Treatment Of Obese Rats Research Articles

Hydroxycitric acid and capsaicin combination alleviates obesity-induced testicular apoptosis, oxidative stress and inflammation

Recent research in rodents suggests that oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the testes caused by high-fat diets (HFD) are a cause of male infertility. To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of the combination of hydroxycitric acid and capsaicin (HCC) against male reproductive disorders, we developed an HFD-induced obese rat model. Rats received HFD supplementation for 21 weeks, which induced obesity. From week 16, HCC (100 mg/kg body weight) was administered to investigate its potential to treat testicular toxicity. According to the results of the current study, treatment of obese rats with HCC improved their sperm quality, increased the production of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone and significantly increased the activities of steroidogenic enzymes and corresponding mRNA levels. In addition, HCC decreased lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide levels in both spermatozoa and testes while increasing the expression of mRNA for the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase in the testes, which in turn reduced oxidative stress in the testes. Moreover, after HCC treatment, testicular tissues showed a remarkable decrease in mRNA levels responsible for inflammation (TNF-α, IL-6, NF-κB) and apoptosis (Bax and Bcl-2). Our results suggest that HCC may alleviate obesity-induced male reproductive dysfunction by attenuating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the testes of HFD-induced obese male rats.

Zinc nanoparticles ameliorated obesity-induced cardiovascular disease: role of metabolic syndrome and iron overload

Obesity is a complicated disease characterized by abundant fat accumulation. It is associated with cardiovascular disease. The current study aimed to appreciate the role of synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) (18.72 nm in size) in curbing cardiovascular disease in an obesity model of a high fat/sucrose diet in male rats. For 16 weeks, 24 rats were fed a high-fat diet and a 25% sucrose solution to develop obesity, and after that, the rats were randomly allocated into four groups of rats. Group 1 served as the control group and consisted of normal, non-obese rats. Group 2 comprised obese rats that were injected with an equivalent volume of a neutral substance, serving as vehicle control. In Group 3 or 4, obese rats were treated with an intraperitoneal injection of 5 or 10mg/kg of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) for eight weeks. The treatment of obese rats with ZnONPs decreased plasma levels of monocyte chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1), resistin, ENA78, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL6), and C reactive protein (CRP). Also, the remediation of obese rats with ZnONPs led to a significant decrease in body mass index (BMI), body weight gain, leptin, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL (Low-density lipoprotein), glucose, and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR). Moreover, ZnONPs treatment lowered troponin, creatine phosphokinase-MB (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), cardiac or adipose tissue iron content, and malondialdehyde (MDA) either in blood or heart tissue. Otherwise, treating obese rats with ZnONPs enhanced plasma adiponectin levels, cardiac-reduced glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). In addition, ZnONPs displayed a significant influence on the cardiovascular system since they combat the rise in blood pressure and the pathological changes of the heart and aorta besides maintaining plasma nitric oxide levels. The results showed a positive correlation between BMI and MDA, MPC-1, CK-MB, and LDH. ZnONPs are convenient in treating cardiovascular disease in obese rats via reduced blood pressure, oxidative stress, cardiac iron accumulation, insulin resistance, and inflammatory markers.

Ameliorating Effect of Pineapple Juice on the Obesity-Induced Testicular Impairment in Male Wistar Rat.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Obesity exerts negative influences on male reproductive capacity via changing the molecular and physical structure of male germ cells. This study was conducted to evaluate the mitigating effects of raw juice of pineapple on obesity-associated testicular impairment in male Wistar rats. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Rats included the control group (G<sub>I</sub>, n = 6) who received a Normal Diet (ND) and the obese group (G<sub>II</sub>, n = 18) who received a High-Fat Diet (HFD). Obese rats (G<sub>II</sub>) were subdivided into 3 groups (6 rats each): G<sub>II</sub> represents the untreated obesity group that continued to receive HFD with plain Drinking Water (DW), G<sub>III</sub> received ND along with raw juice (15% v/v) in DW and G<sub>IV</sub> continued to receive HFD with raw juice (15% v/v) in DW. Rats were sacrificed at the end of the trial and testis was processed for histopathology and immunohistochemistry. <b>Results:</b> Testis from obese rats revealed a significant increment in spermatogenic cell degeneration, pro-inflammatory Nuclear factor of kappa B (NF-κB) and pro-apoptotic Caspase-3 immunoreactivities. Yet, Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) displayed poor immunoreactivity in obese rats' testis relative to controls. Administration of raw juice of pineapple to obese rats significantly reduced degeneration of spermatogenic cells, NF-κB and Caspase-3 immunoreactivities. Additionally, treatment with the juice significantly increased immunoreactivity to PCNA in obese rats. These ameliorating effects were more obvious in rats who received juice along with ND (G<sub>III</sub>) than in those who received it along with HFD (G<sub>IV</sub>). <b>Conclusion:</b> Treatment of obese rats with pineapple juice restored testicular homeostasis, indicating its potential validity to overcome obesity-induced male fertility disorders.

