Effect of barley β-glucan on weight gain prevention and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) activity in Wistar rats

Obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension are key risk factors for cardiovascular disease. This study investigated the preventive effects of barley ?-glucan (BG) supplementation on morphometric parameters, body weight, and the renin-angiotensin system in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity model. Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups for 12 weeks. The control group (CT) received a standard diet (SD), while the CT+BG group was fed the same diet enriched with 5% BG. The HFD group received an HFD, and the HFD+BG group was given the HFD supplemented with 5% BG. Morphometric analysis showed that the HFD+BG group exhibited significantly reduced thoracic and abdominal circumferences compared to the HFD group, while the nose-to-anus length remained unchanged. Weight gain was significantly lower in the HFD+BG group compared to the HFD group, with a similar trend observed between the CT+BG and CT groups. ACE2 enzymatic activity revealed a notable increase in renal ACE2 in the CT+BG group vs the CT. Conversely, ACE2 activity was significantly higher in the HFD group compared to the HFD+BG group. Cardiac ACE2 activity was elevated in the CT+BG group relative to the HFD+BG group. Regarding pulmonary ACE2, significant differences were observed between the HFD+BG and CT+BG groups, and between the HFD and CT+BG groups. These findings highlight the beneficial role of BG supplementation, supporting its potential as a dietary strategy to prevent metabolic and cardiovascular disorders.