Reduced Fat Deposition Research Articles

Reduced Meal Frequency Decreases Fat Deposition and Improves Feed Efficiency of Growing-Finishing Pigs.

Simple SummaryIn this research, we studied the effects of feeding frequency (three meals per day vs. free access to feed) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass quality, and lipid metabolism in growing–finishing pigs. The results showed that reducing feeding frequency can effectively improve the feed conversion ratio. The three meals per day group had a different growth performance in terms of reduced fat deposition and changed carcass composition. This study provides a new scheme for the feeding and management of growing–finishing pigs.An experiment was conducted to examine the effect of meal frequency on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass quality, and lipid metabolism in growing–finishing pigs. Sixty-four Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire barrows and gilts (26.40 ± 2.10 kg initial body weight) were used in a 112-d experiment in a randomized complete blocked design. The two treatments were the free-access feed group (FA) and the three meals per day group (M3), respectively. The result showed that the average daily feed intake (ADFI) and F: G of the FA group were significantly higher than that in the M3 group during the whole experiment (p < 0.05). Reducing meal frequency also decreased the concentration of triglycerides and urea nitrogen but increased the concentration of insulin and free fatty acids in the blood (p < 0.05). Reducing meal frequency decreased compositions of backfat, belly, and fatty pieces but increased compositions of ham, longissimus muscle, and lean pieces in the carcass (p < 0.05). Greater enzyme activities of ME and FAS and higher mRNA expression of FAS and PPARγ were found in the LM of FA pigs compared with M3 pigs (p < 0.05). In summary, a lower meal frequency improves feed efficiency by regulating lipid metabolism and reducing fat deposition.

Deciphering the lncRNA and mRNA profiles of Min pig backfat after acute cold stress

ABSTRACT Cold stress can promote fat metabolism and reduce fat deposition. The present study compared differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs and mRNAs in the subcutaneous back fat of Min pigs subjected to 24 h acute cold stress. Transcriptome sequencing was used to identify DE lncRNAs and mRNAs. A lncRNA mRNA co expression network was constructed using the confirmed lncRNAs. GO and KEGG analyses were performed to investigate the biological processes involved in the response to acute cold stress. A total of 166 DE lncRNAs and 269 DE mRNAs were found. Several genes such as ANGPTL4, KLF11 and NUPR1 were related to lipid metabolism. Interferon stimulating genes (ISGS) such as RSAD2, ISG20, ISG15, DDX60, MX2, MX1 and IFI6 were all significantly up-regulated. In addition, genes related to blood flow, respiration, and oxidative stress were also up-regulated. Many terms related to defense response to a virus were found in the GO annotation. A lncRNA mRNA co expression network comprising 46 specific mRNAs and the top 10 up-regulated DE lncRNAs was constructed. According to the results, the interaction between lncRNAs and mRNAs was complex. This study provides genome-wide gene and lncRNA expression profiles in adipose tissue of pigs after acute cold stress.

Integrated multiple-omics reveals the regulatory mechanism underlying the effects of artificial feed and grass feeding on growth and muscle quality of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus)

The muscle quality of farmed fish has attracted widespread public attention. To understand a comprehensive molecular mechanism underlying the effects of artificial formula feed- (AF) and grass-feeding (GF) on muscle quality and growth of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus), muscular transcriptomics and proteomics of GF and AF C. idellus were characterized. A total of 834 DEGs (484 up-, 350 down-regulated genes) and 487 DEPs (271 up- and 216 down-regulations) were identified between groups. Then, the functional enrichment analysis of DEGs & DEPs (DEs) and the integration of multiple-Omics (SDFs), further reflected that the stronger myofiber differentiation and protein synthesis capacities are likely the main strategy of more muscle mass gain in AF C. idellus, while the muscle growth in GF C. idellus is consequent to the stronger muscle cell proliferation and hypertrophy. Secondly, there was a significant difference in muscle fiber types between GF and AF groups, this has a noticeable effect on muscle tenderness and quality. In combination with previously metabolic results, we established DEG-DEP-SDM interaction network, which validated that the slow-MyHC-I fiber, dense in AF C. idellus muscles, accumulated more glycogen and exhibited more powerful glycolytic activity. Meanwhile, the suppressed activity of eIF2α in AF C. idellus muscles promoted protein synthesis, the “Ubiquitin mediated proteolysis” was simultaneously restrained. However, the activities of TCA cycle and fatty acid oxidation were significantly enhanced in GF muscles (rich in fast-MyHC-IIb). Accordingly, the up-regulated ACSL1, ACADS, ppara, etc. were quantified in GF C. idellus samples with stronger fatty acids β-oxidation activity, then led to the reduction of cellular triglycerides and lipid droplet formation. Additionally, our results also provide key information for further understanding of the molecular mechanisms (e.g. MAPK and PI3K signaling pathways, Necroptosis and so on) of C. idellus under dietary treatments. In summary, the grass-feeding could effectively alleviate the negative effects of AF on fish, namely, reducing fat deposition, improving nutrients, flavor and texture of muscle, relieving insulin resistance and stress tolerance, finally lead to better nourishing and healthy C. idellus.