Lycopene alleviates Western diet-induced elevations in anthropometrical indices of obesity, adipose lipids, and other nutritional parameters.

Objective: Given the unrelenting surge in the prevalence of obesity and the intensified efforts aimed at elucidating underlying mechanisms and proffering effective treatments, this study investigated the effects of lycopene on various anthropometrical indices of obesity. Methods: Thirty female Wistar rats were equally divided into two groups and fed either control diet or Western diet. After eight weeks, obese rats (fed Western diet) were divided into three groups (n=5); obese control received the vehicle, while the other two received lycopene (0.2 and 0.4 mg/kg body weight, respectively). Normal rats were grouped into three (n=5) and treated similarly. This treatment lasted for another two weeks, in addition to their respective diets. Afterwards, anthropometrical indices were taken. Results: The weight gain, adiposity index, abdominal and thoracic circumference, body mass index, and Lee index were significantly increased (p<0.05) in the obese rats compared to the normal control, by 108.3%, 102.1%, 81.5%, 97.6%, 47.4%, and 13.9%, respectively. The obese rats had significantly (p<0.05) higher adipose tissue lipid contents, daily feed (37.4%) and energy intake (66.0%), daily weight gain (108.3%), and feed efficiency (25.5%) compared to control. However, the treatment of obese rats with lycopene occasioned a dose-dependent reduction in the elevated anthropometrical and nutritional parameters. In addition, lycopene elicited significant reductions (p<0.05), ranging from 16-54%, in the adipose lipid contents. Conclusion: The data presented here illustrate the positive effects of lycopene on indices of obesity and other anthropometric parameters in obese female rats.

Effect of Low Fat Diet, Almonds, Green Coffee and Mackerel Fish on Obese Rats

The present work was conducted to study the effect of low fat diet (LFD), almonds, green coffee, mackerel fish and the combination of all of them on loss of weight, lipid profile, serum glucose, leptin hormone, liver enzymes and kidney functions of obese rats.&#x0D; Methods: In this research, researcher used normal male albino rats (n=42). This group of rats was divided into two major groups. The first group (n=6 rats) fed on standard diet and was considered as a group of negative control. The second group (n= 36 rat) fed high fat diet for six weeks on to induce of obesity. Rats in the second group were randomly assigned to six equal subgroups: Subgroup (1) fed on HFD (consist of 20% fat) and used as (control positive) 1; Subgroups (2) fed on LFD containing only (10% fat) and used as (control positive) 2. Subgroup The third sub-group feeds on low fat diet LFD containing (almonds, which provided the diet with 5% oil hydrogenated oils 4% and soy oil 1%). Subgroup (4) fed on LFD and treated each rat daily in this group with 3 ml green coffee. Subgroup (5) fed on LFD containing (mackerel fish, which provided the diet with 5% fat, hydrogenated oils 4% and soy oil 1%). Subgroup (6) fed on LFD containing (almonds which provided the diet with 5% oil and mackerel fish which provided the diet with 5% oil) and treated each rat daily in this group with 3 ml green coffee The obtained data were tested with one-way ANOVA (mean ± standard deviation and one-way ANOVA test) using SAS package and compared with each other using the LSD (least significant differences at P&lt; 0.05. &#x0D; Results: Body weight gain % of rats increased significantly by feeding on a high-fat diet, also, serum "glucose, leptin hormone, cholesterol, triglyceride, lipoprotein cholesterol except HDL-c, kidney functions, liver increased in rats fed on HFD, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased, in comparison with the group of negative control group fed on basal diet.&#x0D; Conclusion: Treatment of obese rats with LFDs, LFDs containing almond, LFDs containing green coffee, LFDs containing mackerel fish, and obese rats treated with all these improved all parameters.

