Amelioration of experimental metabolic syndrome induced in rats by orlistat and Corchorus olitorius leaf extract; role of adipo/cytokines.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy of Corchorus olitorius (C. olitorius) leaf extract in the prevention of metabolic syndrome induced in rats by high-fat diet (HFD) and compare it with that of orlistat. METHODS: Phytochemical analysis was performed. Effect of orlistat and C. olitorius extract on lipase activity and acute food intake were investigated. Body weight, biochemical parameters and histopathological examination were demonstrated. KEY FINDINGS: Corchorus olitorius extract inhibited the pancreatic lipase activity, but orlistat was more potent. Cumulative food intake has not changed by the tested agents. In obese rats, C. olitorius or orlistat significantly decreased weight gain and visceral white adipose tissue. They exhibited a significant reduction in serum glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, free fatty acids, IL-1ß, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), insulin and leptin levels of obese rat groups while high density lipoprotein cholesterol and adiponectin levels were significantly increased by them. Histopathological examination of the liver revealed that C. olitorius was more effective than orlistat in the alleviating of steatosis and adipocyte hypertrophy shown in obese control rats. CONCLUSIONS: Corchorus olitorius is effective as orlistat in preventing obesity, hyperlipidaemia, steatosis and insulin resistance. These actions may be mediated by inhibiting of lipase activity, TNF-α, IL-1ß and leptin resistance along with increasing of adiponectin.

Inhibition of adiposity and related metabolic disturbances by polyphenol-rich extract of Boswellia serrata gum through alteration of adipo/cytokine profiles.

BACKGROUND: The role of proinflammatory cytokines in adiposity is well established. The anti-inflammatory and antihyperglycemia effects of Boswellia serrata (B. Serrata) gum have been demonstrated by many investigators. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-obesity potential of B. serrata extract. METHODS: The effects of B. serrata extract on lipase activity and acute food intake were investigated. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-obesity potential of B. serrata extract. The effects on lipase activity and acute food intake were investigated. Body weight changes, biochemical and histopathological markers were demonstrated in rats fed a high-fat diet. RESULTS: Boswellia serrata extract inhibited alterations in pancreatic lipase activity, but orlistat was more efficacious. B. serrata and ephidrene, but not orlistat, significantly suppressed cumulative food intake in mice. In obese rats, B. serrata or orlistat significantly decreased weight gain and weight of visceral white adipose tissue. B. serrata-treated animals exhibited a significant reduction in serum glucose, TC, TG, LDL-C, FFA, IL-1ß, TNF-α, insulin and leptin levels of obese rat groups while HDL-C and adiponectin levels were significantly increased by orlistat or B. serrata extract. Histopathological examination of the liver revealed that B. serrata was more effective than orlistat in alleviating steatosis and adipocyte hypertrophy shown in obese control rats. CONCLUSIONS: Boswellia serrata is as effective as orlistat in preventing obesity, hyperlipidemia, steatosis and insulin resistance. These actions may be mediated by suppression of food intake and decrease levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß and leptin resistance along with increasing adiponectin.

The effect of melatonin on plasma markers of inflammation and on expression of nuclear factor-kappa beta in acetic acid-induced colitis in the rat.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Melatonin may be involved in gastrointestinal tract physiology and could affect inflammation-related gastrointestinal disorders. Rat models of ulcerative colitis imply melatonin is beneficial. To determine potential pathophysiological mechanisms, we assessed colonic nuclear factor-kappa beta expression and measured serum levels of pentraxin-3, lipid peroxides, and total thiols in an acetic acid model of this disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty rats were divided into five groups: a control group, an acetic acid-induced colitis group, a group treated with melatonin before colitis induction, a group treated short-term after colitis induction, and a group treated long-term after colitis induction. After four weeks, blood samples were taken for measurement of pentraxin-3, lipid peroxide, and total thiols. Sections of the colon were taken for histopathological examination and immunohistochemical detection of nuclear factor-kappa beta expression. RESULTS: Melatonin administration reduced nuclear factor-kappa beta immunohistochemical expression, reduced serum levels of lipid peroxide and pentraxin-3, and maintained serum levels of total thiols. However, in long-term treatment the protective effect of melatonin was not as marked. CONCLUSION: Melatonin is effective in prevention and short-term treatment of the inflammatory process in acetic-acid induced colitis whereas the benefit of long-term treatment is unclear. Benefit may be linked to protection mechanisms against inflammatory processes by inhibiting the nuclear factor-kappa beta and conserving endogenous antioxidant reserves of total thiols, thus reducing the level of colonic damage possibly caused by lipid peroxides.