Chitosan improves insulin sensitivity as determined by the euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp technique in obese subjects
Introduction
Obesity is the consequence of a chronic net positive energy balance and is reaching epidemic proportions, representing an important disease worldwide. It is associated with an increased risk for several metabolic abnormalities such as insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. Both of these conditions lead to early stages of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease, which is the first cause of morbidity and mortality in many countries [1]. Several pharmacological and nonpharmacological strategies for managing overweight and obesity have been used, receiving a great deal of attention for clinicians and patients [2].
Chitosan describes a heterogeneous group of polysaccharide polymers differing in molecular weight, viscosity, degree of deacetylation, and pKa. Such characteristics allow it to be used for a wide range of applications [3]. It is produced by partial alkaline N-deacetylation of chitin, which is extracted from shrimp and crab shells. Chemically, it is a high-molecular-weight linear polycationic heteropolysaccharide composed copolymers of β-1,4-linked d-glucosamine and N-acetyl-d-glucosamine [4]. It has been used to decrease lipid levels and weight [5], [6]; however, there is no information about its effect on insulin sensitivity.
Obesity is associated with insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. We believe that chitosan will decrease weight and reduce blood lipids; however, its effect on insulin sensitivity is not known. Therefore, we hypothesized that chitosan improves insulin sensitivity as determined by the euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp technique in obese subjects. We undertook this study with the objective to determine the effect of chitosan on insulin sensitivity using the euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp technique in obese patients during a 3-month period. The results of this study may increase the knowledge about a product with a potential use as a dietary supplement to control certain obesity-associated abnormalities.
Section snippets
Methods and materials
A randomized, double-blind clinical trial was carried out in 12 obese (body mass index [BMI] 30-40 kg/m2) adults (30 to 50 years of age) without diabetes mellitus. The study protocol was reviewed and approved by the hospital-based ethics committee, and written informed consent was obtained from all volunteers. Subjects were selected from the same residential area and socioeconomic status. All individuals were nonsmokers. Their body weight was stable for at least 3 months before the study. Blood
Results and discussion
Three women and three men in each group were included in this study. There was no significant difference in age between groups (42.6 ± 5.6 vs 41.6 ± 6.3 years; placebo and chitosan, respectively; P = .937).
Weight decreased significantly after chitosan administration (90.7 ± 14.2 vs 84.7 ± 13.7 kg; P = .027) with a tendency to decrease with placebo (91.6 ± 9.0 vs 88.9 ± 9.2 kg; P = .075). There was a significant decrease in BMI after chitosan administration (34.3 ± 2.7 vs 31.6 ± 2.2 kg/m2; P =
Acknowledgment
The authors declare no competing interests with any of the mentioned pharmaceutical companies. Financial support was provided by the Medical Research Unit in Clinical Epidemiology, Specialties Hospital, Medical Unit of High Specialty, West National Medical Center, Mexican Institute of Social Security, Guadalajara, Mexico. We thank Sharon Morey, Executive Editor, Scientific Communications, for English editing assistance.
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