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Role of Dietary Polyphenols in Adipose Tissue Browning: A Narrative Review
Juan Salazar1, Clímaco Cano1, José L Pérez1
1Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Research Center. School of Medicine, University of Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela
Abstract:
Lifestyle modifications such as energy restriction and increased physical activity are highly effective in the management of obesity. However, adherence to these therapeutic approaches is poor. On the other hand, synthetic drugs used for obesity control are plagued by adverse effects. Despite these failures, adipose tissue is still an attractive therapeutic target for novel molecules, and thus, the characterisation of new and safer anti-obesity drugs is of significant interest. For this reason, in recent years, phenolic constituents of diverse plants have drawn much attention due to their health-promoting properties, opening new research lines related to brown adipose tissue activation and white adipose tissue (WAT) browning. The goal is to increase energy expenditure levels through thermogenic activity activation by multiple factors, like polyphenols. The suggested mechanisms by which polyphenols can modulate thermogenesis include Nor-epinephrine/Catechol-O-Methyl-Transferase (NE/COMT) inhibition, PPARγ co-activator alpha (PGC-1α)-dependent pathways activation, and mitochondrial biogenesis, among others. Although polyphenols such as quercetin, catechins, chrysin, luteolin, curcumin, resveratrol, gallic acid, and lignans have shown a positive effect on Non-Shivering Thermogenesis and WAT browning, most of them have only been active in murine models or in vitro systems, and their reproducibility in humans has to be proved. Probably in the future, an approach that includes these compounds as part of the nutritional regimen in conjunction with physical exercise, pharmacological and surgical therapy, would allow modulating a pathophysiological mechanism that is still elusive.
Insights
Polyphenols from plants show promise for obesity management by activating thermogenesis and browning white adipose tissue. Further human studies are needed to confirm their effectiveness as safer anti-obesity agents.
Area of Science:
- Metabolism and Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Obesity management faces challenges with poor adherence to lifestyle changes and adverse effects of synthetic drugs.
- Adipose tissue remains a key therapeutic target for novel, safer anti-obesity agents.
- Plant-derived phenolic compounds are gaining attention for their potential in modulating adipose tissue function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of plant-derived polyphenols in obesity management.
- To investigate the mechanisms by which polyphenols activate thermogenesis and promote white adipose tissue (WAT) browning.
- To assess the efficacy of polyphenols as safer alternatives to current anti-obesity strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on phenolic compounds and their effects on adipose tissue.
- Analysis of proposed mechanisms including Nor-epinephrine/Catechol-O-Methyl-Transferase (NE/COMT) inhibition and PPARγ co-activator alpha (PGC-1α) pathways.
- Examination of studies investigating polyphenols like quercetin, catechins, and resveratrol on thermogenesis and WAT browning.
Main Results:
- Polyphenols demonstrate potential in activating thermogenesis and promoting WAT browning in preclinical and in vitro models.
- Identified mechanisms include modulation of NE/COMT activity and PGC-1α dependent pathways, enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis.
- Several specific polyphenols (quercetin, catechins, resveratrol, etc.) have shown positive effects in experimental settings.
Conclusions:
- Plant-derived polyphenols offer a promising avenue for developing novel anti-obesity therapies by targeting adipose tissue thermogenesis.
- While effective in models, human clinical validation is crucial for translating these findings into viable treatments.
- Future strategies may integrate polyphenols with existing therapies for comprehensive obesity management.
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