Lee Obesity Index Research Articles

Protective Effect of Tertiary Butylhydroquinone against Obesity-induced Skeletal Muscle Pathology in Post-weaning High Fat Diet Fed Rats.

Obesity deleteriously affects skeletal muscle functionality starting from infancy to adulthood, leading to dysfunctional skeletal muscle. This study, therefore, evaluated the protective action of tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ) against obesity-induced skeletal muscle pathology in high-fat diet (HFD) fed rats. Twenty post-weaning male albino rats were randomized into four groups of five rats each as: Group 1 (control), Group 2 (HFD), Group 3 (orlistat) and Group 4 (tBHQ). Group one received rat pellets for 12 weeks, while groups 2 to 4 received HFD for 12 weeks. At the end of week 8, obesity was confirmed with Lee Obesity Index and body mass index values of ≥ 303 and ≥ 0.68 gcm2, respectively. Group 3 was given oral administration of orlistat (10 mg/kg, once daily), while group 4 was given oral administration of tBHQ (25 mg/kg, once daily). Administration of orlistat and tBHQ commenced from week 9 to the end of the experiment. Chronic exposure of post-weaning rats to HFD led to their development of the metabolic syndrome phenotypes in adulthood, characterized by obesity, hyperglycemia, dyslipidaemia, hyperinsulinaemia, insulin resistance as well as induction of oxidative stress and alteration of skeletal muscle markers, which were mitigated following supplementation with orlistat and tBHQ. The study showed the anti-obesity potentials of tBHQ and its protective action against HFD obesity-induced skeletal muscular pathology.

Effect of TSH on aromatase expression of ovarian granulosa cells in obese mice.

Aromatase plays an important role in ovarian development, the normal progress of the menstrual cycle, and fertility status. Elevated aromatase activity is linked to obesity. There is a bidirectional relationship between obesity and thyroid function. Few studies have investigated the relationship between TSH and ovarian aromatase in obesity. Our aim was to investigate the effect of TSH on aromatase expression of ovarian granulosa cells in obese mice. Female mice pups were divided into an obesity group and a control group. Obese parameters and the time of pubertal onset were recorded. At the age of 5weeks, blood and tissues were obtained. Serum aromatase and hormone concentrations were measured using ELISA. The granulosa cells were isolated and exposed to variable concentrations (0μM, 1μM, 10μM, 100μM) of TSH. The expression of CYP19A1 mRNA and protein were assessed via RT-qPCR and western blot. In female mice, body weight, Lee's obesity index, and serum levels of E2, aromatase, and TSH were significantly higher in the obesity group compared to the control group, whereas the time of pubertal onset and serum T3 and T4 concentrations were significantly lower (all P < 0.001). In granulosa cells, the expression of CYP19A1 mRNA in the obesity group was lower than that in the control group at 1μM and 100μM concentrations of TSH (both P < 0.001). The expression of CYP19A1 protein in the obesity group was higher than that in the control group after TSH stimulation (P = 0.014, P < 0.001, and P = 0.004, respectively). With the increase of TSH concentrations, the expression of CYP19A1 mRNA and protein in the two groups significantly increased (all P < 0.001). Early puberty and elevated serum aromatase and TSH levels were found in obese female mice. In the granulosa cells of obese mice, TSH directly regulates aromatase expression in a dose-dependent manner.

Effect of orlistat versus lipo-6 black on the testis of adult obese albino rats: histological and histomorphometric study