The synthesis and characterization of gold nanoparticles with polyunsaturated oils contribute to hypolipidemic and anti-obesity activities in vivo.

This study aimed to evaluate the hypolipidemic, and anti-obesity effects of polyunsaturated oils, mixed with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). AuNPs were prepared by the oleic acid pyrolysis method. The sample was characterized by UV spectroscopy and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Sixty adult male rats were divided into 2 main groups. Group one (n=10 rats) was fed on the healthy diet (serves as basic control). The other group was fed on the high fructose diet (HFD) for four weeks and then was divided into five subgroups. 1st subgroup was fed on HFD only, 2nd and 4th subgroups were treated with n-3 PUFAs oils while 3rd and 5th treated with n-3 PUFAs oils mixed with AuNPs. Treatment of obese rats with n-3 PUFAs mixing with AuNPs revealed a significant decrease in in weight gain accompanied by an improvement of lipid profile. Histological examination of the heart indicated a marked improvement in the architecture and marked decrease of relative weight of heart in treated rats. It may be concluded that mixing of PUFAs oils with AuNPs could have the ability to lower weight gain of obese rats and relieved the various biochemical and histological abnormalities resulted due to obesity metabolic disorders.

Antioxidant, Hypolipidemic and Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitory Effects of Flavonoid-rich Fraction of Hyphaene thebaica (Doum Palm) Fruits on Fat-fed Obese Wistar Rats

Aims: This study investigated the antioxidant, hypolipidemic and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory effects of flavonoid-rich fraction of H. thebaica on fat-fed obese wistar rats.&#x0D; Study Design: Twenty-five rats were divided into 5 groups of 5 rats each: Control (standard diet, untreated), Obese control (Fat-fed, untreated), Standard control (Fat-fed, treated with 70 mg/kg Atorvastatin), Groups 4 and 5 (Fat-fed, treated with 100 and 250 mg kg-1 flavonoid-rich fraction, respectively). The rats were given high fat diet to induce obesity, after which treatment was administered for fourteen (14) days, and on the 15th day, rats were sacrificed and blood samples collected.&#x0D; Results: From the results, induction of obesity significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased body weight, some lipoproteins, ACE activity, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase levels, while HDL cholesterol and malondialdehyde levels decreased. Treatment of obese rats with the standard drug, atorvastatin and flavonoid-rich fraction of H. thebaica significantly (P&lt;0.05) decreased ACE activity, total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL cholesterol, while HDL cholesterol and malondialdehyde increased.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that the flavonoid-rich fraction of H. thebaica is hypolipidemic, possesses antioxidant activities, and may contain potent ACE inhibitors.

Effect of Valsartan and Folic Acid on Vascular Reactivity, Leptin Hormone and Some Biochemical Parameters in Fat Diet-Induced Obese Male Rats

