Tomato lycopene supplementation modulates leptin, resistin and IL‐6 levels in diet‐induced obese rats

Abstract

To determine if lycopene supplementation can regulate adipokine expression in obesity, male Wistar rats were randomly assigned for receiving control diet (C,n=6) or hypercaloric diet (DIO,n=12) for 6 wks. After this period, DIO animals were randomized into two groups: DIO(n=6) or DIO supplemented with lycopene (DIO+L,n=6). They received corn oil (DIO) or lycopene (DIO+L) by gavage for 6 wks. The lycopene used was tomato oleoresin (Lyc‐O‐Mato, Lycored, Israel) that was mixed with corn oil (10 mg/Kg body wt/day). Animals were killed by decapitation and blood samples and adipose tissue were collected for hormonal determinations and gene expression evaluation (IL‐6, MCP‐1, TNF‐α, leptin and resistin). There was no detectable lycopene in plasma of C and DIO groups, however, mean lycopene plasma concentration was 24 nmol/L in DIO+L. Lycopene supplementation did not affect body weight or adiposity, however significantly decreased leptin, resistin and IL‐6 gene expression and plasma concentrations. It reduced gene expression of MCP‐1 in adipose tissue. Lycopene affects adipokines, reducing leptin, resistin and IL‐6 plasma levels, indicating a potential protective effect. These data suggest that tomato lycopene may be an effective strategy to reduce the inflammation in obesity. Financial support: FAPESP(#10/06100–9, #10/19746–4, #11/19847–8, #11/22786–0, #11/19738–4)