Swertiamarin ameliorates diet-induced obesity by promoting adipose tissue browning and oxidative metabolism in preexisting obese mice.

Obesity is a risk factor for many metabolic diseases. Efficient therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. Swertiamarin (STM) prevents obesity and the associated insulin resistance and inflammation. However, the therapeutic effects of STM on preexisting obesity remain unclear. Therefore, in this study we aim to investigate the effects of STM on energy expenditure and fat browning in mice with preexisting obesity. C57BL/6J mice are fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks to induce obesity and then gavaged (or not) with STM for 10 weeks. The whole-body energy metabolism of mice is examined by indirect calorimetry. The results show that after 10 weeks of treatment, STM markedly prevents HFD-induced weight gain, chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and hepatic steatosis. STM promotes oxygen consumption and energy expenditure. The level of uncoupling protein 1 is enhanced in the brown and white adipose tissues of STM-treated mice. STM increases the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase and the expressions of genes involved in fat oxidation, reducing fat deposition in skeletal muscles. Meanwhile, STM does not affect the intestinal microbiotic composition. Overall, STM supplementation may serve as a potential therapy for obesity.

Metabolizable energy value of crude glycerin and effects on broiler performance and carcass yield

Two experiments were carried out to determine the metabolizable energy of crude glycerin (CG) and to evaluate the effect of adding different levels of CG on broiler performance and yield of carcass and cuts. The first consisted of a metabolism assay using total excreta sampling method aiming to determine the apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen balance (AMEN). This assay was performed in two phases: 10–18 days (initial phase) and 25–33 days of age (growth phase). The broilers were alloted in a randomized design with two treatments (reference diet and reference diet + 80 g/kg of CG inclusion) and nine replications, with ten birds per cage. The AMEN was 2651 kcal/kg and 3013 kcal/kg, for the initial and growth phases, respectively. In the second experiment, 1600 Cobb 500 male broilers from 1 to 42 days were alloted in a randomized block experimental design, with 8 treatments and 8 replications of 25 birds per experimental unit, according to factorial arrangement (2 feed forms × 4 levels of CG: 0, 40, 80 and 120 g/kg). At 43 days of age, three birds from each cage were slaughtered to evaluate yield of carcass and cuts in each treatment. There was a quadratic effect (P < 0.01) on feed intake and weight gain of glycerin fed birds, but no difference in feed conversion (P>0.05). Carcass and cut weights presented quadratic behavior (P < 0.01), but regarding yield, only quadratic effect (P < 0.01) was observed for carcass, linear increase (P < 0.01) for wings and linear reduction (P < 0.01) for fat. Using CG improved weight gain. Up to 46.30 g/kg CG improved carcass yield and up to 120 g/kg reduced fat deposition.

A Novel Gut-Orchestrated Exercise Theory on Obesity and Cancer Prevention

A novel gastrointestinal tract (gut) mediated exercise theory was developed to explain how highly disciplined physical activity can help prevent obesity and cancer. The gut serves the modern human body as another brain. The gut microbiota plays crucial regulatory roles in determining the health of the gut itself and entire body. Adequate exercise has been recommended to increase energy expenditure and reduce fat deposition, especially visceral adiposity. This article presents a gut-brain axis related theory based upon which with adequately intense and regular physical activity, the gut does assimilate foods and nutrients more effectively. Thus, the amount and flow of excreta are optimized. As such, the excretion of unhealthy compounds such as cholesterol, fatty acids, and to some extent starch increase. As a result, hepatic load of nutrients decrease. Consequently, the entire body tissues experience a relief in the time-consuming and energy-burning process of metabolite turnover and detoxification. Therefore, regular intense exercise does not only reduce unhealthy nutrient deposition, it can also decrease appetite and nutrient intake. This theory should permit innovative research to formulate new gut-centered public recommendations regarding the importance of adequate regular exercise to help prevent obesity and cancer and associated metabolic complexities.

Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis MG741 Reduces Body Weight and Ameliorates Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease via Improving the Gut Permeability and Amelioration of Inflammatory Cytokines.

Diet-induced obesity is one of the major causes of the development of metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Recently, specific probiotic strains have been found to improve the symptoms of NAFLD. We examined the effects of Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis MG741 (MG741) on NAFLD and weight gain, using a mouse model of high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced obesity. HFD-fed mice were supplemented daily with MG741. After 12 weeks, MG741-administered mice exhibited reduced fat deposition, and serum metabolic alterations, including fasting hyperinsulinemia, were modulated. In addition, MG741 regulated Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), fatty acid synthase (FAS), sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP-1), and carbohydrate-responsive element-binding protein (ChREBP) expression and lipid accumulation in the liver, thereby reducing the hepatic steatosis score. To determine whether the effects of MG741 were related to improvements in gut health, MG741 improved the HFD-induced deterioration in gut permeability by reducing toxic substances and inflammatory cytokine expression, and upregulating tight junctions. These results collectively demonstrate that the oral administration of MG741 could prevent NAFLD and obesity, thereby improving metabolic health.

Rhamnolipids Regulate Lipid Metabolism, Immune Response, and Gut Microbiota in Rats

ObjectivesGut microbes influence lipid metabolism and immune responses that are key features of metabolic disorders. This study examined effects of bacterial rhamnolipids (RLS) on lipid metabolism, immune response, and gut microbiota in rats.MethodsTwenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups and gavage-fed for seven weeks with normal saline (NCO group), 50 mg/kg bw RLS (RLS1 group), and 100 mg/kg bw RLS (RLS2 group).ResultsCompared with those of the NCO group, the RLS1 and RLS2 groups showed significantly decreased fat weight, relative fat weight, and adipocyte size (P < 0.05). Furthermore, RLS1 and RLS2 significantly decreased concentrations of triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and non-esterified fatty acids and increased high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels (P < 0.05). However, the total cholesterol content among the three groups (P > 0.05) were not significantly different. Serum concentrations of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α were significantly lower in the RLS2 group than those in the NCO group (P < 0.05). The relative mRNA expression of fatty acid synthase was significantly decreased, while those of carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1, carnitine palmitoyltransferase-2, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1α were significantly increased in the RLS2 group compared with those in the NCO group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the relative abundances of Lactobacillus, Roseburia, Ruminococcus-1, and Parabacteroides were significantly higher in the RLS2 group than those in the NCO group (P < 0.05).ConclusionOur findings suggest that RLS reduces fat deposition, inhibits inflammation, regulates intestinal flora, and promotes the proliferation of beneficial bacteria in rats.

Vitamin D promotes growth, feed utilization and gene expression related to lipid metabolism for juvenile Orange-spotted grouper Epinephelus coioides

This study aimed to evaluate vitamin D (VD) levels on growth, feed utilization, enzymatic activity in lipid metabolism and mRNA expression for juvenile Orange-spotted grouper Epinephelus coioides (initial weight:7.40 ± 0.03 g) for 8 weeks. Six group fishes were fed diets containing different VD levels (0, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, and 10,000 IU/kg, respectively). Compared to the control group, the weight gain rate and feed utilization rate showed a significant increase and then decreased (P < 0.05). The highest activities of alkaline phosphatase and superoxide dismutase were observed in the groups supplemented with 4000 and 1000 IU/kg VD, respectively (P < 0.05). With VD increased, triglyceride content gradually decreased (P < 0.05), whereas high-density lipoprotein content initially increased and then decreased. By comparison, cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein contents were not affected by VD supplementation levels (P > 0.05). VD supplementation levels significantly reduced liver fatty acid synthase activity (P < 0.05), but significantly promoted lipoprotein lipase and hepatic lipase activities (P < 0.05). As VD increased, liver VD deposition increased significantly in the 2000 IU/kg group. Fatty acid synthase (fas) mRNA expression was significantly down-regulated and then up-regulated (P < 0.05), whereas hepatic lipase (hl) mRNA expression levels exhibited the opposite trend. In summary, based on the broken-line regression analysis of WGR and dietary VD levels, the optimal dietary VD requirement was 930 IU/kg VD for juvenile Orange-spotted grouper Epinephelus coioides. A diet with a VD supplement from 1000 to 2000 IU/kg significantly improved the lipid metabolism in the liver for juvenile Orange-spotted grouper Epinephelus coioides, reducing fat deposition in the liver.

