Alliin, an Allium sativum Nutraceutical, ReducesMetaflammation Markers in DIO Mice.

ABSTRACT

Obesity generates a chronic low-grade inflammatory state which promotes oxidativestress and triggers comorbidities. Alliin is the main organosulfur compound in garlic and has beenshown to induce a decrease in the expression of proinflammatory cytokines; its systemic effect onmetabolic parameters and adipose tissue is not yet known, however. After nine weeks of HFD andwith obesity established in C57BL/6 mice, we observed that a daily treatment with alliin for 3.5weeks (15 mg/kg) did not affect body weight, but significantly improved insulin sensitivity andglucose tolerance, both evaluated through a blood glucose monitoring system. Once alliin treatmentwas completed, serum, adipose tissue, and organs of interest related to metabolism were removedfor further analysis. We observed that alliin significantly decreased the size of adipocytes fromepididymal adipose tissue, evaluated via microscopy. A decrease in gene expression and serumprotein levels of the adipocytokines leptin and resistin, as well as decreased serum IL-6concentration, were detected by qRT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. It did not, however, affectmRNA expression of antioxidant enzymes in the liver. Taken altogether, these results indicate thattreatment with alliin reduces metaflammation markers in DIO mice and improves some metabolicparameters without affecting others.