Antidiabetic effects and mechanism of γ-polyglutamic acid on type II diabetes mice

Diabetes is one of the foremost chronic non-communicable diseases worldwide, which significantly impacts people's quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the hypoglycemic effects of γ-polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA) on STZ-induced type II diabetes mice and its potential mechanisms. The results indicated that γ-PGA intervention contributed to reducing fasting blood glucose levels in diabetic mice, regulating lipid metabolism in type II diabetes mice, and improving insulin resistance. Additionally, γ-PGA could alleviate liver inflammation, enhancing the activity of hepatic antioxidant enzymes. Investigation into the insulin signaling pathway revealed that γ-PGA significantly increased the expression of INSR, IRS-1, Akt, PI3K in diabetic mice, thereby enhancing insulin sensitivity and improving insulin resistance to regulate glucose metabolism. High-throughput sequencing of mouse gut microbiota using 16S rRNA showed that γ-PGA increased the abundance and evenness of beneficial bacteria in the intestines of type II diabetic mice, inhibited the growth of harmful bacteria, and may exerted hypoglycemic effects by modulating and improving relevant metabolic pathways associated with diabetes symptoms. This study provides new insights into the treatment of type II diabetes and highlights the significant potential of γ-PGA in treating type II diabetes.