Functional and Genetic Characterization of Porcine Beige Adipocytes.

Beige adipocytes are a distinct type of fat cells with a thermogenic activity that have gained substantial attention as an alternative cellular anti-obesity target in humans. These cells may provide an alternative strategy for the genetic selection of pigs with reduced fat deposition. Despite the presence of beige adipocytes in piglets, the molecular signatures of porcine beige adipocytes remain unclear. Here, white and beige adipocytes from Tibetan piglets were primarily cultured and differentiated. Compared to the white adipocytes, the beige adipocytes exhibited a stronger thermogenic capacity. RNA-sequencing-based genome-wide comparative analyses revealed distinct gene expression profiles for white and beige adipocytes. In addition, two genes, integrin alpha-2 (ITGA2) and calponin 1 (CNN1), which were specifically differentially expressed in porcine beige adipocytes, were further functionally characterized using a loss-of-function approach. Our data showed that both genes were involved in differentiation and thermogenesis of porcine beige adipocytes. Collectively, these data furthered our understanding of gene expression in porcine white and beige adipocytes. Elucidating the genetic basis of beige adipogenesis in pigs will pave the way for molecular design breeding in both pigs and large animal models of human diseases.

Aesthetic Nonexcisional Arm Contouring.

Surgical excision remains the gold-standard therapy for arm skin laxity. However, many patients refuse surgical treatment for fear of the prominent long scars associated with brachioplasty. The objective of the study was to compare the aesthetic outcome of 2 energy-assisted liposuction arm-contouring techniques, radiofrequency-assisted liposuction (RFAL; Group A) and Renuvion helium subdermal coagulation (Group B), with a control group treated with VASER-assisted liposuction (VAL) alone (Group C). This is a randomized controlled study of 176 patients seeking arm contouring, who were treated between February 2017 and December 2020. All of the patients underwent VAL, followed by either RFAL (53 patients, Group A) with the BodyTite RF platform or subdermal coagulation (66 patients, Group B) with the Renuvion platform; 57 patients in the control group (Group C) received VAL alone. Patient data, marking techniques, operative details, complications (and tips and tricks to avoid them), and aesthetic outcomes were recorded and tabulated. Surgical team, third-party, and patient satisfaction surveys were conducted 6 months postoperatively. The study included 176 patients (153 female and 23 male) with a mean age of 32 years (range, 20-59 years). All patients were followed up for a minimum of 6 months. In total, 96 (80.6%) patients reported their satisfaction with the overall technique. An independent plastic surgeon considered the result good to excellent in 97 of 119 cases of the studied group. The umbrella of nonexcisional arm contouring can be extended to include treatment of difficult cases of arm laxity with energy-producing machines. The procedure can achieve a reduction in fat deposits and significant improvements in skin laxity.

Effects of Different Supplemental Levels of Eucommia ulmoides Leaf Extract in the Diet on Carcass Traits and Lipid Metabolism in Growing-Finishing Pigs.

This study examined the effects of dietary Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract (ELE) supplements on carcass traits and lipid metabolism in growing–finishing pigs. A total of 144 crossbred (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) piglets with an average initial weight of 10.11 ± 0.03 kg were randomly allotted to four treatment groups, each with six replicates and six piglets per replicate. Each group of pigs was fed a basal diet or a diet supplemented with increasing levels of ELE (0.1, 0.2, or 0.3%). The results showed that adding ELE had no negative effect on the growth performance of pigs. Dietary supplements of 0.1% ELE significantly increased carcass weight (p < 0.01), dressing percentage (p < 0.01), carcass length (p < 0.05), and eye muscle area (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, a 0.2% ELE supplement significantly increased (p < 0.01) the levels of adiponectin, insulin-like growth factor 1, and hormone-sensitive lipase and lipoprotein lipase activity in the serum. Histological examination showed that ELE inhibited fat deposition in the backfat tissue. Lipid metabolism-related biochemical indices and mRNA expression levels were improved after supplementing diets with ELE. Moreover, all three levels of ELE dramatically upregulated (p < 0.05) the protein levels of p-AMPK-α and p-ACC. In summary, adding ELE to pig diets could improve the carcass traits of growing–finishing pigs and exert a lipid-lowering effect by activating the AMPK-ACC pathway and regulating mRNA expression levels related to lipid metabolism. Supplementing the diet with 0.1–0.2% ELE is the optimal range to reduce fat deposition in pig backfat tissue.

