Lycopene up‐regulates mRNA expressions of SIRT and adiponectin and down‐regulates PPARγ and IL‐6 in adipose tissue of hypercaloric diet‐fed rats

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of lycopene supplementation on inflammation in adipose tissue of obese rats.MethodsMale Wistar rats were first fed control diet (C, n=6) or hypercaloric diet (HD, n=12) for 6 wks. Afterwards, the HD rats were randomized into two groups: HD [placebo (corn oil)] or HD+L [lycopene (10 mg/Kg BW/day in corn oil)] by gavage for 6 wks. Plasma lycopene concentration was analyzed by a HPLC system. The mRNA expressions of SIRT1, FoxO1, adiponectin, PPARγ, MCP‐1 and IL‐6 in adipose tissue were determined by real time PCR.ResultsLycopene was detected in plasma (24 nmol/L) from HD+L group only. The mRNA expressions of adiponectin, SIRT1 and FoxO1 decreased significantly but PPARγ, MCP‐1 and IL‐6 increased significantly in adipose tissue from HD group, as compared with those of C group. Although there was no difference in adiposity index between the HD and HD+L group, lycopene supplementation restored the reduced expressions of SIRT1 and FoxO1 to the levels of the C group and inhibited the up‐regulations of PPARγ, MCP‐1 and IL‐6 mRNA expressions in the HD+L group.ConclusionLycopene modulates several key inflammatory genes in adipose tissue indicating its potential protective effect against obesity‐related inflammation.Financial Support: FAPESP (2010/06100–9; 2010/19746–4; 2011/22786–0)