The interplay between Dendrobium Officinale polysaccharide, gut microbiota, and lipid metabolism in HFD/STZ-induced type 2 diabetic mice

Dietary polysaccharides are effective in mitigating hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and improving the condition of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Our investigation explored the changes in the normal microbiome that occur upon high-fat diet feeding and how dietary Dendrobium officinale polysaccharides (DOP) can benefit the treatment of T2DM by mitigating gut microbial dysbiosis. In addition, we have evaluated the changes in lipid metabolism in T2DM mice. Results suggest that HFD feeding (8 weeks) and streptozotocin (120 mg/kg b.w) result in insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, and gut microbial dysbiosis associated with T2DM. Treatment with DOP results in improved glucose and insulin tolerance, as well as a better plasma and tissue lipid profile. In addition, histopathological and molecular changes support the biochemical observations. Results of gut microbiome studies based on 16S rRNA sequencing suggest that DOP plays a role in improving the population of beneficial bacterial species. In summary, DOP attenuated hyperlipidemia by regulating gut microbial dysbiosis in T2DM.