Antiobesity activity of Vigna nakashimae extract in high-fat diet-induced obesity

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Metabolism
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Obesity is a complex metabolic disorder with significant health implications.
• Dietary interventions are crucial for managing and preventing obesity.
• Natural compounds are being explored for their potential antiobesity properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the antiobesity effects of Vigna nakashimae (VN) extract.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying VN's antiobesity actions.
• To assess VN's efficacy in both in vitro and in vivo models of obesity.

Main Methods:

• In vitro studies using 3T3-L1 cells to assess adipocyte differentiation and gene expression.
• In vivo studies using high-fat diet (HFD) induced obese mice.
• Analysis of adipogenic and lipogenic gene expression, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ).
• Assessment of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC) phosphorylation.
• Measurement of body weight, fat tissue weight, hepatic lipid levels, and plasma lipid profiles.

Main Results:

• VN extract suppressed adipocyte differentiation and key adipogenic gene expression in 3T3-L1 cells.
• VN extract decreased PPARγ expression and its target genes while activating AMPK/ACC phosphorylation and fatty acid oxidation.
• In HFD-fed mice, VN extract reduced body weight, fat accumulation, hepatic lipids, and plasma lipid levels.
• VN extract normalized PPARγ expression and restored AMPK/ACC phosphorylation in vivo, consistent with in vitro findings.

Conclusions:

• Vigna nakashimae extract possesses significant antiobesity effects.
• The mechanisms involve suppression of PPARγ expression and activation of AMPK signaling pathways.
• VN extract demonstrates potential as a natural dietary supplement for obesity prevention and management.