the effects of trimethylamine N-oxide on the gut microbiota composition, bile acid signaling properties, and CVD prevention are also discussed. This review supports the idea that focusing on the interactions between the host and gut microbiota may be promising for the prevention or treatment of CVD. MAPs are a potential sustainable source for the production of functional foods or nutraceutical products for preventing or treating CVD.

Modulation of Intestinal Flora by Dietary Polysaccharides: A Novel Approach for the Treatment and Prevention of Metabolic Disorders

Intestinal flora is numerous and diverse, and play a key role in maintaining human health. Dietary polysaccharides are widely present in the daily diet and have a moderating effect on the intestinal flora. Past studies have confirmed that intestinal flora is involved in the metabolic process in the human body, and the change in intestinal flora structure is closely related to the metabolic disorders in the human body. Therefore, regulating intestinal flora through dietary polysaccharides is an effective way to treat and prevent common metabolic diseases and has great research value. However, this area has not received enough attention. In this review, we provide an overview of the modulatory effects of dietary polysaccharides on intestinal flora and the key role of intestinal flora in improving metabolic disorders in humans. In addition, we highlight the therapeutic and preventive effects of intestinal flora modulation through dietary polysaccharides on metabolic disorders, aiming to find new ways to treat metabolic disorders and facilitate future exploration in this field.

Qizhi Kebitong Formula Ameliorates Streptozocin-Induced Diabetic Osteoporosis through Regulating the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB Pathway

Background

Diabetic osteoporosis (DOP) is a progressive osteoblast dysfunction induced by high glucose, which has negative impacts on bone homeostasis. Qizhi Kebitong formula (QKF) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula for treating DOP. However, its role in the protection of DOP has not been clarified yet. Here, we aimed to explore the potential mechanisms of QKF on DOP development via in vivo experiment.

Methods

Network pharmacology was used to detect the key targets and signaling pathways of QKF on DOP. The effects of QKF on DOP were examined by the phenotypic characteristics, micro-CT, and hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining. The predicted targets and pathways were validated by a streptozocin- (STZ-) induced mouse model. Subsequently, the levels of the selected genes and proteins were analyzed using qRT-PCR and Western blot. Finally, AutoDock and PyMOL were used for molecular docking.

Results

In this study, 90 active compounds and 2970 related disease targets have been found through network pharmacology. And QKF could improve the microstructures of femur bone mass, reduce inflammatory cell infiltration, and downregulate the levels of TNF-α, IKBKB, IL-6, and IL-1β. Moreover, the underlying effect of PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathways was also recommended in the treatment.

Conclusion

Altogether, our findings suggested that QKF could markedly alleviate osteoblast dysfunction by modulating the key targets and PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Recent research advances in polysaccharides from Undaria pinnatifida: Isolation, structures, bioactivities, and applications

Undaria pinnatifida, one of the most widespread seafood consumed in China and many other nations, has been traditionally utilized as an effective therapeutically active substance for edema, phlegm elimination and diuresis, and detumescence for more than 2000 years. Numerous studies have found that polysaccharides of U. pinnatifida play an indispensable role in the nutritional and medicinal value. The water extraction and alcohol precipitation method are the most used method. More than 40 U. pinnatifida polysaccharides (UPPs) were successfully isolated and purified from U. pinnatifida, whereas only few of them were well characterized. Pharmacological studies have shown that UPPs have high-order structural features and multiple biological activities, including anti-tumor, antidiabetic, immunomodulatory, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticoagulating, antithrombosis, antihypertension, antibacterial, and renoprotection. In addition, the structural characteristics of UPPs are closely related to their biological activity. In this review, the extraction and purification methods, structural characteristics, biological activities, clinical settings, toxicities, structure-activity relationships and industrial application of UPPs are comprehensively summarized. The structural characteristics and biological activities as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms of UPPs were also outlined. Furthermore, the clinical settings and structure-activity functions of UPPs were highlighted. Some research perspectives and challenges in the study of UPPs were also proposed.

Moutan Cortex polysaccharide ameliorates diabetic kidney disease via modulating gut microbiota dynamically in rats

Growing evidence suggests that polysaccharides from traditional Chinese medicine positively affect diabetic kidney disease (DKD) mainly through modulating gut microbiota. Previously, we demonstrated that supplementation with the polysaccharide from Moutan Cortex (MC-Pa) alleviated DKD in rats. The study intends to investigate the dynamic modulation of MC-Pa on DKD from the gut microbiota perspective. The DKD rat model was induced by a high-fat and high-sugar diet combined with streptozotocin (STZ). The rats were then supplemented with MC-Pa (80 and 160 mg/kg BW) for 12 weeks. The results showed that MC-Pa administration relieved hyperglycemia and renal injury in DKD rats. MC-Pa also reconstructed gut microbiota, improved intestinal barrier function, reduced serum proinflammatory mediators, and elevated the short-chain fatty acid (SCFAs) contents. In addition, the dynamics of Lactobacillus and Muribaculaceae_unclassified were in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Spearman correlation analysis found that a cluster of gut microbiota phyla and genera were significantly associated with DKD-related indicators. These results demonstrated that MC-Pa positively affected DKD rats by modulating gut microbiota dynamically and had potential as a prebiotic.

Fucoidan ameliorates glucose metabolism by the improvement of intestinal barrier and inflammatory damage in type 2 diabetic rats

It has been reported that fucoidan possesses anti-diabetic activities by inhibiting α-glucosidase activity, improving β-cell dysfunction, and enhancing insulin sensitivity. However, as a macromolecular carbohydrate, fucoidan is rarely absorbed and indigestible in gastrointestinal tract. The study aimed to explore whether the fucoidan can regulate glucose metabolism by improving intestinal barrier and inflammation in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats. A high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin was used to induce T2DM rats. Different doses of fucoidan (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) were administered respectively by lavage to T2DM rats for 8 weeks and saline was given to controls. The results showed that in addition to hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia, T2DM rats were also characterized by increased intestinal permeability and proinflammatory cytokines. Notably, fucoidan reduced fasting blood glucose and insulin resistance index along with alleviated the accumulation of proinflammatory cytokines in T2DM rats. Furthermore, fucoidan repaired the intestinal barrier function, which was accompanied by the up-regulation of tight junction proteins and the improvement of intestinal inflammation via inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB signaling. Meanwhile, fucoidan also mitigated the liver damage, and alleviated insulin resistance by activating PI3K/AKT signaling. Collectively, these findings supported the potential of fucoidan to be used as a functional ingredient to prevent T2DM.

The impact of a novel Chinese yam-derived polysaccharide on blood glucose control in HFD and STZ-induced diabetic C57BL/6 mice

Chinese yam, as a kind of traditional “medicine and food homologous food” in Asia, could assistance to digestion, nourish the lungs and relieve cough. Some research also suggested that Chinese...