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Zebrafish obesogenic test identifies anti-adipogenic fraction in Moringa oreifera leaf extracts
Izumi Matsuoka1, Kanae Hata1, Hirotaka Katsuzaki2
1Graduate School of Regional Innovation Studies Mie University Tsu Japan.
Abstract:
The zebrafish obesogenic test (ZOT) is a powerful tool for identifying anti-adipogenic compounds for in vivo screening. In our previous study, we found that Moringa oleifera (MO) leaf powder suppressed the accumulation of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in ZOT. MO demonstrates a wide range of pharmacological effects; however, little is known about its functional constituents. To identify the anti-adipogenic components of MO leaves, we prepared extracts using different extraction methods and tested the obtained extracts and fractions using ZOT. We found that the dichloromethane extract and its hexane:EtOAc = 8:2 fraction reduced VAT accumulation in young zebrafish fed a high-fat diet. We also performed gene expression analysis in the zebrafish VAT and found that CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein delta (associated with early stages of adipogenesis) gene expression was downregulated after fraction 2 administration. We identified a new MO fraction that suppressed VAT accumulation by inhibiting early adipogenesis using the ZOT. Phenotype-driven zebrafish screening is a reasonable strategy for identifying bioactive components in natural products.
Insights
Moringa oleifera leaf extracts were tested for anti-adipogenic properties using the zebrafish obesogenic test (ZOT). A specific fraction effectively reduced visceral adipose tissue (VAT) accumulation by inhibiting early adipogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Natural Product Chemistry
- Zebrafish Models
Background:
- The zebrafish obesogenic test (ZOT) is a validated in vivo model for screening anti-adipogenic compounds.
- Moringa oleifera (MO) has demonstrated pharmacological effects, but its specific anti-obesity constituents are not well-characterized.
- Previous studies indicated MO leaf powder suppresses visceral adipose tissue (VAT) accumulation in ZOT.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify specific anti-adipogenic components from Moringa oleifera leaves.
- To investigate the mechanism of action of identified MO fractions in suppressing adipogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of various Moringa oleifera leaf extracts using different extraction techniques.
- In vivo screening of extracts and fractions using the zebrafish obesogenic test (ZOT) with a high-fat diet.
- Gene expression analysis of adipogenesis-related markers (e.g., C/EBPβ, C/EBPδ) in zebrafish visceral adipose tissue.
Main Results:
- The dichloromethane extract and a hexane:EtOAc (8:2) fraction of MO significantly reduced VAT accumulation in zebrafish.
- Gene expression analysis revealed downregulation of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein delta in zebrafish VAT treated with the active fraction.
- The identified MO fraction suppresses VAT accumulation by inhibiting early adipogenesis.
Conclusions:
- A novel Moringa oleifera fraction was identified as a potent suppressor of visceral adipose tissue accumulation.
- The anti-adipogenic effect is mediated through the inhibition of early adipogenesis, indicated by the downregulation of key transcription factors.
- Phenotype-driven screening in zebrafish is an effective strategy for discovering bioactive anti-obesity compounds from natural products.
