Metabolic effects of botryosphaeran, a (1→3)(1→6)-β-D-glucan, in a model of gestational obesity: maternal and progeny developmental impacts

Abstract

Maternal obesity is associated with several disorders, and its neonatal impacts include macrosomia. Botryosphaeran, a (1→3)(1→6)-β-D-glucan, produced by the fungus Botryosphaeria rhodina exhibits antiobesogenic effects in rats. The objective of this work was to evaluate, for the first time, the effects of botryosphaeran on obese and non-obese rats during the pregnancy period and its effects on offspring. Female Wistar rats ( n = 18) were separated into two groups: control, which received commercial ration and water; and obese, that received high-fat ration and water with sucrose (300 g/liter), for 8 weeks. In the 8 ^th week, the rats were divided in the proportion of two rats to one breeding male. After confirmation of pregnancy, the females were subdivided into 4 groups: Pregnancy Control, Botryosphaeran Pregnancy Control, Pregnancy Obese, and Botryosphaeran Pregnancy Obese. In the last 2-thirds of gestation, rats of the botryosphaeran group received the -glucan solution (12 mg/kg/day, via gavage), the control and obese rats received saline solution. At the end of the experiment, the mothers and their offspring were evaluated. Obese mothers had fat accumulation, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia. Botryosphaeran significantly reduced blood glucose, corrected insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. The female and male offspring of the obese group showed higher weight gain, adipose tissue accumulation, soleus muscle reduction, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia. Botryosphaeran was effective in correcting these parameters. In conclusion, botryosphaeran exerts significant and promising effects, including antiobesogenic, hypocholesterolemic, and insulin sensitizing action in mothers and their offspring, demonstrating botryosphaeran as a potential agent to prevent obesity and its comorbidities.