AbstractBackground: The development of a chronic low-grade inflammatory state has been shown to play a central role in the development of metabolic complications associated with obesity.Aim of Study: The aim was to determine the impact of oral administration of valsartan and folic acid to fat diet-induced obese male rats on the vascular reactivity & on the serum levels of leptin and some inflammatory and oxidative stress markers.Material and Methods: Fifty male albino rats of local strain were randomized into five equal groups: Control, obese, valsartan-treated obese, folic acid-treated obese and combined valsartan and folic acid-treated obese groups. Obesity was induced by feeding high fat diet and treatment was done for indicated groups for 16 weeks. Thereafter, weight and length were measured, and rats were subjected for rat tail-measurement of Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP). Then, fasting retro-orbital blood samples were collected for measuring serum Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglycerides (TGs), Low Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol (LDL-C), High Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol (HDL-C), Malondialdehyde (MDA), C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and leptin levels, as well as serum Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activities, andurinary nitrite/nitrate (NOx) level. Rats were tested for Vascular Reactivity to Acetylcholine (VRACh) and sodium nitroprusside (VRSNP) by Doppler flowmeter. Lastly, rats were sacrificed and abdominal visceral fats were resected and weighed.Results: High fat diet resulted in marked impairment of all the measured parameters, except VRSNP. Treatment of obese rats with valsartan resulted in improvement of BMI, adipose tissue mass, TC, LDL, CRP, leptin, NOx, MDA, SBP and VRACh; however, total body weight, TGs, HDL-C and antioxidant enzyme activities were not affected. Folic acid administration to obese rats improves all serum lipid param-eters, increased GPx and SOD activities, and showed a better effect than valsartan on NOx, leptin andVRACh, but less effect on CRP. On the other hand, folic acid had no effect on the anthropometric parameters and SBP of obese rats. Com-bined treatment showed a reduction in total body weight, and a significant better improvement of all the measured parame-ters, except MDA, than those of isolated valsartan or folic acid treatment, with normalization of MBI, TGs, LDL-C, NOx and VRACh.Conclusion: Both valsartan and folic acid, when admin-istered separately, ameliorate the detrimental effects of fat diet-induced obesity in rats. Combined valsartan and folic acid prophylactic treatment of fat diet-induced obese rats has an additive beneficial effect on the associated dyslipidemia, inflammatory state, oxidative stress, leptin hormone level, and endothelial dysfunction that is possibly achieved by different mechanisms of action.

DUNALIELLA SALINA IMPROVED OBESITY-ASSOCIATED INFLAMMATION AND OXIDATIVE DAMAGE IN ANIMALS’ RODENT

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the efficacy of microalgae Dunaliella salina to improve apelin, oxidative damage, inflammatory, and apoptotic function implicated in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity in rats.Methods: Fifty male Westar albino rats weighing 150–160 g were fed on HFD for 12 weeks. Treatment of obese rats with D. salina was carried out in a dose 150 mg/kg body weight as compared to orlistat as anti-obesity standard drug. Blood nuclear factor kappa-B cells (NF-kB), apelin, apoptosis regulator (B-cell lymphoma 2 [BCl2]), monocytes chemo attractant protein-1, paraoxonase-1 (PON1) were determined in serum of different groups. Besides, lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde [MDA]), glutathione (GSH) levels as well as histopathological examination were investigated in liver tissue of obese rats.Results: Serum apelin, MDA, and NF-kB levels were significantly high, reached to 97.25, 158.18, 511.433, and 170.73%, respectively. While significant decrease in PON1 (47.82%), BCl2 (74.88%), and GSH (63.54 %), levels were detected in the obese rats compared to controls. Obviously improvement in all biomarkers under investigation upon treated obese rats with ethanol extract of D. salina. Histopathological examination of obese hepatic tissue showed dilatation in the central portal veins associated with inflammatory cells infiltration in the portal area and congestion. However, treatment of obese rats with D. salina confirmed biochemical analysis and declared less diffuse inflammatory cells infiltration as well as less focal infiltration in both hepatic parenchyma and portal area with higher improvement in D. salina than drug.Conclusion: It could be concluded that D. salina has a great ability to improve inflammation associated with obesity as well as damaged hepatic architectures which can be used as a promising anti-obesity nutraceuticals.

POTENTIAL OF DUNALIELLA SALINA MICROALGAE TO AMELIORATE HIGH-FAT DIET‑INDUCED OBESITY IN ANIMALS’ RODENT

Objective: This study was carried out to investigate the potential of Dunaliella salina microalgae to ameliorate obesity induced by high-fat diet (HFD) in male Wistar rats.Methods: Fifty rats weighing 150–160 g were fed HFD for 12 weeks. The rats were randomly divided into five groups of ten rats each. Obese rats were orally administered D. salina ethanolic extract (150 mg/Kg body weight), and orlistat as standard drug (12 mg/Kg body weight), for 6 weeks.Results: Treatment of obese rats with both D. salina and orlistat had a significant effect in reducing body and liver weights as well as visceral fat, inhibiting pancreatic lipase activity, decreased lipid profile, and increased fecal fat and ameliorating liver function enzymes activity, insulin, blood glucose, and leptin levels. Besides, food intake was insignificantly increased as a result of D. salina and orlistat treatments compared with normal control rats.Conclusion: It could be concluded that D. salina rich in β-carotene significantly reduced body weight gain and ameliorated several metabolic pathways implicated in obesity and its related complication. Hence, further intensive study must be carried out to formulate D. Salina extracts to apply as a promising natural anti-obesity nutraceutical drug.

