Ginger prevents obesity through regulation of energy metabolism and activation of browning in high-fat diet-induced obese mice

The Clinical Research on Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Insights from ClinicalTrials.gov analysis

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has a rich history of traditional medicinal use and has attracted a global interest in its health benefits. This study aims to provide insights into the clinical research landscape on ginger, focusing on its pharmacological effects and studied health-related outcomes. The study design involves systematic analysis of data from clinical trials available on ClinicalTrials.gov and discussion of findings in the context of the existing scientific knowledge. A comprehensive analysis of clinical trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov related to ginger was first conducted, and the scientific background related to specific ginger clinical research avenues was further evaluated through PubMed searches. A variety of trial designs were identified, including treatment, prevention, and supportive care objectives. A total of 188 studies were identified on ClinicalTrials.gov, of which 89 met the inclusion criteria. Among the 89 trials, treatment objectives were predominant (47.2%), and dietary supplements (40.4%) and drugs (27%) were the most prevalent intervention types. These trials covered various health outcomes, such as antiemetic activity, analgesic function, effects on health-related quality of life, blood pressure variation, energy expenditure, and reduction in xerostomia. This study analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the clinical trials landscape on ginger, focusing on its broad spectrum of potential health benefits. While individual trials show promising results, a significant gap in the available data with a low reporting rate of final results is identified, underscoring the need for further research to establish conclusive evidence of ginger's therapeutic potentials.

Weighing in on the role of brown adipose tissue for treatment of obesity

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) activation is an emerging target for obesity treatments due to its thermogenic properties stemming from its ability to shuttle energy through uncoupling protein 1 (Ucp1). Recent rodent studies show how BAT and white adipose tissue (WAT) activity can be modulated to increase the expression of thermogenic proteins. Consequently, these alterations enable organisms to endure cold-temperatures and elevate energy expenditure, thereby promoting weight loss. In humans, BAT is less abundant in obese subjects and impacts of thermogenesis are less pronounced, bringing into question whether energy expending properties of BAT seen in rodents can be translated to human models. Our review will discuss pharmacological, hormonal, bioactive, sex-specific and environmental activators and inhibitors of BAT to determine the potential for BAT to act as a therapeutic strategy. We aim to address the feasibility of utilizing BAT modulators for weight reduction in obese individuals, as recent studies suggest that BAT's contributions to energy expenditure along with Ucp1-dependent and -independent pathways may or may not rectify energy imbalance characteristic of obesity.

Genipin improves obesity through promoting bile secretion and changing bile acids composition in diet-induced obese rats

OBJECTIVES

Bile acids (BAs), as signaling molecules to regulate metabolism, have received considerable attention. Genipin is an iridoid compound extracted from Fructus Gradeniae, which has been shown to relieve adiposity and metabolic syndrome. Here, we investigated the mechanism of genipin counteracting obesity and its relationship with BAs signals in diet-induced obese (DIO) rats.

METHODS

The DIO rats were received intraperitoneal injections of genipin for 10 days. The body weight, visceral fat, lipid metabolism in the liver, thermogenic genes expressions in brown fat, BAs metabolism and signals, and key enzymes for BAs synthesis were determined.

KEY FINDINGS

Genipin inhibited fat synthesis and promoted lipolysis in the liver, and upregulated thermogenic gene expressions in brown adipose tissue of DIO rats. Genipin increased bile flow rate and upregulated the expressions of aquaporin 8 and the transporters of BAs in liver. Furthermore, genipin changed BAs composition by promoting alternative pathways and inhibiting classical pathways for BAs synthesis and upregulated the expressions of bile acid receptors synchronously.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that genipin ameliorate obesity through BAs-mediated signaling pathways.

