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Antiobesity activities of indole-3-carbinol in high-fat-diet-induced obese mice

Hsiao-Pei Chang1, Mei-Lin Wang, Ming-Hsing Chan

  • 1School of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.

Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.)
|March 12, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) reduced body weight and fat accumulation in obese mice. This dietary compound improved glucose tolerance and modulated key metabolic factors, offering potential benefits for obesity management.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Nutrition Science
  • Metabolic Research

Background:

  • Obesity is a complex metabolic disorder linked to chronic inflammation and dysregulated lipid metabolism.
  • High-fat diets induce obesity and associated metabolic complications in experimental models.
  • Cruciferous vegetables contain indole-3-carbinol (I3C), a compound with potential anti-obesity properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the efficacy of indole-3-carbinol (I3C) in mitigating obesity and related metabolic disturbances.
  • To evaluate the impact of I3C on body weight, adipose tissue, glucose homeostasis, and lipid metabolism in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice.

Main Methods:

  • Male C57BL/6 mice were fed a high-fat (HF) diet and treated with I3C (5 mg/kg) or vehicle.
  • Measurements included body and organ weights, serum glucose, triacylglycerol, insulin, and adipokines.
  • Analysis of macrophage accumulation and lipid metabolism markers in epididymal adipose tissue.

Main Results:

  • I3C treatment significantly reduced body weight and epididymal adipose tissue weight compared to the HF group.
  • I3C administration improved glucose tolerance and increased adiponectin levels.
  • I3C modulated key metabolic pathways, decreasing acetyl-CoA carboxylase mRNA and increasing peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ protein expression.

Conclusions:

  • Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) effectively reduces body weight and adipose tissue accumulation in DIO mice.
  • I3C treatment improves glucose tolerance and alters adipokine profiles and lipid metabolism markers.
  • These findings suggest I3C's potential as a therapeutic agent for managing obesity and its metabolic sequelae.

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