Beneficial effects of 1,3–1,6 β-glucans produced by Aureobasidium pullulans on non-esterified fatty acid levels in diabetic KKAy mice and their potential implications in metabolic dysregulation

Objectives In this study, we used an obese and diabetic mouse model to compare two strains of Aureobasidium pullulans (AFO-202 and N-163) produced beta-glucans (β-glucans), which alleviate lipotoxicity. Methods Four groups of KK-Ay mice were used, with six subjects in each group. Group 1: sacrificed on day 0 for baseline values; Group 2: control (drinking water); Group 3: AFO-202 beta glucan—200 mg/kg/day; Group 4: N-163 beta glucan—300 mg/kg/day for 28 consecutive days. Results Group 4 (N-163) had the lowest non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) levels and marginally decreased triglyceride levels compared to the other groups. There were no significant differences in blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. N-163 β-glucans decreased NEFA levels after 28 days. Conclusion These results, although modest, warrant further in-depth research into lipotoxicity and associated inflammatory cascades in both healthy and diseased subjects for the prevention and management of metabolic dysregulation and associated diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).