Selenium-containing polysaccharides from Ziyang green tea ameliorate high-fructose diet induced insulin resistance and hepatic oxidative stress in mice.

The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of selenium-containing tea polysaccharides (Se-GTP) from a new variety of selenium-enriched Ziyang green tea against high fructose (HF)-induced insulin resistance and hepatic oxidative stress in mice. Healthy male Kunming mice were fed 20% high fructose water and administered 200, 400 and 800 mg per kg bw Se-GTP for 8 weeks. Mice fed HF in drinking water displayed significant insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis and oxidative stress observed by hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia, as well as increases in hepatic non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) and malonaldehyde (MDA). The administration of Se-GTP at 400 and 800 mg per kg bw significantly improved insulin sensitivity, and reduced liver steatosis and oxidative stress damage, and brought back the antioxidants and hepatic lipids towards near-normal values. In the oral glucose tolerance test, the administration of Se-GTP at 400 and 800 mg per kg bw had reduced plasma glucose concentrations after 30 min of glucose loading in HF-fed mice, suggesting that Se-GTP improved glucose intolerance. Histopathological examination indicated that the impaired pancreatic/hepatic tissues were effectively restored in HF-fed mice following the Se-GTP treatment. This is the first report showing that Se-GTP can ameliorate the high fructose-induced insulin resistance and hepatic oxidative injury.