Theabrownin Isolated from Pu-erh Tea Regulates Bacteroidetes to Improve Metabolic Syndrome of Rats Induced by High-fat, High-sugar and High-salt Diet

Background: Theabrownin (TB), a high macromolecular compound and a characteristic component of Pu-erh tea, is able to markedly regulate blood lipid and glucose metabolism. We hypothesized that TB could ameliorate metabolic syndrome induced by high-fat, high-sugar and high-salt diet (HFSSD).

Results: To test these hypotheses, we fed rats with HFSSD and administered a gavage of TB. HFSSD successfully induced metabolic syndrome in rats. TB significantly improved serum lipid status, prevented obesity and fasting blood glucose (FBG) and glycosylated hemoglobin (GHbAIc) in rats. After TB intervention, Firmicutes/Bacteroides (F/B) ratio was greatly reduced and showed a dose-effect relationship. TB promoted the reproduction of Bacteroidetes such as prevotella_sp._CAG:1031, prevotella_sp._MGM2 and Bacteroides_sartorii, and inhibited the reproduction of Firmicutes such as roseburia_sp._1XD42-69 and roseburia_sp._831b.

Conclusion: In HFSSD mode, prevotella_sp._CAG:1031 was one of the main dominant characteristic bacteria of TB targeting regulation, while roseburia_sp._1XD42-69 mainly inhibitory intestinal bacteria, which help to reduce body weight, TG and blood sugar levels of HFSSD rats. Glycerophospholipid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and insulin resistance were the critical pathway. TB has a high application potential in reducing the risk of metabolic diseases. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.