Effects of <i>Cordyceps cicadae</i> Polysaccharide on Gut Microbiota, the Intestinal Mucosal Barrier, and Inflammation in Diabetic Mice
<b>Background:</b> Polysaccharides produced by the edible fungus <i>Cordyceps cicadae</i> can regulate blood sugar levels and may represent a suitable candidate for the treatment of diabetes and its complications. However, there is limited information available about the mech...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Metabolites |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2218-1989/15/1/8 |
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| Summary: | <b>Background:</b> Polysaccharides produced by the edible fungus <i>Cordyceps cicadae</i> can regulate blood sugar levels and may represent a suitable candidate for the treatment of diabetes and its complications. However, there is limited information available about the mechanism of how <i>C. cicadae</i> polysaccharide (CCP) might improve diabetic conditions. <b>Methods:</b> This study investigated its effects on the intestinal microbiota, intestinal mucosal barrier, and inflammation in mice with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) induced by streptozotocin, and its potential mechanisms. <b>Results:</b> Compared with the DC (diabetes model control group), CCPH oral treatment significantly increased the number of beneficial bifidobacteria, bifidobacteria, and lactobacilli (<i>p</i> < 0.01), restored the diversity of intestinal microorganisms in diabetic mice, and the proportions of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes (34.36%/54.65%) were significantly lower than those of the DC (52.15%/32.09%). Moreover, CCPH significantly reduced the content of endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) and D-lactic acid(D-LA) (<i>p</i> < 0.05), the activities of antioxidant enzymes and total antioxidant capacity were significantly increased (<i>p</i> < 0.01), and the content of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were reduced by 42.05%, 51.28%, and 52.79%, respectively, compared with the DC. The TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, as a therapeutic target for diabetic intestinal diseases, plays a role in regulating the inflammatory response and protecting the intestinal barrier function. Molecular mechanism studies showed that oral treatment with CCPH down-regulated the expression of NF-κB, TLR-4, and TNF-α genes by 18.66%, 21.58%, and 34.87%, respectively, while up-regulating the expression of ZO-1 and occludin genes by 32.70% and 25.11%, respectively. CCPH regulates the expression of short-chain fatty acid levels, increases microbial diversity, and ameliorates mouse colon lesions by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. <b>Conclusions:</b> In conclusion, it is demonstrated that in this murine model, the treatment of diabetes with <i>C. cicadae</i> polysaccharide can effectively regulate intestinal microbiota imbalance, protect intestinal mucosal barrier function, and reduce inflammation in vivo, suggesting this natural product can provide a suitable strategy for the treatment of T2D-induced gut dysbiosis and intestinal health. |
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| ISSN: | 2218-1989 |