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Antiobesity molecular mechanisms of action: Resveratrol and pterostilbene
Min-Hsiung Pan1,2,3,4, Jia-Ching Wu5, Chi-Tang Ho6
1College of Food Engineering and Nutritional Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China.
Abstract:
Obesity is a current global epidemic that has led to a marked increase in metabolic diseases. However, its treatment remains a challenge. Obesity is a multifactorial disease, which involves the dysfunction of neuropeptides, hormones, and inflammatory adipokines from the brain, gut, and adipose tissue. An understanding of the mechanisms and signal interactions in the crosstalk between organs and tissue in the coordination of whole-body energy metabolism would be helpful to provide therapeutic and putative approaches to the treatment and prevention of obesity and related complications. Resveratrol and pterostilbene are well-known stilbenes that provide various potential benefits to human health. In particular, their potential anti-obesity effects have been proven in numerous cell culture and animal studies. Both compounds act to regulate energy intake, adipocyte life cycle and function, white adipose tissue (WAT) inflammation, energy expenditure, and gut microbiota by targeting multiple molecules and signaling pathways as an intervention for obesity. Although the efficacy of both compounds in humans requires further investigation with respect to their oral bioavailability, promising scientific findings have highlighted their potential as candidates for the treatment of obesity and the improvement of obesity-related metabolic diseases. © 2018 BioFactors, 44(1):50-60, 2018.
Insights
Resveratrol and pterostilbene show promise in combating obesity by regulating energy metabolism and inflammation. Further human studies are needed to confirm their effectiveness and bioavailability for treating obesity and related metabolic diseases.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic disease research
- Nutritional science
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Obesity is a global epidemic linked to increased metabolic diseases.
- Obesity results from complex interactions between the brain, gut, and adipose tissue.
- Current obesity treatments face significant challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential anti-obesity effects of resveratrol and pterostilbene.
- To understand the mechanisms by which these stilbenes target obesity.
- To evaluate their therapeutic potential for obesity and related metabolic disorders.
Main Methods:
- Review of cell culture and animal studies on resveratrol and pterostilbene.
- Analysis of their effects on energy intake, expenditure, and adipose tissue.
- Investigation of their impact on gut microbiota and inflammatory pathways.
Main Results:
- Resveratrol and pterostilbene regulate energy intake, adipocyte function, and white adipose tissue (WAT) inflammation.
- These compounds influence energy expenditure and modulate gut microbiota.
- Multiple molecular targets and signaling pathways are implicated in their anti-obesity actions.
Conclusions:
- Resveratrol and pterostilbene exhibit significant potential as anti-obesity agents.
- Their mechanisms involve regulating key aspects of energy metabolism and inflammation.
- Further research on human bioavailability is warranted to establish their clinical efficacy.
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