The beneficial effects of Gracilaria lemaneiformis polysaccharides on obesity and the gut microbiota in high fat diet-fed mice

Abstract Some polysaccharides from Gracilaria lemaneiformis (GLPs) are shown to have various activities, but the effects of GLPs on diet-induced obesity and the underlying mechanisms are unclear. This study indicated that dietary supplementation with GLPs reduced weight gain and improved body composition in high fat diet (HFD)-fed mice without reduced food consumption. Fat accumulation in the liver and adipose tissues was reduced by GLPs, and the damages of HFD on the intestine were repaired. These effects could be associated with the modulation of the gut microbiota, resulting in a specific microbiota that similar to normal microbiota. Changes in the gut microbiota may affect the expression of lipid-related genes via short chain fatty acids-dependent pathways. It revealed that GLPs can alleviate HFD-induced obesity by improving the gut microbiota dysbiosis, suggesting that G. lemaneiformis can be developed as food supplement to improve metabolic syndrome and intestinal diseases.