August 01, 2025 | Foods |
A study exploring how polysaccharides extracted from Hylocereus polyrhizus pulp residues (HPPP) influence obesity-related intestinal damage was carried out by Guangdong Ocean University, China, and the University of Madras, India. While previous research has shown that HPPP can improve metabolic disorders and support intestinal barrier function, the underlying mechanism, particularly regarding O-glycosylation in the mucus layer, had not been fully understood.
To address this, researchers established a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese colitis mouse model and applied nano-capillary liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (nanoLC-MS/MS) to monitor changes in O-glycosylation. Proteomic and O-glycosylation profiling identified 155 altered glycosylation sites in colon tissue, with the MUC2 core protein showing a 2.1-fold increase in glycosylation modification.
The findings indicate that HPPP regulates mucus O-glycosylation, enhancing the protective function of the intestinal mucus layer. This regulation helps alleviate colonic mucosal damage and strengthens intestinal structure under obesity-induced stress.
Overall, the study provides new insights into how HPPP exerts protective effects on intestinal health by modulating glycosylation processes. These results suggest potential applications of HPPP in functional foods or therapeutic strategies aimed at managing obesity-associated intestinal disorders.
