Effect of carrot intake on glucose tolerance, microbiota, and gene expression in a type 2 diabetes mouse model

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) pathophysiology involves insulin resistance (IR) and inadequate insulin secretion. Current T2D management includes dietary adjustments and/or oral medications such as thiazolidinediones (TZDs). Carrots have shown to contain bioactive acetylenic oxylipins that are partial agonists of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (Pparg) that mimic the antidiabetic effect of TZDs without any adverse effects. TZDs exert hypoglycemic effects through activation of Pparg and through the regulation of the gut microbiota (GM) producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which impact glucose and energy homeostasis, promote intestinal gluconeogenesis, and influence insulin signaling pathways. This study investigated the metabolic effects of carrot intake in a T2D mouse model, elucidating underlying mechanisms. Mice were fed a low-fat diet (LFD), high-fat diet (HFD), or adjusted HFD supplemented with 10% carrot powder for 16 weeks. Oral glucose tolerance tests were conducted at weeks 0 and 16. Fecal, cecum, and colon samples, as well as tissue samples, were collected at week 16 during the autopsy. Results showed improved oral glucose tolerance in the HFD carrot group compared to HFD alone after 16 weeks. GM analysis demonstrated increased diversity and compositional changes in the cecum of mice fed HFD with carrot relative to HFD. These findings suggest the potential effect of carrots in T2D management, possibly through modulation of GM. Gene expression analysis revealed no significant alterations in adipose or muscle tissue between diet groups. Further research into carrot-derived bioactive compounds and their mechanisms of action is warranted for developing effective dietary strategies against T2D.