Background Obesity is a health problem with increasing incidence. Excess fat is the most common factor that contributes to its pathogenesis. Aim To evaluate the effect of obesity on the testis of male rats and compare the possible ameliorative effect of orlistat versus lipo-6. Materials and methods Fifty-six adult male rats were used. The control group ‘eight rats’ received a standard diet (SD) with no treatment for 90 days. The experimental group ‘48 rats’ received high-fat diet (HFD) for 60 days for obesity induction. Obese rats were subdivided into three groups (each group a and b). IIa received SD and IIb received HFD. IIIa received SD+orlistat and IIIb received HFD+orlistat. IVa received SD+lipo-6. IVb received HFD+lipo 6. The drugs were used for 30 days. Testicular specimens were subjected to histological, histomorphometrical, and immunohistochemical examinations. Data on obesity index, testis weight, abdominal circumference sperm percentage, and histomorphometry were analyzed statistically. Results Subgroups IIIa and IVa showed restoration of the structural integrity of the seminiferous tubules with the normal distribution of collagen fibers. Sections of subgroup IIIa showed negative caspase-3 immunostaining near the control group. Lee obesity index and percentage of abnormal sperm were close to control. Conclusion Orlistat and lipo-6 with diet adjustment reduced the severity of testicular damage induced by obesity.

Effects of Indigenous Saudi Herbals on Weight Control in High Fat Diet-fed STZ Induced Diabetic Rats

Introduction: Obesity, a critical global issue, involves the accumulation of excessive body fat, elevating the risk of diabetes, hypertension, and other severe health conditions. This widespread concern is particularly pronounced in nations like Saudi Arabia, demanding urgent and efficient management approaches. Addressing weight control necessitates comprehensive interventions encompassing education, dietary modifications, and increased physical activity. By following healthier lifestyles and fostering a supportive environment, improvement can be made on healthcare systems. Collaboration between governments, healthcare professionals, and communities is pivotal to reduce obesity's impact and fostering a healthier generations.&#x0D; Methods: Research Design and Objectives: This study aimed to fill the existing void in excessive body weight treatments by investigating viable herbal interventions that are safe, readily accessible, and economically viable. Wistar albino rats were grouped to 5 groups with 5 animals each. Diabetics were induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin for all groups except group 1. Then respective groups were fed with fat diets for 12 weeks and herbals Zingiber officinale (ginger), Nigella sativa (black seeds) and Allium sativum (Garlic) from 7th to 12th weeks along with high fat diet. Mean Body weight and Lee's obesity index were calculated for each group.&#x0D; Results and Discussion: In the realm of herbal efficacy, a striking trend surfaces. Among the diverse materials scrutinized, one distinct name rises—Garlic (Allium sativum). Its prowess in diminishing both body weight and fat content stands out prominently. Across the tested spectrum, a consistent and impressive reduction in weight prevails. Particularly, Garlic asserts its dominance as a singularly remarkable performer, showcasing unparalleled effectiveness. This herbal gem not only underscores its potency but also solidifies its position as a preeminent agent for weight and fat reduction. The findings unequivocally spotlight Garlic's exceptional role in promoting healthier body composition.&#x0D; Conclusions: Herbals as Adjunctive Therapy for Obesity The findings underscore the potential of herbal interventions, particularly Garlic, in the management of weight control. These natural remedies hold promise as adjunctive therapeutic agents. However, further rigorous human trials and animal studies with large sample size and different methodology are essential to validate their efficacy and integration into obesity / weight control treatment regimens.

Flat Tummy Water Attenuates Lipid Profile and Serum Glucose of High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Female Wistar Rats

Background: Flat tummy water (FTW) is an herbal tonic preparation made from cucumber (Cucumis sativus), lemon (Citrus limon), ginger (Zingerber officinale) and mint leaf (Mentha piperita) and is believed to be effective in the reduction of central/abdominal fat. While the potency and efficacy of FTW are hardly known, the present study presents a scientific investigation of its effect on high-fat-induced obese Wistar rat models.&#x0D; Methods: FTW was constituted using measured quantities of cut and infused cucumber, lemon and mint leaf while the individual plants were extracted and mixed to obtain an extract mixture (EM). Twenty-five (25) female Wistar rats were used for the study. They were divided into five (5) groups of five (5) animals each. Groups 1 &amp; 2 served as the normal and negative controls and received standard rat chow/distilled water and high-fat diet/distilled water respectively. Groups 3, 4 &amp; 5 served as the experimental groups. Group 3 received FTW ad libitum while groups 4 &amp; 5 received 25 and 50mg/kg of extract mixtures (EM) respectively alongside the formulated high-fat diet. Lipid profile and serum glucose were determined using standard colourimetric methods. The body weight, naso-anal length, abdominal and thoracic circumferences (AC/TC) of the animals were measured before and after the experiment. &#x0D; Results: There was a significantly reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins, very low-density lipoproteins and serum glucose and significantly increased high-density proteins among the obese animals treated with FTW and EM compared to the untreated obese negative control (p&lt;0.05). The study also observed reduced body weight, AC/TC ratio and lee obesity index among treated obese animals when compared with the untreated negative control (p&lt;0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: The present study shows that the oral administration of flat tummy water (FTW) as well as extracts mixtures (EM) led to a moderate decrease in central abdominal obesity. FTW and EM showed potent anti-hyperlipidaemic, anti-hyperglycaemic and anti-obesity activity. This study concludes that these observed effects could be due to the synergistic action of cucumber (Cucumis sativus), lemon (Citrus limon), ginger (Zingerber officinale) and mint leaf (Mentha piperita).

