Positive effects of Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) intervention on insulin resistance and gut microbial dysbiosis induced by bisphenol A

Abstract

Schematic illustration of ameliorative effects of EGCG on BPA-induced insulin resistance. • EGCG intervention successfully ameliorated insulin resistance and impaired insulin sensitivity induced by BPA exposure. • EGCG intervention restored serious damage of gut tight junctions. • EGCG effectively improved intestinal flora disorder and increased gut short chain fatty acids level. Bisphenol A (BPA), a plasticizer, is widely believed to cause metabolic disorders. However, an effective intervention is still absent. This study investigated the beneficial effects of Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on insulin resistance and microbial disturbance induced by BPA. The serum glucose, insulin, total triglyceride, and total cholesterol were decreased in BPA-treated mice after the intervention of EGCG. The sensitivity of insulin signals in peripheral tissue was improved by modulating the phosphorylation of IRS-1, Akt, and GSK-3β. In addition, 16S rRNA analysis for fecal microbiota showed the relative abundance of Ruminiclostridium , Blautia , unidentified_Ruminococcaceae , and Candidatus_Saccharimonas were restored by the high dose of EGCG. Furthermore, EGCG increased the concentrations of fecal short-chain fatty acids and protected the gut barrier impaired by BPA. Overall, our results demonstrated the positive effects of EGCG on BPA-induced insulin resistance and gut microbial dysbiosis. The current study provides a potential treatment for the chronic metabolic toxicity of BPA.