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Published on: March 11, 2017
Resveratrol suppresses T0901317-induced hepatic fat accumulation in mice
1Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, 450 Pharmacy South, 250 West Green Street, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
Abstract:
Liver X receptor (LXR) has been identified as a potential target for treatment of atherosclerosis and diabetes. Activation of LXR, however, is associated with increased lipogenesis and fat accumulation in the liver. The objective of the current study was to examine the effect of resveratrol on LXR activator-induced fat accumulation in liver using mice as an animal model. Three groups of C57BL/6 mice were studied. Animals in group 1 were treated with T0901317, a potent activator of LXR in mice. Animals in group 2 served as the control and were treated with carrier solution and those in group 3 were treated with T0901317/resveratrol combination. Using histochemical and biochemical methods, we demonstrate that resveratrol treatment significantly suppressed fat accumulation in the liver induced by T0901317. In addition, resveratrol completely blocked elevation of blood levels of triglyceride and cholesterol and reduced blood glucose level. Quantitative PCR analysis revealed that resveratrol treatment did not change the mRNA levels of abca1, abcg1, cyp7a1, srebp-1c, chrebp, and acc genes compared to that of animals treated with T0901317 alone but reduced pepck and g6p gene expressions. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot analyses show resveratrol treatment activated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and increased phosphorylation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase. Treatment with T0901317 on hepatocytes increased intracellular fat accumulation and this increase was suppressed by resveratrol; the suppressive effect of resveratrol was greatly repressed by Compound C which is an inhibitor of AMPK. Collectively, these data suggest that resveratrol blocks T0901317-induced lipid accumulation in the liver and can be considered for inclusion into the treatment of diseases involving activation of liver X receptor.
Insights
Resveratrol effectively reduces liver fat accumulation caused by liver X receptor (LXR) activation. This natural compound also improves blood lipids and glucose levels, offering potential therapeutic benefits.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic diseases
- Pharmacology
- Hepatology
Background:
- Liver X receptor (LXR) activation is a therapeutic target for atherosclerosis and diabetes.
- LXR activation can lead to increased lipogenesis and hepatic fat accumulation.
- Investigating compounds to mitigate LXR-induced side effects is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of resveratrol on LXR activator-induced hepatic fat accumulation in a mouse model.
- To assess resveratrol's impact on metabolic parameters and underlying molecular mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- C57BL/6 mice were treated with T0901317 (LXR activator) alone, carrier, or T0901317/resveratrol combination.
- Histochemical, biochemical, quantitative PCR, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot analyses were employed.
- Hepatocyte cultures were used to confirm cellular effects and investigate the role of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK).
Main Results:
- Resveratrol significantly suppressed T0901317-induced liver fat accumulation.
- Resveratrol normalized blood triglyceride, cholesterol, and glucose levels.
- Resveratrol activated AMPK signaling, evidenced by increased acetyl-CoA carboxylase phosphorylation, and reduced specific gene expressions (PEPCK, G6P).
Conclusions:
- Resveratrol effectively counteracts LXR activator-induced hepatic lipid accumulation.
- Resveratrol demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent for conditions involving LXR activation.
- The protective effects of resveratrol involve the AMPK signaling pathway.
