Structural characterization of Hericium erinaceus polysaccharides and the mechanism of anti-T2DM by modulating the gut microbiota and metabolites

A low molecular weight polysaccharides of HEP-1, with molecular weights of 1.67 x 104 Da and composition of & RARR;6)-& beta;-D-Glcp-(1 & RARR;, & RARR;3)-& beta;-D-Glcp-(1 & RARR;, & beta;-D-Glcp-(1 & RARR; and & RARR;3,6)-& beta;-D-Glcp-(1 & RARR;, was isolated and characterized from the fruiting body of Hericium erinaceus. The results indicated that HEP-1 showed potential effects against T2DM-induced imbalance of glucose and lipid metabolism by promoting the serum glucose uptake by hepatic glycogen synthesis via activating the IRS/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and inhibiting fatty acid synthesis and reducing hepatic lipid accumulation via activating the AMPK/SREBP-1c signaling pathways. Besides, HEP-1 promoted the production of beneficial bacteria in the gut, and increased the beneficial metabolites in liver through the gut-liver axis, consequently, resisting the occurrence of T2DM.

Automated summary

A low molecular weight polysaccharides, HEP-1, was isolated and characterized from the fruiting body of Hericium erinaceus. HEP-1 showed potential effects against T2DM-induced imbalance of glucose and lipid metabolism by activating the IRS/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and inhibiting fatty acid synthesis via the AMPK/SREBP-1c signaling pathways. Moreover, HEP-1 promoted the production of beneficial bacteria in the gut and increased beneficial metabolites in the liver, thus resisting the occurrence of T2DM through the gut-liver axis.