Upregulated galectin-1 in Angiostrongylus cantonensis L5 reduces body fat and increases oxidative stress tolerance

BackgroundAngiostrongylus cantonensis L5, parasitizing human cerebrospinal fluid, causes eosinophilic meningitis, which is attributed to tissue inflammatory responses caused primarily by the high percentage of eosinophils. Eosinophils are also involved in killing helminths, using the peroxidative oxidation and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generated by dismutation of superoxide produced during respiratory burst. In contrast, helminthic worms have evolved to attenuate eosinophil-mediated tissue inflammatory responses for their survival. In previous study, we demonstrated the extracellular function of Acan-Gal-1 in inducing the apoptosis of macrophages. Here, the intracellular functions of Acan-Gal-1 were investigated, aiming to further reveal the mechanism involved in A. cantonensis L5 worms surviving inflammatory responses in the human central nervous system.MethodsIn this study, a model organism, Caenorhabditis elegans, was used as a surrogate to investigate the intracellular functions of Acan-Gal-1 in protecting the worm from its host’s immune attacks. First, structural characterization of Acan-Gal-1 was analyzed using bioinformatics; second, qRT-PCR was used to monitor the stage specificity of Acan-gal-1 expression in A. cantonensis. Microinjections were performed to detect the tissue specificity of lec-1 expression, the homolog of Acan-gal-1 in C. elegans. Third, microinjection was performed to develop Acan-gal-1::rfp transgenic worms. Then, oxidative stress assay and Oil Red O fat staining were used to determine the functions of Acan-Gal-1 in C. elegans.ResultsThe results of detecting the stage specificity of Acan-gal-1 expression showed that Acan-Gal-1 was upregulated in both L5 and adult worms. Detection of the tissue specificity showed that the homolog of Acan-gal-1 in C. elegans, lec-1 was expressed ubiquitously and mainly localized in cuticle. Investigating the intracellular functions of Acan-Gal-1 in the surrogate C. elegans showed that N2 worms expressing pCe-lec-1::Acan-gal-1::rfp, with lipid deposition reduced, were significantly resistant to oxidative stress; lec-1 mutant worms, where lipid deposition increased, showed susceptible to oxidative stress, and this phenotype could be rescued by expressing pCe-lec-1::Acan-gal-1::rfp. Expressing pCe-lec-1::Acan-gal-1::rfp or lec-1 RNAi in fat-6;fat-7 double-mutant worms, where fat stores were reduced, had no significant effect on the oxidative stress tolerance.ConclusionIn C. elegans worms, upregulated Acan-Gal-1 plays a defensive role against damage due to oxidative stress for worm survival by reducing fat deposition. This might indicate the mechanism by which A. cantonensis L5 worms, with upregulated Acan-Gal-1, survive the immune attack of eosinophils in the human central nervous system.Graphical

Curcumin reduces oxidative stress and fat deposition in longissimus dorsi muscle of intrauterine growth-retarded finishing pigs.

Dietary curcumin possessing multiple biological activities may be an effective way to alleviate oxidative damage and fat deposition in intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) finishing pigs. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate effects of dietary curcumin on meat quality, antioxidant capacity, and fat deposition of longissimus dorsi muscle in IUGR finishing pigs. Twelve normal birth weight (NBW) and 24 IUGR female piglets at 26 days of age were divided into 3 dietary groups: NBW (basal diet), IUGR (basal diet), and IUGR + Cur (basal diet supplemented with 200 mg/kg curcumin). The trial lasted for 169 days. Results showed that IUGR increased concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyls (PC) and fat deposition in longissimus dorsi muscle. However, curcumin decreased the intramuscular fat content and the levels of MDA and PC and improved meat quality in IUGR pigs. Furthermore, curcumin inhibited the decrease of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) protein expression and decreased peroxisome pro liferator-activated receptors γ (PPARγ) expression in IUGR pigs. These findings suggested that dietary addition of 200 mg/kg curcumin could improve meat quality, alleviate oxidative stress through activating Nrf2 signaling pathway, and reduce fat deposition via inhibiting PPARγ expression in longissimus dorsi muscle of IUGR finishing pigs.

