Extended treatment with (1→3)(1→6)-β-d-glucan (Botryosphaeran) reduces obesity and its comorbidities in high-fat/high-sugar diet-fed rats

Obesity is associated with other diseases such as diabetes and cancer. Botryosphaeran, a fungal (1 -> 3)(1 -> 6)-beta-d-glucan, is described to present antimutagenic, hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic, and antitumor activities when administered by gavage over 15 days in rats and mice. Thus, the present study aims to analyze the metabolic effects of Botryosphaeran (12 mg/kg body weight/day) treatment over 30 days in obese Wistar male rats. Obesity was induced in the rats by a high-fat/high-sugar diet for 8 weeks. Control rats received a standard diet. On the 5th week, Botryosphaeran treatment commenced. Groups: control, obese, and obese+Botryosphaeran 30 days. In the 8th week, obesity was characterized. Feed intake, glucose and lipid profiles, glucose tolerance, and insulin sensitivity were analyzed. Obese rats showed accumulation of visceral adipose tissue, reduction of muscle mass, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia. Botryosphaeran effectively reduced weight gains and the accumulation of retroperitoneal adipose tissue, corrected the levels of glucose, triglycerides, and very low-density lipoprotein-cholestrol, and improved insulin sensitivity. Treatment for 30 days was effective in maintaining the beneficial effects demonstrated by this beta-glucan when administered for 15 days without promoting side effects. Treatment with (1 -> 3)(1 -> 6)-beta- d-glucan presented anti-obesogenic and beneficial metabolic effects in Wistar rats; important for the treatment of obesity and its comorbidities.