Combined Therapy of Chitosan and Exercise Improves the Lipid Profile, Adipose Tissue and Hepatic Alterations in an In Vivo Model of Induced-Hyperlipidemia

Obesity is a prevalent public health concern in several countries, and is closely associated with several pathological disorders, including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and increased dyslipidemia. Dyslipidemia is an asymptomatic condition characterized by high levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and low levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL), leading to the increased risk of ischemic heart disease. As lipid disorders are strongly associated with lifestyle and diet, in this work we have evaluated the effect of associating chitosan and exercise on the improvement of the lipid profile of high-fat diet-fed rats. Animals were submitted orally to hypercaloric diets based on liquid butter at 1 mL/100 g to induce a hyperlipidemic state for 8 weeks (as shown by body weight and measures of the Lee obesity index). After 8 weeks, the 40 rats were separated into five groups (n = 8) and adapted to different treatment strategies: physical exercise and/or treatment with chitosan (at a concentration of 2%). The hyperlipidemic group exhibited altered levels of glucose and hepatic enzymes, i.e., aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). The treatment with chitosan over 8 weeks significantly reduced the bodyweight of the animals, reaching values lower than the control group. Exercise reduced the Lee obesity index values of all the treated groups compared to non-treated rats. The concentration of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL was significantly reduced at the end of the study to healthy thresholds. The hepatic parenchyma of hyperlipidemic animals was recovered to show normal morphology when treated with chitosan; improved histological features (ca. 20–30% of parenchymal cells) could be achieved with physical exercise. In conclusion, oral administration of chitosan associated with physical exercise had a hypolipidemic effect in a model of dyslipidemia in rodents, showing decreased levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-c, VLDL-c, glucose, and liver enzymes (AST and ALT). Our results are attributed to the synergism between the administration of chitosan and physical exercise that helps to reduce oxidative stress.

Moderate-Intensity Swimming Exercises Decrease Body Weight and Lee’s Obesity Index in Female Mice (Mus musculus)

This study aims to analyze the effect of moderate-intensity swimming exercise which performed in the morning and at night on reducing body weight and Lee?s obesity index in female mice (Mus musculus). This study used the true experiment method with the randomized control group post-test-only design. A total of 30 female mice (Mus musculus) at 3 months of age, and weighing 30 ? 40 grams (Lee's Obesity Index Value > 0.3) were divided randomly into three groups of 10, namely CTRL (n = 10, control without intervention), MISEM ( n = 10, moderate-intensity swimming exercise in the morning), and MISEN (n = 10, moderate-intensity swimming exercise at night). Body weight and Lee?s obesity index was measured twice, namely pre-exercise and 4 weeks post-exercise. Then, data was analyzed using the Paired Samples T-Test with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences SPSS version 21 software.The results show that the average body weight on CTRL between pre-exercise vs. post-exercise (33.60?2.17 vs. 39.20?3.82 gr (p-values=0.001)), MISEM (33.90?2.33 vs. 30.70?3.53 gr (p-values=0.011)), and MISEN (33.40?3.47 vs. 26.00?2.26 gr (p-values=0.000)). Lee's average obesity index on CTRL between pre-exercise vs. post-exercise (0.39?0.02 vs. 0.44?0.02 gr/mm (p-values=0.000)), MISEM (0.40?0.02 vs. 0.42?0.01 gr/mm (p-values=0.000)), MISEN (0.41? 0.01 vs. 0.37?0.02 gr/mm (p-values=0.002)). Based on the results of the study, it was concluded that moderate-intensity swimming exercise in the night was more effective in reducing body weight and Lee's obesity index than moderate-intensity swimming exercise in the morning and control without intervention

