Carnosic acid prevents obesity and hepatic steatosis in ob/ob mice.

Abstract

AIM:

  Carnosic acid (CA) inhibits adipogenesis in vitro. The present study evaluated the therapeutic effects of CA in ob/ob mice.

METHODS:

  The experimental animals were given a standard chow diet with or without CA for 5 weeks. Bodyweight gain and food intake were measured during this period. Magnetic resonance imaging analysis, histological examination, serum chemistry analysis and intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) were all performed.

RESULTS:

  The mice fed CA experienced significant weight loss and reduced visceral adiposity, in addition to significantly reduced serum triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol levels. Importantly, CA had a dramatic effect on the liver by reducing the hepatic TG content, thus decreasing serum alanine aminotransferase levels. In addition, IPGTT revealed that CA significantly improved glucose tolerance.

CONCLUSION:

  These data suggest that CA is a novel therapeutic agent for obesity-related non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

• Authors: Ting Wang, Yasuhiro Takikawa, Takumi Satoh, Yoshichika Yoshioka, Kunio Kosaka, Yoshinori Tatemichi, Kazuyuki Suzuki
• Journal: Hepatology research : the official journal of the Japan Society of Hepatology (Hepatol Res) Vol. 41 Issue 1 Pg. 87-92 (Jan 2011) ISSN: 1872-034X [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 21199201 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2011 The Japan Society of Hepatology.