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Resveratrol and obesity: Can resveratrol relieve metabolic disturbances?
Marlies de Ligt1, Silvie Timmers1, Patrick Schrauwen1
1Department of Human Biology, NUTRIM School for Nutrition, Toxicology and Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6200MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
There is an increasing need for novel preventive and therapeutic strategies to combat obesity and related metabolic disorders. In this respect, the natural polyphenol resveratrol has attracted significant interest. Animal studies indicate that resveratrol mimics the effects of calorie restriction via activation of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1). SIRT1 is an important player in the regulation of cellular energy homeostasis and mitochondrial biogenesis. Rodent studies have shown beneficial effects of resveratrol supplementation on mitochondrial function, glucose metabolism, body composition and liver fat accumulation. However, confirmation of these beneficial effects in humans by placebo-controlled clinical trials remains relatively limited. This review will give an overview of pre-clinical and clinical studies examining the effects of resveratrol on obesity-induced negative health outcomes. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Resveratrol: Challenges in translating pre-clinical findings to improved patient outcomes.
Insights
Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol, shows promise in combating obesity by mimicking calorie restriction through sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) activation. While animal studies are encouraging, human clinical trial data on resveratrol
Area of Science:
- Metabolic health and nutrition
- Molecular biology and aging
Background:
- Obesity and metabolic disorders require new preventive and therapeutic strategies.
- Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol, is investigated for its health benefits.
- Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) plays a key role in energy homeostasis and mitochondrial function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review pre-clinical and clinical studies on resveratrol's effects on obesity.
- To assess the translation of resveratrol's benefits from animal models to human outcomes.
- To provide an overview of resveratrol's impact on obesity-related health issues.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of animal studies on resveratrol and obesity.
- Analysis of placebo-controlled clinical trials in humans.
- Examination of resveratrol's mechanism of action involving SIRT1.
Main Results:
- Animal studies suggest resveratrol improves mitochondrial function, glucose metabolism, body composition, and reduces liver fat.
- Resveratrol's effects in animal models are linked to SIRT1 activation, mimicking calorie restriction.
- Limited human clinical trial data currently confirms these benefits.
Conclusions:
- Resveratrol demonstrates potential therapeutic benefits for obesity in pre-clinical studies.
- Further robust human clinical trials are needed to validate resveratrol's efficacy for obesity.
- Translating resveratrol's promising pre-clinical findings into patient benefits remains a key challenge.
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