The effect of EGCG and EGCG nanoparticles on body weight and body composition in LDL receptor null mice

Abstract

ObjectiveWe successfully synthesized epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) encapsulated nanoparticles (Enano), and incorporated macrophage‐targeting ligands on the surface of Enano (L‐Enano). The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of EGCG, Enano and L‐Enano on body weight, food intake and body composition of LDL receptor null mice (LDLr‐/‐ mice).Method: Male LDL r‐/‐ mice were fed with an atherogenic diet and received intravenously administration of 1×PBS, EGCG, Enano, or L‐Enano dissolved in 1×PBS at EGCG dose 25 mg/kg body weight for 22 weeks. Food intake and body weight were measured weekly by manual weighing using an electronic laboratory balance, body composition was measured at week 0,10 and 22 using EchoMRI Body Composition Analyzer.Results: Food intake was similar among all groups. As compared to 1×PBS group, all treatment groups decreased body weight, body fat mass and body fat percentage. L‐Enano compared to Enano decreased body fat percentage. Mice treated with EGCG had less body weight and body fat mass than mice treated with Enano or L‐Enano.ConclusionLDLr‐/‐ mice treated with free EGCG lost more body weight and body fat mass than mice treated with EGCG nanoparticles.