Saponins from bitter melon reduce lipid accumulation via induction of autophagy in C. elegans and HepG2 cell line

Saponins from bitter melon (BMS) are well-known to have various biological activities, especially in the field of fat-lowering. However, many gaps remain in our knowledge of BMS-induced fat reduction and health benefits. Here, we aimed to investigate the precise mechanism of BMS in alleviating fat accumulation in C. elegans and HepG2 cell line. Results indicated that BMS showed strong fat-lowering and lifespan-extension properties. Lipidomic analysis illustrated that BMS could alter the lipid profile, especially represented by phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) increase, which plays an essential role in autophagy. Furthermore, we applied gene-deficient mutants and RNAi technology to confirm that BMS largely depended on daf-16/FoxO1 and hlh-30/TFEB mediated lipophagy to reduce fat deposition. In addition, BMS could ameliorate oil acid (OA)-induced fat accumulation in HepG2 cells by induction of autophagy-related proteins, such as the phosphorylated AMPK and LC3B. In conclusion, our results elucidated the underlying mechanism of bitter melon saponins interfering with lipid metabolism from the autophagy point of view, which provide new insights into a nutraceutical to mitigate obesity.

Effect of Ajwa date seed powder on visceral fat depots and inflammatory response in high fat fed Sprague Dawley female rats.

ABSTRACT&#x0D; Background: Central obesity a worldwide metabolic and cosmetic problem poses significant health risk. Ajwa date seed has antioxidant property and its high fiber content may prevent fat absorption and reduce fat deposition.&#x0D; Objective: To evaluate the effect of Ajwa date seed powder on visceral fat depots and inflammatory response in high fat fed Sprague Dawley female rats.&#x0D; Methodology: Thirty-six healthy rats of four weeks age were divided into three groups and followed for 12 weeks. Group A (normal control) received regular diet. Group B (HFD control) received high fat diet, while group C (HFD+Ajwa group) received high fat diet along with 2% Ajwa date seed powder. Body weight was measured weekly. Blood sample was drawn for the estimation of serum IL-6 and leptin levels by ELISA method at 12th week. After which rats were euthanized; perinephric fat was removed and weighed in grams.&#x0D; Results: HFD+Ajwa group gained less body weight as compared to HFD control group (p value = 0.012). There was a remarkable reduction in perinephric fat weight (p value ≤ 0.001) and level of IL-6 in HFD+Ajwa group (p value ≤ 0.001) as compared to HFD control. There was no significant difference in serum leptin level of the rats of all groups (p value = 0.567).&#x0D; Conclusion: Ajwa date seed can prevent visceral adiposity and gain in body weight. Moreover, it has anti-inflammatory effect; but no significant effect on satiety hormone.&#x0D; Key Words: Obesity, Visceral fat, P. dactylifera L (Ajwa date) seed, IL-6, Leptin.

Dietary dibutyryl cAMP supplementation regulates the fat deposition in adipose tissues of finishing pigs via cAMP/PKA pathway

This study investigated potential mechanism of dibutyryl-cAMP (db-cAMP) on porcine fat deposition. (1) Exp.1, 72 finishing pigs were allotted to 3 treatments (0, 10 or 20 mg/kg dbcAMP) with 6 replicates. dbcAMP increased the hormone sensitive lipase (HSL) activity and expression of β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) and growth hormone receptor (GHR), but decreased expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma 2 (PPAR-γ2) and adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (A-FABP) in back fat. dbcAMP upregulated expression of β-AR, GHR, PPAR-γ2 and A-FABP, but decreased insulin receptor (INSR) expression in abdominal fat. Dietary dbcAMP increased HSL activity and expression of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), but decreased fatty acid synthase (FAS) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activities, and expression of INSR, cAMP-response element-binding protein (C/EBP-α) and A-FABP in perirenal fat. (2) Exp. 2, dbcAMP suppressed the proliferation and differentiation of porcine preadipocytes in a time- and dose-dependent manner, which might be associated with increased activities of cAMP and protein kinase A (PKA), and expression of GPCR, β-AR, GHR and CREB via inhibiting C/EBP-α and PPAR-γ2 expression. Collectively, dbcAMP treatment may reduce fat deposition by regulating gene expression related to adipocyte differentiation and fat metabolism partially via cAMP-PKA pathway.

