Decrease of Obesity by Allantoin via Imidazoline I 1 -Receptor Activation in High Fat Diet-Fed Mice.
Hsien-Hui Chung1, Kung Shing Lee, Juei-Tang Cheng
1Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City 70101, Taiwan.
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : Ecam
|April 23, 2013
Summary
Allantoin, found in yam, reduces obesity in mice by activating the imidazoline I1-receptor (I1R), decreasing body weight and fat accumulation. This effect on appetite regulation was specific to diet-induced obesity models.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic research
- Obesity research
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Imidazoline I1-receptor (I1R) activation regulates appetite.
- Allantoin, a yam component, improves lipid metabolism in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice.
- The anti-obesity effects of allantoin are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of allantoin on HFD-induced obesity.
- To determine the role of I1R activation in allantoin's effects.
- To assess allantoin's impact on energy intake and adipose tissue.
Main Methods:
- Chronic administration of allantoin to HFD-fed mice for 8 weeks.
- Administration of efaroxan to block I1R and observe reversal effects.
- Measurement of body weight, epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT) characteristics, energy intake, and leptin levels.
- Comparison of effects in HFD-fed mice and db/db mice.
Main Results:
- Allantoin significantly decreased body weight and eWAT cell size/weight in HFD-fed mice.
- These effects were reversed by I1R blockade with efaroxan.
- Allantoin reduced energy intake and brain NPY levels in HFD-fed mice, but not in db/db mice.
- Allantoin lowered HFD-induced hyperleptinemia, an effect abolished by I1R blockade.
Conclusions:
- Allantoin ameliorates HFD-induced obesity by activating I1R.
- Allantoin reduces energy intake and eWAT accumulation through I1R activation.
- The findings suggest allantoin as a potential therapeutic agent for obesity via I1R modulation.
