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A newly identified polysaccharide from Ganoderma atrum attenuates hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia
Kexue Zhu1, Shaoping Nie, Chuan Li
1State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China.
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
|March 19, 2013
Summary
Ganoderma atrum polysaccharide (PSG-1) effectively lowered blood sugar and improved lipid profiles in diabetic rats. This natural compound also protected pancreatic cells, showing potential for treating type 2 diabetes complications.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
- Natural Products
Background:
- Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia and insulin resistance.
- High-fat diet and streptozotocin are common models for inducing type 2 diabetes in rats.
- Ganoderma atrum is a medicinal mushroom with various reported health benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of a purified polysaccharide from Ganoderma atrum (PSG-1).
- To evaluate the impact of PSG-1 on insulin sensitivity and pancreatic cell apoptosis in a type 2 diabetic rat model.
Main Methods:
- Purification and characterization of PSG-1 from Ganoderma atrum.
- Induction of type 2 diabetes in rats using a high-fat diet and streptozotocin.
- Oral administration of PSG-1 at different doses (200 or 400 mg/kg) to diabetic rats.
- Measurement of fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, lipid profiles, and assessment of pancreatic cell apoptosis (Bax and Bcl-2 expression).
Main Results:
- PSG-1 significantly reduced fasting blood glucose and serum insulin levels.
- PSG-1 decreased total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-C, and free fatty acid levels.
- PSG-1 increased HDL-C levels, improving insulin sensitivity and reducing insulin resistance.
- PSG-1 inhibited Bax expression and increased Bcl-2 expression in pancreatic cells, indicating a protective effect.
Conclusions:
- PSG-1 demonstrates significant hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects in a rat model of type 2 diabetes.
- PSG-1 improves insulin sensitivity and exhibits protective effects on pancreatic cells.
- PSG-1 holds potential as a therapeutic agent for managing hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes.
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