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Water-Soluble Pu-Erh Tea Extracts at Reasonable Oral Doses Down-Regulate the Expression of Genes Involved in Fat
Yuhi Yamada1, Yuki Shimba1, Sayuri Shibayama1
1Laboratory of Clinical Nutrition, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Suruga Ward, Shizuoka, Japan.
Abstract:
Pu-erh tea attenuates obesity and lipid metabolism by inhibiting pancreatic lipase, but prior studies used doses much higher than typical human consumption, which raised concerns about renal toxicity. This study aimed to investigate the effects of human drinkable doses of Pu-erh tea extract (PTE) on obesity and lipid metabolism. High-fat diet (HFD)-fed male C57BL/6J mice were orally administered distilled water (HFD group), 107.5 mg/kg PTE (High group, human equivalent: 1200 mL), or half of the High group's dose (Low group, human equivalent: 600 mL) per day. Hepatic and visceral fat accumulation, and body weight normalized by caloric consumption were reduced in the High group compared to the HFD group. Additionally, PTE decreased plasma triglyceride (TG) and the gene expression of fat synthesis genes in the liver, concomitant with a reduction in histologically observed hepatic fat deposits. Furthermore, mRNA expression levels related to TG synthesis in adipocytes, decreased in response to PTE treatment. PTE administration, at a human drinkable dose, inhibited fat accumulation. This might be related to the decreased expressions of these genes in adipocytes or the liver involved in these functions, which would presumably contribute to the prevention of weight gain.
Insights
Pu-erh tea extract (PTE) at human drinkable doses effectively reduced obesity and fat accumulation in mice. This study suggests PTE can prevent weight gain by inhibiting fat synthesis genes in the liver and adipocytes.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Metabolic Research
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Pu-erh tea is known to affect obesity and lipid metabolism.
- Previous studies used high doses of Pu-erh tea extract (PTE), raising concerns about safety.
- The effects of human-equivalent doses of PTE on obesity require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of human drinkable doses of Pu-erh tea extract (PTE) on obesity and lipid metabolism.
- To assess the impact of PTE on hepatic and visceral fat accumulation.
- To determine the molecular mechanisms underlying PTE's effects on fat synthesis.
Main Methods:
- High-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice were administered distilled water, a high dose (107.5 mg/kg), or a low dose (53.75 mg/kg) of PTE daily.
- Body weight, caloric consumption, and fat accumulation were measured.
- Plasma triglyceride levels and gene expression related to fat synthesis in the liver and adipocytes were analyzed.
Main Results:
- The high dose of PTE significantly reduced body weight gain, hepatic, and visceral fat accumulation compared to the HFD group.
- PTE decreased plasma triglyceride levels and the expression of fat synthesis genes in the liver.
- PTE treatment also reduced mRNA expression levels related to triglyceride synthesis in adipocytes.
Conclusions:
- Pu-erh tea extract (PTE), at doses comparable to human consumption, effectively inhibits fat accumulation and prevents weight gain.
- PTE's mechanism involves downregulating fat synthesis genes in both the liver and adipocytes.
- These findings support the potential of PTE as a natural intervention for managing obesity and lipid metabolism.
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