BERRIES SUPPLEMENTATION MODULATES BODY WEIGHT AND METABOLIC DETERIORATIONS IN OBESE RATS

Objective: The aim of the present work is to investigate the potential of purple (Morus rubra [MR]) and white (Morus alba [MA]) berry supplementation to modulate body weight (BW) and metabolic deteriorations in obese Wistar male rats.Methods: Seventy rats weighing 150.00±10 g (mean±standard deviation) were used; the rats were randomly divided into seven groups of 10 rats each. Obesity was induced by feeding animals high-fat diet (HFD), for 6 consecutive weeks then treated with the purple (MR) and white (MA) berry ethanol extracts for 6 weeks in a dose 300 mg/Kg BW. BW gain, food intake fecal fat content, food consumptions were determined. The fats and organs such as liver, kidney, and heart were also weighed. Lipid profiles included triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, as well as liverenzymes; alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyltransferase (γ-GGT), and leptin were also determined.Results: Treatment of obese rats with white and purple berries showed significant reduction in BW reached to 23.68% with MR and 21.19% with MA berries compared to Orlistat (31.16%). Liver weight, visceral fat, and liver enzyme activities were also markedly ameliorated. In addition, lipid profile biomarkers were improved on treated obese rats with both Morus species. In addition, increase in fecal fat (250.73% and 256.25%, for MR and MA, respectively) was noticed while blood glucose, insulin, leptin levels, and pancreatic lipase activity was improved. In addition, supplementing obese rats with both Morus species extract significantly increase food intake reached 33.33% and 36.66%, for MR and MA, respectively.Conclusion: The ameliorating effect of both Morus extracts may be attributed to polyphenolic rich compounds which have antioxidant properties, suppressed lipid synthesis in hepatic tissue and inhibited pancreatic lipase activity which consequently recommended using as a promising anti-obesity agents.

Effect of long-term L-thyroxine treatment on the activity of NO-synthases in tissues of rats with obesity induced by high-fat diet

Under obesity, a component of metabolic syndrome (MS), macro- and microcirculation are attenuated, which is associated with abnormalities of NO-dependent cascades and leads to pathology of the cardiovascular system. Among the activators of NO-synthases (NOS), the enzymes catalyzing NO synthesis, are thyroid hormones. Since obesity and MS are characterized by reduced functions, of the thyroid gland, the replacement therapy with thyroid hormones, possessing the properties of vasodilators, is one of approached to restore functioning of the cardiovascular system. However, data on influence of thyroid hormones on NOS activity in obesity are not currently available. The aim of this work was to study the effect of four-week treatment of rats with obesity induced by high-fat diet with L-thyroxine (at a daily dose of 20 mg-kg) on functional activity of total NOS, as well as one endothelial (eNOS) and neuronal (nNOS) isoforms of the enzyme in the brain, myocardium and skeletal muscles of animals. In obese rats the decrease of thyroid hormones level, impaired glucose toleranse, and dyslipidemia were detected. In the myocardium and skeletal muscles of obese rats the activity of total NOS and eNOS was strongly decreased, whereas in the brain the activity of these enzymes was not significantly changed. Long-term treatment of obese rats with thyroxine led to a significant increase in activity of total NOS and eNOS in the myocardium and skeletal muscles and to an increase in activity of total NOS and nNOS in the brain, with the enzyme activity exceeding that in control. In healthy animals treated with thyroxine a significant increase in activity of total NOS and eNOS in the myocardium and skeletal muscles and in activity of total NOS in the brain was also eNOS in the myocardium and skeletal muscles and in activity of total NOS in the brain was also found. A significant contribution to the increasing activity of total NOS in obese rats and healthy animals treated with thyroxine belonged to the inducible isoform of the enzyme whose activity was found by calculation. Thus, the four-week thyroxine treatment of obese rats with deficiency of thyroid hormones led to a complete restoration of activity of total NOS and eNOS, reduced in obesity, in the myocardium and skeletal muscles which indicated the prospects of thyroxine therapy for treatment of vascular pathology in obesity and MS.

