Fuc-S, a New Degraded Polysaccharide From Fucoidan, Alleviates Type 2 Diabetes-Associated Liver Injury Through...

Area of Science:

• Marine biotechnology
• Nutritional science
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) often leads to liver damage.
• Identifying natural compounds for T2DM management is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the therapeutic effects of Fucus vesiculosus-derived fucoidan (Fuc-S) on T2DM-induced liver injury.
• To explore the mechanisms underlying Fuc-S's protective actions.

Main Methods:

• Induction of T2DM in mice using streptozotocin (STZ) and a high-fat diet (HFD).
• Administration of Fuc-S (100 or 200 mg/kg) for 5 weeks.
• Assessment of glucose tolerance, lipid metabolism, liver function markers (ALT, AST), oxidative stress markers (SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, MDA), gut microbiota composition, fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and intestinal tight junction proteins (ZO-1, occludin).

Main Results:

• Fuc-S treatment significantly improved glucose tolerance, lipid metabolism, and liver function in diabetic mice.
• Fuc-S reduced hepatic steatosis and serum ALT/AST levels, enhanced antioxidant defenses, and decreased oxidative stress.
• Fuc-S modulated gut microbiota, promoting beneficial bacteria and increasing SCFA production, while reinforcing intestinal barrier integrity.

Conclusions:

• Fuc-S effectively alleviates T2DM-induced liver injury in mice.
• The protective effects are mediated through the gut microbiota-SCFA-liver axis, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
• Fuc-S shows potential as a dietary intervention for T2DM management.