The Influence of Polysaccharides on Lipid Metabolism: Insights from Gut Microbiota

ScopePolysaccharides are complex molecules of more than ten monosaccharide residues interconnected through glycosidic linkages formed via condensation reactions. Polysaccharides are widely distributed in various food resources and have gained considerable attention due to their diverse biological activities. This review presented a critical analysis of the existing research literature on anti-obesity polysaccharides and investigates the complex interplay between their lipid-lowering activity and the gut microbiota, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of the lipid-lowering properties of polysaccharides and the underlying mechanisms of action.Methods and resultsIn this review, the study summarized the roles of polysaccharides in improving lipid metabolism via gut microbiota, including the remodeling of the intestinal barrier, reduction of inflammation, inhibition of pathogenic bacteria, reduction of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) production, and regulation of the metabolism of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and bile acids (BAs).ConclusionThese mechanisms collectively contributed to the beneficial effects of polysaccharides on lipid metabolism and overall metabolic health. Furthermore, polysaccharide-based nanocarriers combined with gut microbiota have broad prospects for developing targeted and personalized therapies for hyperlipidemia and obesity. The lipid-lowering effects of polysaccharides, which are mediated by the gut microbiota, involve a range of mechanisms. These include remodeling of the intestinal barrier, reduction of inflammation, inhibition of pathogenic bacteria, reduction in trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) production, and regulation of the metabolism of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and bile acids (BAs).image