Comparative proteomic analysis reveals the effects of different fatty acid forms on high-fat diet mice

Long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), known for having many health benefits, are usually present in three forms: triglycerides (TG), ethyl esters (EE), and phospholipid (PL). In this study, the effects of these three LC-PUFAs forms (fish oil for TG and EE, krill oil for PL) on the obese mice were compared, and the proteomic changes that focused on lipid metabolism were evaluated via label-free quantitative proteomics analysis. Compared with the model group, all three of the LC-PUFA form supplementations (labeled as the FO-TG group, FO-EE group and KO-PL groups) could significantly reduce body weight gain (P<0.01). Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly decreased, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly increased in the FO-TG group and FO-EE group (P<0.01), and especially in the PL group (P<0.001). Furthermore, proteomics analysis results suggested that some differentially expressed genes involved in the fatty acid degradation and oxidation pathways had a higher expression fold in the KO-PL group than in the FO-TG or FO-EE groups. Our results showed that dietary LC-PUFAs can reduce fat deposition and inhibit lipogenesis in the liver by upregulating the expression of proteins that are involved in the fatty acid degradation and oxidation pathways. Additionally, KO-PL elicits stronger effects than FO-TG or FO-EE.

Low Molecular Weight Fucoidan Can Inhibit the Fibrosis of Diabetic Kidneys by Regulating the Kidney Lipid Metabolism.

In this study, a diabetic kidney disease model was established by placing the test rats on a high-sugar/high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin induction. Histopathological examination (H&E, Masson, and PASM stain) showed pathological changes in the diabetic rat kidneys, in addition to fibrotic symptoms and collagen deposition. Immunohistochemistry and western blot analyses indicated that the diabetic condition significantly increased the expressions of fibrotic markers including collagen, α-SMA, and fibronectin. The levels of cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein were also increased in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) rat blood, while the level of high-density lipoprotein was decreased. The results of Oil red O staining experiments indicated that the kidneys of diabetic rats exhibited appreciable fat deposition, with high contents of triglyceride and cholesterol. To inhibit fibrosis and reduce fat deposition, low molecular weight fucoidan (LMWF) may be used. Based on PCR and western blot analyses, LMWF can regulate the expression levels of important lipid metabolism regulators, thereby impeding the development of kidney fibrosis. Through the vitro model, it also be indicated that LMWF could inhibit fibrosis process through regulating lipid metabolism which induced by palmitic acid.

The beta2 -adrenergic receptor - a re-emerging target to combat obesity and induce leanness?

Treatment of obesity with repurposed or novel drugs is an expanding research field. One approach is to target beta2 -adrenergic receptors because they regulate the metabolism and phenotype of adipose and skeletal muscle tissue. Several observations support a role for the beta2 -adrenergic receptor in obesity. Specific human beta2 -adrenergic receptor polymorphisms are associated with body composition and obesity, for which the Gln27Glu polymorphism is associated with obesity, while the Arg16Gly polymorphism is associated with lean mass in men and the development of obesity in specific populations. Individuals with obesity also have lower abundance of beta2 -adrenergic receptors in adipose tissue and are less sensitive to catecholamines. In addition, studies in livestock and rodents demonstrate that selective beta2 -agonists induce a so-called 'repartitioning effect' characterized by muscle accretion and reduced fat deposition. In humans, beta2 -agonists dose-dependently increase resting metabolic rate by 10-50%. And like that observed in other mammals, only a few weeks of treatment with beta2 -agonists increases muscle mass and reduces fat mass in young healthy individuals. Beta2 -agonists also exert beneficial effects on body composition when used concomitantly with training and act additively to increase muscle strength and mass during periods with resistance training. Thus, the beta2 -adrenergic receptor seems like an attractive target in the development of anti-obesity drugs. However, future studies need to verify the long-term efficacy and safety of beta2 -agonists in individuals with obesity, particularly in those with comorbidities.