Protective and Therapeutic Effects of Orlistat on Metabolic Syndrome and Oxidative Stress in High-Fat Diet-Induced Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) in Rats: Role on Nrf2 Activation.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is an excessive buildup of liver lipids closely associated with various kinds of undesirable metabolic effects and oxidative stress. We aimed to investigate the protective and therapeutic effects of orlistat on metabolic syndrome and oxidative stress parameters in high-fat diet (HFD) induced-MAFLD rats. Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 6/group), i.e., Normal control (N), HFD, HFD + orlistat (HFD + O) (10 mg/kg/day administered concomitantly for 12 weeks as a protective model), and obese+orlistat (OB + O) (10 mg/kg/day administered 6 weeks after induction of obesity as a therapeutic model) groups. After 12 weeks, the HFD group had significantly increased Lee obesity index, serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein levels, liver total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, insulin resistance and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) together with decreased serum high-density lipoprotein level. Additionally, the HFD group also showed increased Nrf2 translocation to the nucleus with high Keap1 expression and increased liver oxidative stress parameters. Orlistat significantly improved all these alterations in HFD rats. We demonstrated that orlistat might have protective and therapeutic effects against HFD-induced MAFLD rats by its activation on Nrf2 signaling pathway, which subsequently improved metabolic syndrome and oxidative stress parameters.

Bee Bread Ameliorates Vascular Inflammation and Impaired Vasorelaxation in Obesity-Induced Vascular Damage Rat Model: The Role of eNOS/NO/cGMP-Signaling Pathway.

Obesity and hyperlipidemia are major risk factors for developing vascular diseases. Bee bread (BB) has been reported to exhibit some biological actions, including anti-obesity and anti-hyperlipidemic. This study aims to investigate whether bee bread can ameliorate vascular inflammation and impaired vasorelaxation activity through eNOS/NO/cGMP pathway in obese rats. Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10/group), namely: control (normal group), obese rats (OB group), obese rats treated with bee bread (0.5 g/kg/day, OB/BB group) and obese rats treated with orlistat (10 mg/kg/day, OB/OR group). The latter three groups were given a high-fat diet (HFD) for 6 weeks to induced obesity before being administered with their respective treatments for another 6 weeks. After 12 weeks of the total experimental period, rats in the OB group demonstrated significantly higher Lee obesity index, lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein), aortic proinflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor-α, nuclear factor-κβ), aortic structural damage and impairment in vasorelaxation response to acetylcholine (ACh). Bee bread significantly ameliorated the obesity-induced vascular damage manifested by improvements in the lipid profile, aortic inflammatory markers, and the impaired vasorelaxation activity by significantly enhancing nitric oxide release, promoting endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) immunoexpression. These findings suggest that the administration of bee bread ameliorates the impaired vasorelaxation response to ACh by improving eNOS/NO/cGMP-signaling pathway in obese rats, suggesting its vascular therapeutic role.

Protective Effects of Orlistat on Lipid Profile, Cardiac Oxidative Stress Biomarkers and Histology in High-fat Diet-induced Obese Rats

