Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026
Measurement of Basal and Forskolin-stimulated Lipolysis in Inguinal Adipose Fat Pads
Published on: July 21, 2017
Cannabigerol Alleviates Obesity-Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction by Cardiolipin Fatty Acid Remodeling
Patrycja Bielawiec1, Karolina Konstantynowicz-Nowicka1, Adrian Chabowski1
1Department of Physiology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland.
Abstract:
Until now, strategies to offset the harmful effects of obesity using phytocannabinoids have only begun to be unraveled. Therefore, we aimed to identify the possible therapeutic role of 2-week cannabigerol (CBG) treatment on intramuscular fatty acids (FAs) and lipid metabolism, with subsequent implications for mitochondrial cardiolipin composition in male Wistar rats in the context of a high-fat, high-sucrose diet-induced obesity. To elucidate underlying mechanisms, we assessed expression and cellular localization of fatty acid-handling proteins, intramuscular lipid profile, the total expression of proteins involved in FAs synthesis and metabolism, cardiolipin content and composition, cytochrome c oxidase activity, as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) level and lipid peroxides formation using Western blotting, gas-liquid chromatography, and immunoenzymatic kits. Our findings demonstrate that CBG alleviates obesity-induced recruitment of fatty acid transporters to the plasma membrane, thereby limiting intracellular FAs influx and protecting myocytes against excess lipogenesis and subsequent lipid storage. Moreover, we also revealed obesity-related defective cardiolipin fatty-acyl chain remodeling, characterized by excess accumulation of docosahexaenoic acid, leading to increased unsaturated aldehyde formation. Importantly, CBG upregulated muscular cardiolipin and prevented the buildup of C22:6n-3, which was accompanied by elevated SOD levels and reduced formation of lipid peroxidation products, indicating enhanced cellular antioxidant defense. Hence, CBG-mediated effects may fulfill an urgent, so far unmet clinical need for treatments that can directly target muscular obesity-associated metabolic defects.
Insights
Cannabigerol (CBG) treatment may combat obesity by limiting fatty acid uptake in muscles. This phytocannabinoid enhances antioxidant defense and improves mitochondrial health, offering a potential treatment for metabolic defects.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Metabolic Science
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Obesity is linked to harmful metabolic defects, and phytocannabinoids show potential for therapeutic intervention.
- Strategies to counteract obesity's effects using plant-derived cannabinoids are emerging.
- Understanding the impact of specific phytocannabinoids on lipid metabolism is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic effects of cannabigerol (CBG) on intramuscular fatty acids and lipid metabolism in diet-induced obesity.
- To examine CBG's impact on mitochondrial cardiolipin composition and cellular antioxidant defense.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying CBG's action in protecting myocytes from lipotoxicity.
Main Methods:
- Male Wistar rats were subjected to a high-fat, high-sucrose diet to induce obesity.
- Treatment involved 2-week administration of cannabigerol (CBG).
- Assessed fatty acid transporters, lipid profiles, cardiolipin content, enzyme activity (cytochrome c oxidase), and oxidative stress markers (SOD, lipid peroxides) using Western blotting, gas-liquid chromatography, and immunoenzymatic kits.
Main Results:
- CBG treatment limited fatty acid transporter recruitment, reducing intracellular fatty acid influx and lipogenesis in myocytes.
- Obesity-induced defective cardiolipin remodeling, with excess docosahexaenoic acid accumulation, was ameliorated by CBG.
- CBG upregulated muscular cardiolipin, prevented C22:6n-3 buildup, increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, and reduced lipid peroxidation.
Conclusions:
- Cannabigerol (CBG) demonstrates a therapeutic potential in mitigating obesity-associated muscular metabolic defects.
- CBG limits lipotoxicity by controlling fatty acid metabolism and enhances cellular antioxidant defense.
- These findings suggest CBG as a promising candidate for targeting muscle-specific metabolic dysfunctions in obesity.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Overview of Lipid Metabolism
Lipolysis: The Breakdown of Lipids:
Lipolysis is the process of breaking down lipids, particularly triglycerides, into glycerol and fatty acids. This process typically occurs in the adipose tissue and is triggered by various hormones, including glucagon and...
01:25Lipid Catabolism
01:40Overview of Metabolism
Plant Metabolism
Sunlight, the primary source of energy in plants, is first absorbed by the chlorophyll pigments present in their leaves. Plants then use this energy to carry out photosynthesis, where water is oxidized into oxygen and carbon dioxide...