Exploring the Antioxidative Effects of Ginger and Cinnamon: A Comprehensive Review of Evidence and Molecular Mechanisms Involved in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Other Oxidative Stress-Related Disorders

Oxidative stress represents the pathophysiological basis for most disorders, including reproductive issues. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is heterogeneous endocrine disorder of women characterized primarily by irregular menstrual cycles, hyper-androgenism, and ovulatory dysfunction. In the last decades, PCOS was recognized as a systemic silent inflammation and an oxidative disturbance-related disorder, exerting multifaceted symptoms, including metabolic. PCOS treatment should involve a personalized approach tailored to individual symptoms; however, the results are often unsatisfactory. Various supplementary treatments have been proposed to assist in the management and alleviation of PCOS symptoms. Cinnamon and ginger, known for millennia as herbs used in spices or traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases, are of interest in this study. The aim of this study is to evaluate and investigate the effects of cinnamon and ginger in PCOS patients. Using relevant keywords we searched through PubMed/MEDLINE, Science Direct, Google Scholar and Web of science to find animal studies, pre-clinical, and clinical studies which were then reviewed for usage. Out of all of the reviewed studies a total of 65 studies were included in this review article. Cinnamon and ginger can affect hormonal status, lipid profile, obesity, and insulin resistance by mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation. Generally, based on current clinical evidence, it was revealed that supplementation with cinnamon or ginger had a useful impact in patients with PCOS. This review summarizes the antioxidative effects of ginger and cinnamon in PCOS treatment, highlighting their potential benefits in other oxidative stress-related pathologies.

The Effects of Body Fat Reduction through the Metabolic Control of Steam-Processed Ginger Extract in High-Fat-Diet-Fed Mice

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is increasing globally due to behavioral and environmental changes. There are many therapeutic agents available for the treatment of chronic metabolic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes, but the data on their efficacy and safety are lacking. Through a pilot study by our group, Zingiber officinale rhizomes used as a spice and functional food were selected as an anti-obesity candidate. In this study, steam-processed ginger extract (GGE) was used and we compared its efficacy at alleviating metabolic syndrome-related symptoms with that of conventional ginger extract (GE). Compared with GE, GGE (25-100 μg/mL) had an increased antioxidant capacity and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity in vitro. GGE was better at suppressing the differentiation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes and lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells and promoting glucose utilization in C2C12 cells than GE. In 16-week high-fat-diet (HFD)-fed mice, GGE (100 and 200 mg/kg) improved biochemical profiles, including lipid status and liver function, to a greater extent than GE (200 mg/kg). The supplementation of HFD-fed mice with GGE (200 mg/kg) resulted in the downregulation of SREBP-1c and FAS gene expression in the liver. Collectively, our results indicate that GGE is a promising therapeutic for the treatment of obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Zingiber officinale extract maximizes the efficacy of simvastatin as a hypolipidemic drug in obese male rats

Obesity became a serious public health problem with enormous socioeconomic implications among the Egyptian population. The present investigation aimed to explore the efficacy of Zingiber officinale extract as a hypolipidemic agent combined with the commercially well-known anti-obesity drug simvastatin in obese rats. Thirty-five male Wister rats were randomly divided into five groups as follows: group I received a standard balanced diet for ten weeks; high-fat diet was orally administered to rats in groups II-V for ten weeks. From the fifth week to the tenth week, group III orally received simvastatin (40 mg/kg B.W.), group IV orally received Z. officinale root extract (400 mg/kg B.W.), and group V orally received simvastatin (20 mg/kg B.W.) plus Z. officinale extract (200 mg/kg B.W.) separately. Liver and kidney function tests, lipid profiles, serum glucose, insulin, and leptin were determined. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis of PPAR-γ, iNOS, HMG-CoA reductase, and GLUT-4 genes was carried out. Caspase 3 was estimated in liver and kidney tissues immunohistochemically. Liver and kidney tissues were examined histologically. The administration of Z. officinale extract plus simvastatin to high-fat diet-fed rats caused a significant reduction in the expression of HMG-coA reductase and iNOS by 41.81% and 88.05%, respectively, compared to highfat diet (HFD)-fed rats that received simvastatin only. Otherwise, a significant increase was noticed in the expression of PPAR-γ and GLUT-4 by 33.3% and 138.81%, respectively, compared to those that received simvastatin only. Immunohistochemistry emphasized that a combination of Z. officinale extract plus simvastatin significantly suppressed caspase 3 in the hepatic tissue of high-fat diet-fed rats. Moreover, the best results of lipid profile indices and hormonal indicators were obtained when rats received Z. officinale extract plus simvastatin. Z. officinale extract enhanced the efficiency of simvastatin as a hypolipidemic drug in obese rats due to the high contents of flavonoid and phenolic ingredients.