Introduction: Orlistat is a widely used drug in treating obesity as it promotes weight reduction. The aim of this study was to determine the protective effects of orlistat (10 mg/kg/day) on cardiovascular parameters and oxidative stress biomarkers in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese rats. Methods: Twenty-four male rats Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups and fed with normal diet (N), HFD and HFD with orlistat (HFD+O). Orlistat was administered daily by oral gavage and after six weeks, all rats were sacrificed. Results: Administration of orlistat along with HFD (HFD+O) has brought significant decreases in Lee obesity index and LDL level compared to HFD group. Activities of cardiac superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) were significantly higher, whereas level of oxidised LDL was significantly lower in HFD+O group compared to HFD group. HFD group had significantly higher necrotic patch area in myocardium while minimal histological changes were seen in HFD+O group. Conclusion: This study may suggest that administration of orlistat at 10 mg/kg/day for 6 weeks may have protective effects against the changes on Lee obesity index, lipid profiles, cardiac oxidative stress biomarkers and histology of myocardium in HFD-induced obese rats possibly through its hypolipidaemic and antioxidant actions.

Anti-obesity and Anti-lipidemic Properties of Ascorbic Acid in Fructose Induced Obese Wistar Rats

There are controversies as to whether ascorbic acid is efficacious in inducing weight loss and lowering lipid in obese subjects. Therefore, this study investigates the role of ascorbic acid in the treatment of obesity. Twenty-four male wistar rats were randomly divided into control, fructose, ascorbic acid and statin (n=6). Obesity was induced in the rats via free gavage drinking of fructose solution (20%w/v). Then, ascorbic acid group received 1g/kg/p.o ascorbic acid while statin group received 200mg/kg/p.o atorvastatin through oral canula for two weeks. The waist circumference, body weight, nose-anal length and Lee obesity index of the rats were measured using a vernier caliper, weighing balance and tape respectively. Serum Apolipoprotein A1 and B, Superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and ascorbic acid were determined spectrophotometrically. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze data at α=0.05. The significant (p&lt;0.01) increases in waist circumference, body weight, nose-anal length, apolipoprotein B and a lee index &gt;300 indicated that fructose induced obesity and dyslipidemia in the wistar rats. But ascorbic acid and statin decreased (p&lt;0.05) the waist circumference, body weight, Lee index and apolipoprotein B in the obese rats. Also, serum MDA and SOD increased while glutathione and ascorbic acid decreased significantly (p&lt;0.05) in the obese rats, however, these were reversed upon ascorbic acid and statin treatment. Thus, ascorbic acid may serve as an anti-obesity and anti-lipidemic agent via acting on oxidative stress pathway.

The Effect of Subdiaphragmatic Vagotomy on Lipid Profile and Insulin Resistance in Diabetic Obese Rats

The aim of the study was to assess of the effect of subdiaphragmatic vagotomy on lipid profile and insulin resistance in diabetic obese rat model. Fifty Male Albino rats were divided into 5 groups. Subdiaphragmatic vagotomy and sham operations were applied on diabetic obese rat model induced by high fat diet for 5 weeks and low dose of streptozotocin (30mg/kg). Serum samples were collected for confirmation of hyperlipidemia and lee obesity index was measured. At the end of the experiment, oral glucose tolerance test, lee obesity index, lipid profile, fasting insulinemia, fasting glucose, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and histopathology of pancreases were assessed. Results revealed that Subdiaphragmatic vagotomy significantly improved hyperlipidemia as it normalized plasma triglyceride level, decreased plasma cholesterol level and increased plasma high density lipoprotein level in diabetic and non-diabetic obese vagotomized rats. Vagotomy significantly decreased lee obesity index and perigonadal fat pads weight, decreased fasting insulinemia, decreased HOMA-IR and improved glucose tolerance in diabetic and non-diabetic obese vagotomized rats. These results were confirmed by regression of degenerative changes and restoration of the size of pancreatic islets of Langerhans. In non-diabetic obese vagotomized group, the results of 120 minutes of oral glucose tolerance test and HOMA-IR were close to normal expected values. However, the same parameters were still away from normal expected values although normal histopathological results of pancreases, in diabetic obese vagotomized group. In Conclusion, subdiaphragmatic vagotomy has a promising role in treating obesity. Nevertheless, its role in treating diabetes needs further long-term studies to be approved.

