Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026

White and Brown Adipose Grafts: An Approach to Correct Reproductive, Metabolic, and Renal Deficits in Black and Tan Brachyury (BTBR) Obese Mice
Published on: September 9, 2025
Antiobesity and antidiabetic effects of biotransformed blueberry juice in KKA(y) mice
T Vuong1, A Benhaddou-Andaloussi, A Brault
1Department of Pharmacology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada.
Aim:
Biotransformation of blueberry juice by the Serratia vaccinii bacterium gave rise to adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation and glucose uptake in muscle cells and adipocytes, but inhibited adipogenesis. This study investigated the antiobesity and antidiabetic potential of biotransformed blueberry juice (BJ) in KKA(y) mice, rodent model of leptin resistance.
Methods:
BJ was incorporated in drinking water of KKA(y) mice. Parameters of body weight, food intake, plasma glucose, insulin, leptin, and adiponectin were measured. Before and after therapy, animals were subjected to an oral glucose tolerance test. At the end of treatment, liver, muscle, kidney, epididymal fat pad, abdominal fat pad, and dorsal fat pad were collected and weighed.
Results:
Incorporating BJ in drinking water protected young KKA(y) mice from hyperphagia and significantly reduced their weight gain. Moreover, BJ protected young KKA(y) mice against the development of glucose intolerance and diabetes mellitus. Chronic BJ administration in obese and diabetic KKA(y) mice reduced food intake and body weight. This effect could not fully explain the associated antidiabetic effect because BJ-treated mice still showed lower blood glucose level when compared with pair-fed controls. The adipokines pathway also seems to be involved because BJ significantly increased adiponectin levels in obese mice.
Conclusions:
This study shows that BJ decreases hyperglycemia in diabetic mice, at least in part by reversing adiponectin levels. BJ also protects young pre-diabetic mice from developing obesity and diabetes. Thus, BJ may represent a novel complementary therapy and a source of novel therapeutic agents against diabetes mellitus.
Insights
Biotransformed blueberry juice (BJ) reduced weight gain and improved glucose tolerance in diabetic mice. BJ also protected pre-diabetic mice from developing obesity and diabetes, suggesting its therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Metabolic diseases
- Nutritional science
Background:
- Blueberry juice biotransformation by Serratia vaccinii induces AMPK phosphorylation and glucose uptake.
- Biotransformed blueberry juice (BJ) inhibits adipogenesis and shows potential for metabolic health.
- KKA(y) mice serve as a model for studying leptin resistance, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antiobesity and antidiabetic effects of biotransformed blueberry juice (BJ).
- To evaluate BJ's efficacy in KKA(y) mice, a model of leptin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Main Methods:
- KKA(y) mice were administered BJ in their drinking water.
- Measurements included body weight, food intake, plasma glucose, insulin, leptin, and adiponectin.
- Oral glucose tolerance tests were performed before and after treatment; various tissues were weighed post-treatment.
Main Results:
- BJ consumption reduced hyperphagia and weight gain in young KKA(y) mice.
- BJ administration improved glucose tolerance and prevented diabetes development in pre-diabetic mice.
- In obese and diabetic mice, BJ decreased food intake, body weight, and blood glucose levels, partly by increasing adiponectin.
Conclusions:
- Biotransformed blueberry juice (BJ) effectively reduces hyperglycemia in diabetic mice, potentially via adiponectin modulation.
- BJ demonstrates protective effects against obesity and diabetes in pre-diabetic mice.
- BJ shows promise as a complementary therapy for diabetes mellitus and a source of therapeutic agents.

