Effects of (1,3), (1,6)-Beta-D-glucan on Insulin Sensitivity and Inflammatory Markers of the Metabolic Syndrome

Effects of (1,3), (1,6)-Beta-D-glucan on Insulin Sensitivity and Inflammatory Markers of the Metabolic Syndrome

Effects of (1,3), (1,6)-Beta-D-glucan on Insulin Sensitivity and Inflammatory Markers of the Metabolic Syndrome

Insoluble (1,3),(1,6)-beta-D-glucan from bakers yeast are indigestible polysaccharides. Previous studies indicate that the intake of insoluble dietary fiber is strongly associated with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. However, the mechanisms leading to this phenomenon are largely unknown. There are close relations between metabolic and inflammatory pathways, and a number of hormones, cytokines, signal proteins, bioactive lipids, and transcription factors have been shown to be involved in both systems. Beta-D-glucans have been suggested to play a role as so called biological response modifiers. Studies in animals indicate that even small doses of (1,3),(1,6)-beta-D-glucan may have beneficial effects on immune activity, i.e., by reducing the secretion of inflammatory factors. The investigators hypothesize that the intake of isolated (1,3), (1,6)-beta-D-glucan from bakers yeast improves inflammatory makers and insulin-sensitivity in overweight subjects with increased C-reactive protein concentrations at baseline.

Beta-D-glucan induced changes in inflammatory markers, adipokines, and gut hormones. Changes in insulin-sensitivity.

Inclusion Criteria: Healthy subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) Exclusion Criteria: Any severe cardiac disease Liver Kidney diseases Type 1 or type 2 diabetes Chronical and acute inflammatory diseases Lipid lowering drugs Cortisone Antibiotics Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs Including low dose acetylsalicylic acid

Kohl A, Gogebakan O, Mohlig M, Osterhoff M, Isken F, Pfeiffer AF, Weickert MO. Increased interleukin-10 but unchanged insulin sensitivity after 4 weeks of (1, 3)(1, 6)-beta-glycan consumption in overweight humans. Nutr Res. 2009 Apr;29(4):248-54. doi: 10.1016/j.nutres.2009.03.002.