Phenolic Compounds and the Anti-Atherogenic Effect of Bee Bread in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Rats

This study was undertaken to determine the phenolic compounds and the anti-atherogenic effect of bee bread in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese rats. The presence of phenolic compounds in bee bread was determined by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Thirty-two male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups, (n = 8/group); i.e., Normal (N), HFD (high-fat diet), HFD + BB (high-fat diet and 0.5 g/kg/day bee bread), and HFD + O (high-fat diet and 10 mg/kg/day orlistat) groups. After 6 weeks of the experiment, rats were sacrificed. Five phenolic compounds were identified in bee bread; namely, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, kaempferol, apigenin, and isorhamnetin. Bee bread significantly reduced Lee obesity index and levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), fatty acid synthase (FAS) activity, atherogenic index, oxidised-LDL (oxLDL), and malondialdehyde (MDA), and significantly increased aortic antioxidant activities, such as those of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Adipocyte sizes were found to be smaller in the HFD + BB group compared to the N group, and en face aortas showed an absence of atherosclerotic plaque in rats supplemented with bee bread. These changes might suggest an anti-atherogenic effect of bee bread in HFD-induced obese rats via its antioxidant and hypocholesterolaemic properties.

Modulation of Cognition: The Role of Gnidia glauca on Spatial Learning and Memory Retention in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Rats.

Chronic exposures to high-fat diets are linked to neuropathological changes that culminate in obesity-related cognitive dysfunction and brain alteration. Learning, memory performance, and executive function are the main domains affected by an obesogenic diet. There are limited effective therapies for addressing cognitive deficits. Thus, it is important to identify additional and alternative therapies. In African traditional medicine, Gnidia glauca has putative efficacy in the management of obesity and associated complications. The use of Gnidia glauca is largely based on its long-term traditional use. Its therapeutic application has not been accompanied by sufficient scientific evaluation to validate its use. Therefore, the current study sought to explore the modulatory effects of dichloromethane leaf extracts of Gnidia glauca on cognitive function in the high-fat diet- (HFD-) induced obese rats. Obesity was induced by feeding the rats with prepared HFD and water ad libitum for 6 weeks. The in vivo antiobesity effects were determined by oral administration of G. glauca at dosage levels of 200, 250, and 300 mg/kg body weight in HFD-induced obese rats from the 6th to the 12th weeks. The Lee obesity index was used as a diagnostic criterion of obesity. The Morris water maze was employed to test spatial learning and memory retention in rats. The results indicated that Gnidia glauca showed potent antiobesity effects as indicated in the reduction of body weight and obesity index in extract-treated rats. Moreover, Gnidia glauca exhibited cognitive-enhancing effects in obese rats. The positive influences on cognitive functions might be attributed to the extracts' phytochemicals that have been suggested to confer protection against obesity-induced oxidative damage, reduction of central inflammation, and increased neurogenesis. The therapeutic effects observed suggest that Gnidia glauca might be an alternative to current medications for the symptomatic complications of obesity, such as learning and memory loss. Further studies are therefore needed to establish its toxicity profiles.

Aldosterone is involved in the pathogenesis of obesity-related glomerulopathy through activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in podocytes.

Obesity-related glomerulopathy (ORG) is morphologically characterized by glomerulomegaly with or without observable focal segmental glomerulosclerosis under light microscope, with decreased podocyte density and number, and with increased foot‑process width observed under electron microscope. The severity of podocyte injury is correlated with the degree of proteinuria and renal dysfunction. However, the pathogenesis of ORG is not well understood. The aim of the present study was to explore the possible pathogenic role of aldosterone (ALDO) in ORG. In the invivo animal experiments, body weight, Lee's obesity index, abdominal fat index, urinary protein excretion, average glomerular diameter were significantly increased, the mRNA and protein expression of podocyte‑associated molecules including nephrin, podocin, podoplanin and podocalyxin were significantly reduced, and the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway was activated in ORG model mice compared with the Control mice, whereas the administration of spironolactone significantly ameliorated these effects. In the invitro experiments on cultured podocytes, the mRNA and protein expression levels of the aforementioned podocyte‑associated molecules were significantly downregulated and the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway was activated following ALDO stimulation, whereas eplerenone significantly attenuated all the above effects. Dickkopf‑related protein 1 (DKK1), an inhibitor of Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway, also reduced the effects of ALDO exposure on the expression of podocyte‑associated molecules. The present study hypothesized that ALDO may be involved in the pathogenesis of ORG through the activation of Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway in podocytes.

