Modulatory Effects of NBF1, an Algal Fiber-Rich Bioformula, on Adiponectin and C-Reactive Protein Levels, and Its Therapeutic Prospects for Metabolic Syndrome and Type-2 Diabetes Patients

Nlandu Roger Ngatu; Mitsunori Ikeda; Daniel Kuezina Tonduangu; Severin Luzitu Nangana; Tomohiro Hirao

doi:10.3390/biomedicines10102572

Modulatory Effects of NBF1, an Algal Fiber-Rich Bioformula, on Adiponectin and C-Reactive Protein Levels, and Its Therapeutic Prospects for Metabolic Syndrome and Type-2 Diabetes Patients

Biomedicines. 2022 Oct 14;10(10):2572. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines10102572.

Authors

Nlandu Roger Ngatu¹, Mitsunori Ikeda², Daniel Kuezina Tonduangu³, Severin Luzitu Nangana⁴, Tomohiro Hirao¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Public Health, Kagawa University Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan.
² Wellness and Longevity Center, University of Kochi, Kochi 781-8515, Japan.
³ Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
⁴ Preventive Medicine Unit, Kimbanguist Hospital of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Abstract

An unhealthy diet can lead to the development of metabolic disorders. C-reactive protein (CRP) has been reported to be an inflammatory component of metabolic disorders. Additionally, reduced adiponectin (APN) levels is known as a predictor of metabolic disorders. We report on the beneficial effects of NBF1, an algal fiber-rich formula, on CRP, APN, and diabetes markers. Additionally, associations between dietary nutrients, CRP, and APN were investigated. A dietary survey that used a brief self-administered diet history questionnaire, a validated 58-item fixed-portion-type questionnaire, and a 4-week placebo-controlled dietary intervention were carried out. The latter consisted of a twice daily intake of 3 g of sujiaonori alga-based powder as a supplement (NBF1, n = 16), whereas the placebo group received the same amount of corn starch powder (n = 15). CRP and APN levels were assayed by ELISA. Clinical cases comprising three subjects with metabolic disorders treated with NBF1, including two type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and one subject with hypercholesterolemia, are also reported. They received 2.1g NBF1 once daily for 12 weeks. Intakes of algal fiber and n-3 PUFA were positively associated with the increase of APN, and n-3PUFA intake was inversely associated with CRP. All cases had improved metabolic health profile.

Keywords: C-reactive protein; adiponectin; metabolic marker; sujiaonori.

Grants and funding

This research project was partially supported by Kochi Prefecture Local Development Fund 2015, Kochi prefecture government, Japan. However, the APC was not funded.