The
overweight and obese population has skyrocketed, resulting in a high incidence of metabolic disorders. Agardhiella subulata (AS) contains a variety of beneficial components, such as
sulfur-containing
polysaccharides (
dietary fiber) and
astaxanthin, which is considered to have anti-
obesity potential. In this study, we investigated the effects and possible mechanisms of dietary AS on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced
obesity in mice. AS supplementation significantly reduced HFD-induced
weight gain (19%) and the visceral adiposity index (4.1%). In addition, the level of total
cholesterol,
triglyceride, and
low-density lipoprotein was significantly decreased;
adiponectin was significantly increased in serum and fecal
triglyceride excretion was significantly higher in mice fed AS compared with mice on an HFD. Preadipocyte factor 1 and Sry-box
transcription factor 9 that were significantly higher than the levels found for the HFD group lead to reduced adipogenesis. Moreover, accompanying the lipolysis and
fatty acid β-oxidation that occur in the AS group, the concentration of non-
esterified fatty acids was lowered to 0.4 ± 0.1 mEq/L. In addition,
peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ and phosphorylation
acetyl-CoA carboxylase increased 1.5- and 1-fold, thus increasing the expression of
adiponectin and the activation of AMPK and ultimately resulting in lower
blood glucose levels. The results of this study suggest that AS supplementation increases
lipid excretion and improves energy metabolism to prevent
obesity in mice fed a HFD.