Dietary Capsaicin Improves Glucose Homeostasis and Alters the Gut Microbiota in Obese Diabetic ob/ob Mice.

Background: The effects of capsaicin on obesity and glucose homeostasis are still controversial and the mechanisms underlying these effects remain largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the potential relationship between the regulation of obesity and glucose homeostasis by dietary capsaicin and the alterations of gut microbiota in obese diabetic ob/ob mice.Methods: The ob/ob mice were subjected to a normal, low-capsaicin (0.01%), or high-capsaicin (0.02%) diet for 6 weeks, respectively. Obesity phenotypes, glucose homeostasis, the gut microbiota structure and composition, short-chain fatty acids, gastrointestinal hormones, and pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured.Results: Both the low- and high-capsaicin diets failed to prevent the increase in body weight, adiposity index, and Lee's obesity index. However, dietary capsaicin at both the low and high doses significantly inhibited the increase of fasting blood glucose and insulin levels. These inhibitory effects were comparable between the two groups. Similarly, dietary capsaicin resulted in remarkable improvement in glucose and insulin tolerance. In addition, neither the low- nor high-capsaicin diet could alter the α-diversity and β-diversity of the gut microbiota. Taxonomy-based analysis showed that both the low- and high-capsaicin diets, acting in similar ways, significantly increased the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio at the phylum level as well as increased the Roseburia abundance and decreased the Bacteroides and Parabacteroides abundances at the genus level. Spearman's correlation analysis revealed that the Roseburia abundance was negatively while the Bacteroides and Parabacteroides abundances were positively correlated to the fasting blood glucose level and area under the curve by the oral glucose tolerance test. Finally, the low- and high-capsaicin diets significantly increased the fecal butyrate and plasma total GLP-1 levels, but decreased plasma total ghrelin, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels as compared with the normal diet.Conclusions: The beneficial effects of dietary capsaicin on glucose homeostasis are likely associated with the alterations of specific bacteria at the genus level. These alterations in bacteria induced by dietary capsaicin contribute to improved glucose homeostasis through increasing short-chain fatty acids, regulating gastrointestinal hormones and inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, our results should be interpreted cautiously due to the lower caloric intake at the initial stage after capsaicin diet administration.

Obesity prevention of synthetic polysaccharides in high-fat diet fed C57BL/6 mice

The effect of novel synthetic polysaccharides such as polydextrose and galactoglucomannan to host physiology has not been well studied. This study was conducted to test the impact of synthetic polysaccharides on lipid metabolism, antioxidant activity, and the composition of gut microbiota of mice fed with high-fat diet (HFD). The results showed that HFD supplemented with polysaccharides induced positive effects in relation to serum endotoxin, blood glucose, serum and liver lipids, decreased fat accumulation and Lee obesity index, and reduced liver adipose steatosis. Fifteen week treatment with polysaccharides significantly decreased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and increased total antioxidant capacity and the activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. The polysaccharides improved gut microbiota dysbiosis induced by HFD, including increasing the Bacteroidetes-to-Firmicutes ratios, significantly inhibiting the growth of Enterococcus faecalis, and promoting proliferation of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli. Furthermore, polysaccharides significantly increased the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in vitro. Thus, synthetic polysaccharides can be used as potential functional foods. Moreover, it can sufficiently decrease the risk of obesity and restore liver redox status under oxidative stress conditions mediated by HFD possibly by regulating gut microbes and increasing acetate, propionate, and butyrate.

Ingestive behavior of rats with ibotenic acid lesions of the dorsomedial hypothalamus.

