Glycosaminoglycans from fish waste alleviate high fat diet induced obesity via modulating plasma biomarkers and fatty acid profile of obese C57BL/6 mice

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Glycosaminoglycans are sulphated polysaccharides which shows various biological activities including anti-obesity, anti-inflammation etc., Extracted glycosaminoglycans (e-GAGs) from mackerel fish waste was studied for their potential as an anti-obesity molecule by in-vivo mechanisms. An attempt was made to study their beneficial effects in regulating plasma biomarkers and fatty acids of liver and fecal matter.
 
 Materials and Methods: In-vivo studies were conducted on male C57BL/6 mice (20-22g, 6-8 weeks of age). The animal studies had the IAEC (150/2019) clearance from CSIR-CFTRI, Mysuru. Animals were fed with a high fat diet and the e-GAGs treatment was at 0.4 and 0.8% through diet. Plasma analysis was done with commercially available kits; fatty acids were analyzed by gas chromatography as fatty acid methyl esters. Histopathology was carried out with H&E staining.
 
 Results: Plasma biomarkers like SGOT, SGPT, ALP, creatinine and LDH were reduced in the treatment groups in dose dependent manner compared to high fat fed groups. SFA in the liver was highest in the high fat fed group (54.25%), ameliorated to 50.25 and 48.35% with the e-GAGs fed at 0.4 and 0.8% through diet respectively. Fecal fatty acid composition showed the higher (p<0.05) elimination of SFA in the treatment groups. Tissue histopathology of spleen, kidney and pancreas showed the highest damage in the high fat fed group and normalized with the e-GAGs treatment.
 
 Conclusion: e-GAGs from fish waste could be beneficial in modulating obesity via modulating fatty acid composition and tissue protection from the obesity induced damage and benefit as a potent anti-obesity molecule.