Antiobesity effect of healthy food crops and functional foods: A systematic review of their mechanisms

Diet is a modifiable risk factor in the prevention and management of obesity, and various foods have the potential to aid in obesity management by modulating different pathways involved in the disease's pathology. We performed a systematic review of literature, using CINAHL, PubMed, and Google Scholar, focusing on the antiobesity potential of foods crops and functional food products, and their mechanisms of action and clinical evidence. Sixty-four articles were identified, of which 41 investigated food crops, while 23 investigated functional products. Food crops, such as cereals, vegetables, fruits, mushrooms, seaweeds, legumes, herbs, spices, and cocoa seeds, have antiobesity effects through mechanisms such as altering the metabolism of glucolipids by inhibiting enzymes like α-amylase and α-glucosidase, stimulating the bioenergetics of thermogenic fat, modulating gut microbiota, and inhibiting lipogenesis and storage. In addition, developed functional teas, beverages, and yoghurt have antiobesity effects through similar or different mechanisms, such as enhancing energy expenditure and satiety, suppressing adipogenesis and lipolysis, improving glucose and lipid metabolism, and altering hormonal secretion. This review reemphasized the significance of food in the control of obesity, and highlights the distinct methods these explored foods exert their antiobesity effects. In conclusion, foods are safe and effective means of combating obesity without the side effects of conventional drugs, which can help inform dietary choices, assist professionals in providing more accurate advice, and also lead to better understanding of food and its effect on overall health of the public. This approach will eradicate global diseases, especially if more underutilized and indigenous food crops are extensively researched.

Role of Nutraceuticals in Obesity Management: A Mechanism and Prospective Supported by Molecular Docking Studies

Obesity and its comorbidities represent a major health problem worldwide. Treatment by reducing food intake and physical activity interventions has limited success especially with elderly people with chronic diseases. Nutraceuticals are naturally originated and successfully used for their physiological and nutritional benefit in health care. They might be alternative means to help lose weight and reduce obesity-associated metabolic disorders with the improvement of health, delay the aging process, prevention of chronic diseases, increase of life expectancy, or support to the structure or function of the body. The current study enumerates the inherent role of nutraceuticals in the management of obesity and its related comorbidities. The study is supported with the molecular docking studies discussing the mechanism of action. An attempt to optimize the role of nutraceuticals is made in this article in addition to widen the scope of its use in this chronic worldwide disease.

A Mechanistic Review on Therapeutic Potential of Medicinal Plants and their Pharmacologically Active Molecules for Targeting Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) therapy with phytochemicals is an emerging field of study with therapeutic potential. Obesity, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and abnormal lipid profiles are all components of metabolic syndrome, which is a major public health concern across the world. New research highlights the promise of phytochemicals found in foods, including fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices, as a sustainable and innovative method of treating this illness. Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and insulin-sensitizing qualities are just a few of the many positive impacts shown by bioactive substances. Collectively, they alleviate the hallmark symptoms of metabolic syndrome by modulating critical metabolic pathways, boosting insulin sensitivity, decreasing oxidative stress, and calming chronic low-grade inflammation. In addition, phytochemicals provide a multimodal strategy by targeting not only adipose tissue but also the liver, skeletal muscle, and vascular endothelium, all of which have a role in the pathogenesis of MetS. Increasing evidence suggests that these natural chemicals may be useful in controlling metabolic syndrome as a complementary treatment to standard medication or lifestyle changes. This review article emphasizes the therapeutic potential of phytochemicals, illuminating their varied modes of action and their ability to alleviate the interconnected causes of metabolic syndrome. Phytochemical-based interventions show promise as a novel and sustainable approach to combating the rising global burden of metabolic syndrome, with the ultimate goal of bettering public health and quality of life.