The effect of prolonged metformin treatment on the activity of the adenylyl cyclase system and NO-synthase in the brain and myocardium of obese rats

The biguanide metformin, which is widely used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, improves carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and has substantial cardioand neuroprotective effects. The positive effects of metformin on the activity of NO synthases catalyzing the synthesis of NO, a major vasodilator, and that of the hormone-sensitive adenylyl cyclase signaling system (ACSS) are believed to play an important role in the mediation of these effects. To prove this hypothesis, we initiated a study addressing the effect of prolonged metformin treatment of obese rats on metabolic parameters and the activity of ACSS and NO synthases in the myocardium and brain of the animals. Obesity was induced in Wistar rats by a high-fat diet, and the animals were subsequently treated with metformin for 2 months (the daily dose was 200 mg/kg). Metformin treatment induced a decrease in adipose tissue mass, total body mass, levels of insulin and glucose, and the insulin resistance index HOMA-IR, as well as improved glucose tolerance, and led to a decrease of the content of atherogenic forms of cholesterol. ACSS stimulation by agonists of β1/β2-adrenergic receptors (ARs) and enhancement of β3-AR signaling was detected in the myocardium of obese rats, while metformin treatment restored ACSS regulation by adrenergic agonists in the myocardium and normalized the balance between β-AR-signaling pathways. The stimulating effects of serotonin and agonists of type 4 melanocortin receptors on adenylyl cyclase, which are attenuated in obesity, were restored in the brain of rats treated with metformin. The treatment completely restored the total activity of NO synthases and the activity of endothelial NO synthase in the myocardium, which are reduced in obesity. Metformin treatment was also shown to induce hyperactivation of NO synthases in the brain and myocardium of healthy animals. It is proposed the effects of prolonged treatment of obese rats with metformin underlie the cardioand neuroprotective actions of this drug.

Azithromycin Is not Associated With Qt Prolongation In Patients Hospitalized With Community Acquired Pneumonia

e36 Volume 37 Number 8S Previous studies using a liver damage model treated with the immunemodulator metallo-peptide (IMMP) showed lessening in the degree of inflammation. Therefore, this study was set up to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of IMMP in obese Zucker fa/fa rats. We used Zucker-Lepr fa/fa and Zucker-Lean in this protocol. Material and Methods: The groups received IMMP 50 ng/kg by i.p., 3 times per week for 8 weeks. Blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture and the serum was preserved at −80°C until analysis; the liver was excised and preserved in formaldehyde 4%. Analyses were performed to determine cytokine, insulin, glucose, triglyceride and cholesterol levels in serum, and histological analysis was also performed. Results:: IMMP treatment of obese rats resulted in decreased levels of proinflammatory cytokines (leptin, IL-6, IL-1β , IFN-γ ) and a chemokine (MCP-1), and increased levels of anti-inflammatory adipokine (adiponectin). In addition, treatment decreased the damage and hepatic steatosis generated in the tissue of obese rats and avoids changes in thymus and spleen in the same animals. Conclusions: The IMMP exerted an anti-inflammatory effect in obese rats and therefore may be an effective and safe therapeutic alternative in the treatment of metabolic syndrome.

Green tea polyphenol extract in vivo attenuates inflammatory features of neutrophils from obese rats.

