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Mouse Models to Study Antiobesogenic Effects of Carotenoids
Joan Ribot1, Bojan Stojnic2, Andreu Palou2
1Grup de Recerca Nutrigenòmica i Obesitat, Laboratori de Biologia Molecular, Nutrició i Biotecnologia (LBNB) of the Universitat de les Illes Balears, CIBER de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn) and Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Illes Balears (IdISBa), Palma de Mallorca, Spain. joan.ribot@uib.es.
Abstract:
Carotenoids entail a vast potential to tackle health problems including obesity and some of its comorbidities. The use of animal models remains necessary, particularly at early stages of research (preclinical) and for advancing in mechanistic aspects of carotenoid action. No single animal model completely mimics human absorption and metabolism of carotenoids, and the best model must be chosen considering the specific application, characteristics of the individual models, and funding and facilities available. Here, we propose three protocols in mice to investigate the potential of a given carotenoid, carotenoid mixture, or carotenoid-rich extract to (a) counteract the development of obesity and prevent the metabolic alterations caused by feeding mice a moderate high-fat diet; (b) improve the metabolic profile of obese animals with metabolic alterations caused by chronic high-fat diet feeding; and (c) act as coadjuvants in weight loss strategies (reversion to a low fat diet) applied to diet-induced obese animals.
Insights
Carotenoids show promise for combating obesity and related health issues. This study outlines mouse models to explore carotenoid effectiveness in preventing, managing, and treating obesity and metabolic dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Preclinical Research
- Animal Models
Background:
- Carotenoids offer potential health benefits, particularly for obesity and comorbidities.
- Animal models are crucial for preclinical research on carotenoid mechanisms.
- No single animal model perfectly replicates human carotenoid absorption and metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose three mouse protocols for investigating carotenoid efficacy.
- To assess carotenoids' ability to prevent obesity and metabolic alterations.
- To evaluate carotenoids in improving metabolic profiles of obese animals and as weight loss coadjuvants.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing mouse models fed moderate or chronic high-fat diets.
- Implementing protocols to test carotenoids, mixtures, or extracts.
- Assessing effects on obesity development and metabolic alterations.
Main Results:
- Protocols designed to evaluate carotenoid impact on diet-induced obesity.
- Methods to assess prevention, management, and coadjuvant roles of carotenoids.
- Focus on metabolic alterations associated with high-fat diets.
Conclusions:
- Mouse models provide a framework for studying carotenoid's role in obesity and metabolic health.
- Proposed protocols facilitate investigation into carotenoid mechanisms and applications.
- This research supports the development of carotenoid-based strategies for metabolic health.
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