Effects of β-Glucan from Three Different Sources on Glucolipid Metabolism in Mice with Metabolic Syndrome

Glucan, a common dietary fiber, shows prebiotic potential for managing metabolic disorders, intestinal inflammation, and cardiovascular dysfunction. Although our earlier work found that glucans from various sources differ in molecular weight and linkage, how these variations affect their protective efficacy against metabolic syndrome (MetS) is still unknown. This study examined the effects of β-glucan from barley, highland barley, and oat bran on mice with high-fat diet-induced MetS. Various MetS-related indicators were analyzed, including overweight, dyslipidemia, hypertension, liver function, and host metabolites. Findings revealed that the differential effects of β-glucans primarily occurred in serum and hepatic lipid metabolism. HBBG was most effective at reducing LDL-C and hepatic lipid accumulation. Furthermore, changes in liver inflammation and lipid transport gene expression indicated that HBBG more effectively alleviated hepatic inflammation and regulated CCL2 and CD36 gene expression. These results highlight the source-dependent bioactivity of dietary β-glucans in improving metabolic disorders.