Our study aimed to evaluate whether obesity induced by cafeteria diet changes the neutrophil effector/inflammatory function and whether treatment with green tea extract (GT) can improve neutrophil function. Male Wistar rats were treated with GT by gavage (12 weeks/5 days/week; 500 mg/kg of body weight), and obesity was induced by cafeteria diet (8 weeks). Neutrophils were obtained from the peritoneal cavity (injection of oyster glycogen). The following analyses were performed: phagocytic capacity, chemotaxis, myeloperoxidase activity (MPO), hypochlorous acid (HOCl), superoxide anion (O 2 (·-) ), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), IL-1β, IL-6 and TNFα, mRNA levels of inflammatory genes, calcium mobilisation, activities of antioxidant enzymes, hexokinase and G6PDH. Neutrophils from obese rats showed a significant decrease in migration capacity, H2O2 and HOCl production, MPO activity and O 2 (·-) production. Phagocytosis and CD11b mRNA levels were increased, while inflammatory cytokines release remained unmodified. mRNA levels of TLR4 and IκK were enhanced. Treatment of obese rats with GT increased neutrophil migration, MPO activity, H2O2, HOCl and O 2 (·-) production, whereas TNF-α and IL-6 were decreased (versus obese). Similar reductions in TLR4, IκK and CD11b mRNA were observed. Catalase and hexokinase were increased by obesity, while SOD and G6PDH were decreased. Treatment with GT reduced catalase and increased the GSH/GSSG ratio. In response to a cafeteria diet, we found a decreased chemotaxis, H2O2 release, MPO activity and HOCl production. We also showed a significant immunomodulatory effect of GT on the obese condition recovering some of these factors such H2O2 and HOCl production, also reducing the levels of inflammatory cytokines.

Targeted delivery using peptide-functionalised gold nanoparticles to white adipose tissues of obese rats

Obesity is a complex metabolic disease of excessive fat accumulation. It is a worldwide epidemic affecting billions of people. Current pharmacological treatment of obesity remains limited and ineffective due to systemic drug toxicity and undesirable side effects. The current epidemic raises a serious need for development of safer drugs to treat obesity. Nanotechnology-based drug delivery system for administering pharmaceutical compound to achieve therapeutic effects is currently an exciting field in cancer treatment. Drug delivery involves either modification of drug release profile, absorption, distribution and/or elimination, for the benefit of improving drug efficacy and safety. Therefore, nanotechnology holds promise in the treatment of diseases including obesity. Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) functionalised with different biomolecules have been successfully used as drug delivery, labelling and imaging tools in biomedical research. In this study, the binding-specificity and targeting ability of adipose homing peptide (AHP)-functionalised GNPs (AHP-GNPs) were evaluated using flow cytometry and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy. Caco-2 cells and rats fed either chow or a high-fat diet were treated with either unfunctionalised GNPs or AHP-GNPs. Cellular uptake of GNPs was detected in cells treated with AHP-GNPs and not those treated with GNPs alone. Binding of AHP to cells was both temperature- and concentration-dependent. Compared to rats treated with GNPs alone, treatment of obese rats with AHP-GNPs resulted in the targeted delivery of the GNPs to the white adipose tissue (WAT). This paper reports the successful targeting of AHP-functionalised GNPs to WAT of obese rats.

Hypolipidemic and Antioxidant Activity of Methanolic Leaf Extract ofOchna obtusataon High Fat Diet Induced Obesity in Rats

In the present study, the methanolic extract of Ochna obtusata leaves (MEOOL) was evaluated for hypolipidemic and antioxidant activity in high fat diet (HFD) induced model. In the present study, chronic administration of High fat diet (HFD) in rats produced significant increase in the body weight, total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein (HDL), very low density lipoproteins (VLDL), low density lipoproteins (LDL), triglycerides (TG) and blood glucose levels. Treatment of obese rats with MEOOL for 28 days resulted in a significant (p < 0.001) change in the body weight, and biochemical parameters estimated. The extract also showed a significant antioxidant activity. The levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) significantly get redued and the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase was increased significantly indicating the extract is having potent antioxidant status. Further rats treated with MEOOL show reduced atherogenic index. The current study provides a strong evidence that MEOOL has a beneficial effect in treating hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress at the dosage and duration study.

Antiobesity and Hypolipidemic Activity ofMoringa oleiferaLeaves against High Fat Diet-Induced Obesity in Rats

