Polysaccharides isolated from Laminaria japonica attenuates gestational diabetes mellitus by regulating the gut microbiota in mice

The current study was aimed to explore the beneficial effects of p olysaccharides isolated from Laminaria japonica (LP) on gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) mice. The obtained results demonstrated that the LP improved serum biochemical index, body weight index, and glucose tolerance. Furthermore, the evidence also suggested that the beneficial effects of LP might be attributed to the alternation in gut microbiota by LP supplementation. Particularly, the Turicibacter , a short-chain fatty acids-producing bacterium, was found to be up-regulated. In conclusion, the obtained results indicated that the LP might serve as prebiotic, and might have a great potential to be used as food supplementation for GDM patients.