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Dioscorea batatas extract attenuates high-fat diet-induced obesity in mice by decreasing expression of inflammatory
Hyo-Wook Gil1, Eun-Young Lee1, Ji-Hye Lee2
1Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, Cheonan, Korea.
Background:
The objective of the present study was to determine whether Dioscorea batatas (DB) extract reduces visceral fat accumulation and obesity-related biomarkers in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) and whether genes associated with adipogenesis and inflammation could be modulated by a diet containing DB extract.
Material And Methods:
Male C57BL/6J mice were divided into 4 groups (n=10 per group): normal diet (ND), HFD, 100 mg/kg DB extract-gavage with HFD, and 200 mg/kg DB extract-gavage with HFD. The mice were fed the experimental diets for 14 weeks. At 12 weeks, micro-computed X-ray tomography (micro-CT) was performed.
Results:
Supplementation of the diet with DB extract for 14 weeks significantly prevented HFD-induced increases in body weight, visceral adipose tissue, plasma lipid levels, and leptins. The area of visceral fat was reduced by DB extract supplementation when examined by micro-CT. Supplementation with DB extract resulted in the downregulation of the adipogenic transcription factor (C/ERBa) and its target gene (CD36) in epididymal adipose tissue, compared to HFD alone. DB extract decreased the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, MCP-1, and IL-6) in epididymal adipose tissue.
Conclusions:
Our results suggest that DB extract may prevent HFD-induced obesity by downregulating the expression of genes related to adipogenesis and inflammation in visceral adipose tissue.
Insights
Dioscorea batatas (DB) extract supplementation significantly reduced visceral fat accumulation and obesity markers in mice on a high-fat diet (HFD). DB extract also downregulated genes linked to fat development and inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Obesity Research
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- High-fat diets (HFD) contribute to obesity and related metabolic disorders.
- Visceral fat accumulation is a key indicator of metabolic dysfunction.
- Identifying natural compounds to combat obesity is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of Dioscorea batatas (DB) extract on visceral fat accumulation in mice fed an HFD.
- To assess DB extract's impact on obesity-related biomarkers.
- To determine if DB extract modulates genes involved in adipogenesis and inflammation.
Main Methods:
- Male C57BL/6J mice were divided into four groups: normal diet, HFD, HFD with 100 mg/kg DB extract, and HFD with 200 mg/kg DB extract.
- Mice were fed experimental diets for 14 weeks.
- Micro-computed X-ray tomography (micro-CT) was used to assess visceral fat at 12 weeks.
Main Results:
- DB extract supplementation prevented HFD-induced increases in body weight, visceral adipose tissue, plasma lipids, and leptin.
- Micro-CT analysis showed reduced visceral fat area with DB extract.
- DB extract downregulated adipogenic factors (C/ERBa, CD36) and proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-6) in epididymal adipose tissue.
Conclusions:
- Dioscorea batatas extract demonstrates potential in preventing diet-induced obesity.
- DB extract may exert its effects by downregulating adipogenesis and inflammation in visceral adipose tissue.
- These findings suggest DB extract as a potential therapeutic agent for obesity management.