Rats with electrolytic or kainic acid (KA) lesions of the dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus area (DMHA-L) are hypophagic, hypodipsic, and have a reduced body weight (BW) compared with controls. In the present study, male Sprague-Dawley rats received bilateral ibotenic acid (IBO) lesions of the DMHA (3 micrograms in 0.3 microliter) or sham (S) operations. During the next 32 days the IBO DMHA-L rats showed reduced (P less than 0.01) food and water intake, BW, and linear growth (P less than 0.03), although having a normal Lee obesity index. After a 24-h fast both groups became hyperphagic (P less than 0.01) with the DMHA-L group eating the most (P less than 0.01) during the 1st h; lost BW was regained at the same rate. In the absence of food, DMHA-L rats took less (P less than 0.01) water (data normalized) than S rats. During 24 h of water deprivation, both groups ate similar amounts of food (data normalized); following deprivation the groups were hyperdipsic. Both groups increased their food intake when given 300 mg/kg of 2-deoxy-D-glucose, which contrasts rats with electrolytic or KA DMHA-L rats. Both groups decreased their food intake when given cholecystokinin (3 micrograms/kg ip), which contrasts rats with electrolytic DMHA-L. The DMHA-L rats were not deficient in plasma glucose, insulin, growth hormone, or plasma Na+ and K+. Histology revealed many, but not all neurons, were destroyed in the DMN after IBO. The data indicate that IBO, electrolytic, or KA lesions of the DMHA produce similar but not identical physiological changes.

Impaired diet-induced thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue from rats made obese with parasagittal hypothalamic knife-cuts

Two experiments were performed to determine if bilateral parasagittal hypothalamic knife-cuts (KCs), which produce long-term overeating and obesity, alter biochemical indices of brown adipose tissue (BAT) reactivity to thermogenic stimuli. In the first study, responses to environmental cold were tested. Four weeks after surgery, KC rats had gained 4–5 times more weight than controls and were obese (increased Lee Obesity Index and weight of gonadal white fat). Before being sacrificed, groups of KC and control rats were exposed to 4°C for 21 hr or remained at 28°C. Interscapular BAT weighed 300% more in KC rats, due largely to increased white fat content. Functional indices of BAT thermogenic capacity (protein content, DNA content, cytochrome oxidase activity and mitochondrial guanosine diphosphate (GDP) binding) were normal at 28°C. Exposure to 4°C produced greatly enhanced responses but these were equivalent for both groups. This suggested an intact capacity for non-shivering thermogenesis in obese KC rats. In the second study, the same BAT responses were examined in other rats fed a palatable “cafeteria” diet (CAFE). One week after surgery, KC and control rats were subdivided into groups that received chow alone or chow plus four different palatable foods daily. Before sacrificing 4–5 weeks later, KC rats had gained 3–4 times more weight than controls and were obese. Interscapular BAT weighed 200–300% more in KC rats. CAFE feeding produced larger increments in all variables for KC vs. control rats. Most importantly, GDP binding was reduced in both KC groups, and significantly more so after CAFE feeding. Furthermore, CAFE feeding failed to elicit the usual increase in serum concentration of triiodothyronine after KC. Pair-feeding KC rats control levels of chow largely prevented all of these abnormalities. These results suggest that BAT from KC-obese rats maintains normal thermogenic reactivity to cold but not to high-calorie foods. These findings parallel almost exactly previous observations in rats made obese by medial hypothalamic lesions. Viewed collectively, they imply that the neural and/or hormonal controls over BAT are different in response to these two thermogenic stimuli.

The lee obesity index vindicated?

Correlations are reported for rats between the Lee Obesity Index and percent body fat. At weaning, rats were divided into 4 groups: supermarket diet and ovariectomy, supermarket diet and sham surgery, Lab Chow pellets and ovariectomy, and Lab Chow pellets and sham surgery. Four other groups received the treatments as adults. Eighteen and fifteen weeks later, respectively, the rats were measured for Onesity Index and were sacrificed for carcass analysis. The Obesity Index correlated well with percent body fat for animals made obese by diet; but it was not generally reliable for ovariectomized rats or for pellet fed sham operated controls. The Percent body fat also correlated well with body weight and with a simple weight/length ratio for rats made obese by diet. Thus, while the Obesity Index can reliably predict percent body fat, it may be no better at doing this than are some simpler measures.