In the present study, the methanolic extract ofMoringa oleiferaleaves (MEMOL) was evaluated for antiobesity activity in rats. The antiobesity potential of MEMOL was studied against high fat diet-induced obesity (HFD) in rats. In this study, chronic administration of HFD in rats produced hypercholesterolemia (116.2 ± 0.27 mg/dL), which led to an increase in the body weight (225 gr), total cholesterol, triglycerides (263.0 ± 4.69 mg/dL), and attenuation in the levels of HDL (34.51 ± 2.20 mg/dL) as well as changes in body temperature of animals. Treatment of obese rats with MEMOL for 49 days resulted in a significant (P&lt;0.001) change in body weight, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL level along with a significant (P&lt;0.001) increase in body temperature as compared to the HFD-induced obesity. MEMOL treated rats also showed a significant decrease in the level of liver biomarkers, organ weight, and blood glucose level. Further, rats treated with MEMOL (200 mg and 400 mg/kg) show reduced atherogenic index (1.7 ± 0.6 and 0.87 ± 0.76). The results indicate that the rats treated withMoringa oleifera(MO) have significantly attenuated the body weight without any change in the feed intake and also elicited significant thermogenic effect and to act as hypolipidemic and thermogenic property in obesity related disorders.

Pterostilbene, a natural analogue of resveratrol, decreases hepatic lipid deposition by increasing triacylglycerol hydrolases activity (1116.6)

In the present work the role of pterostilbene on lipid metabolism was evaluated in a rodent obesity model induced by monosodium glutamate (MSG) during the first ten days of life. At 70 days of age, control (C) and MSG (M) animals were divided into groups that received by gavage pterostilbene (P) (40 mg.kg‐1.day‐1) or vehicle (V) during 20 days. After removal of liver and adipose tissue, triacylglycerol (TAG) hydrolases activity was evaluated and SIRT‐1 (sirtuin‐1) expression was determined by real time PCR. The results obtained in fed rats showed increase in Lee index and visceral adiposity in MSG group (MV) in relation to control (CV). Treatment of obese rats with pterostilbene (MP) decreased Lee index with no change in adiposity as compared to MV. Serum TAG levels were increased in MV group (222±19 mg/dL) compared to CV (145±21 mg/dL) and MP group (212±19 mg/dL) did not show significant difference compared to MV. Fat liver deposition markedly increased in MV group when compared to CV, and decreased in MP group in relation to MV. Treatment with pterostilbene increased TAG‐hydrolytic activity in the liver of control and obese groups. In addition, SIRT‐1 mRNA expression increased in MP when compared to MV. Our data clearly established that the treatment of obese rats with pterostilbene has beneficial effects in the reduction of liver fat deposition by increasing TAG‐hydrolytic activity, probably by SIRT‐1 pathway.Grant Funding Source: Supported by CNPq, CAPES, FAPEMIG

Rimonabant-mediated changes in intestinal lipid metabolism and improved renal vascular dysfunction in the JCR:LA-cprat model of prediabetic metabolic syndrome

Rimonabant (SR141716) is a specific antagonist of the cannabinoid-1 receptor. Activation of the receptor initiates multiple effects on central nervous system function, metabolism, and body weight. The hypothesis that rimonabant has protective effects against vascular disease associated with the metabolic syndrome was tested using JCR:LA-cp rats. JCR:LA-cp rats are obese if they are cp/cp, insulin resistant, and exhibit associated micro- and macrovascular disease with end-stage myocardial and renal disease. Treatment of obese rats with rimonabant (10 mg.kg(-1).day(-1), 12-24 wk of age) caused transient reduction in food intake for 2 wk, without reduction in body weight. However, by 4 wk, there was a modest, sustained reduction in weight gain. Glycemic control improved marginally compared with controls, but at the expense of increased insulin concentration. In contrast, rimonabant normalized fasting plasma triglyceride and reduced plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and acute phase protein haptoglobin in cp/cp rats. Furthermore, these changes were accompanied by reduced postprandial intestinal lymphatic secretion of apolipoprotein B48, cholesterol, and haptoglobin. While macrovascular dysfunction and ischemic myocardial lesion frequency were unaffected by rimonabant treatment, both microalbuminuria and glomerular sclerosis were substantially reduced. In summary, rimonabant has a modest effect on body weight in freely eating obese rats and markedly reduces plasma triglyceride levels and microvascular disease, in part due to changes in intestinal metabolism, including lymphatic secretion of apolipoprotein B48 and haptoglobin. We conclude that rimonabant improves renal disease and intestinal lipid oversecretion associated with an animal model of the metabolic syndrome that appears to be independent of hyperinsulinemia or macrovascular dysfunction.