Trans-palmitoleic acid prevents weight gain, but does not modify glucose homeostasis in a rodent model of diet-induced obesity

Abstract

<h2>Summary</h2> Adipose tissue enlargement is associated with metabolic abnormalities as impairment of glucose homeostasis and insulin resistance. Some dietary factors, like fatty acids, have been studied for their effects on these metabolic abnormalities. <i>Trans</i>-palmitoleic acid (TP) has been found to reduce diabetes onset and adiposity in clinical studies and to decrease adipocyte size in animals. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the effect of TP over glucose homeostasis in a rodent model of diet-induced obesity (DIO). To fulfil this aim, we fed C57BL/6J mice with a Control or a High Fat diet, with or without TP (3g/kg diet) during 11 weeks. Glucose and insulin tolerance tests (GTTs and ITT) were performed to address glucose homeostasis. Akt phosphorylation was examined by immunoblot in adipose tissue and muscle. Results show that High Fat TP group gained less weight than the High Fat group. GTTs (intraperitoneal and oral) and ITT, as well as Akt activation were not different after TP consumption. In conclusion, diet supplementation with TP prevents weight gain but has neutral influence over glucose homeostasis and insulin-mediated Akt activation in a DIO mice model.