Therapeutic health effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale): updated narrative review exploring the mechanisms of action

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has been investigated for its potentially therapeutic effect on a range of chronic conditions and symptoms in humans. However, a simplified and easily understandable examination of the mechanisms behind these effects is lacking and, in turn, hinders interpretation and translation to practice, and contributes to overall clinical heterogeneity confounding the results. Therefore, drawing on data from nonhuman trials, the objective for this narrative review was to comprehensively describe the current knowledge on the proposed mechanisms of action of ginger on conferring therapeutic health effects in humans. Mechanistic studies support the findings from human clinical trials that ginger may assist in improving symptoms and biomarkers of pain, metabolic chronic disease, and gastrointestinal conditions. Bioactive ginger compounds reduce inflammation, which contributes to pain; promote vasodilation, which lowers blood pressure; obstruct cholesterol production, which regulates blood lipid profile; translocate glucose transporter type 4 molecules to plasma membranes to assist in glycemic control; stimulate fatty acid breakdown to aid weight management; and inhibit serotonin, muscarinic, and histaminergic receptor activation to reduce nausea and vomiting. Additional human trials are required to confirm the antimicrobial, neuroprotective, antineoplastic, and liver- and kidney-protecting effects of ginger. Interpretation of the mechanisms of action will help clinicians and researchers better understand how and for whom ginger may render therapeutic effects and highlight priority areas for future research.

Weight Loss Supplements

Being overweight or obese can predispose people to chronic diseases and metabolic disorders such as cardiovascular illnesses, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer, which are costly public health problems and leading causes of mortality worldwide. Many people hope to solve this problem by using food supplements, as they can be self-prescribed, contain molecules of natural origin considered to be incapable of causing damage to health, and the only sacrifice they require is economic. The market offers supplements containing food plant-derived molecules (e.g., primary and secondary metabolites, vitamins, and fibers), microbes (probiotics), and microbial-derived fractions (postbiotics). They can control lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, reduce appetite (interacting with the central nervous system) and adipogenesis, influence intestinal microbiota activity, and increase energy expenditure. Unfortunately, the copious choice of products and different legislation on food supplements worldwide can confuse consumers. This review summarizes the activity and toxicity of dietary supplements for weight control to clarify their potentiality and adverse reactions. A lack of research regarding commercially available supplements has been noted. Supplements containing postbiotic moieties are of particular interest. They are easier to store and transport and are safe even for people with a deficient immune system.

Combination Therapy of Metformin and p-Coumaric Acid Mitigates Metabolic Dysfunction Associated with Obesity and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in High-Fat Diet Obese C57BL/6 Mice

Metformin (MET) has been demonstrated to have favorable impact on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); however, the combined effect of this drug with p-coumaric acid (PCA) on liver steatosis is unclear. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the combined effects of MET and PCA on NAFLD in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced NAFLD mouse model. The obese mice received MET (230 mg/kg), PCA (200 mg/kg) monotherapies, and MET combination with PCA in the diet for 10 weeks. Our results showed that the combination of MET and PCA markedly ameliorated weight gain and fat deposition in HFD fed mice. Furthermore, the combination of MET and PCA lowered liver triglyceride (TG) content which was accompanied by decreased expression of lipogenic and increased expression of β-oxidation related genes and proteins. In addition, combination therapy of MET and PCA mitigated liver inflammation through inhibiting hepatic macrophage infiltration (F4/80), switching macrophage from M1 into M2 phenotype, and ameliorating nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activity in comparison with the monotherapy of MET or PCA. Furthermore, we found that MET and PCA combination therapy upregulated thermogenesis-related genes in BAT and sWAT. Combination therapy results in stimulating brown-like adipocyte (beige) formation in the sWAT of HFD mice. Taken together, these findings indicate that MET combined with PCA can improve NAFLD through decreasing lipid accumulation, inhibiting inflammation and inducing thermogenesis, and adipose tissue browning.

Coffee consumption prevents obesity-related comorbidities and attenuates brown adipose tissue whitening in high-fat diet-fed mice

This study aimed to evaluate the preventive and therapeutic effects of coffee consumption on molecular changes and adipose tissue remodeling in a murine model of high-fat diet-induced obesity. Three-month-old C57BL/6 mice were initially divided into 3 groups, namely, control (C), high fat (HF) and coffee prevention (HF-CP) groups, and the HF group was subdivided at the end of the 10th week into two subgroups, an HF group and a coffee treatment (HF-CT) group; thus, a total of 4 groups were investigated at the 14th week of the experiment. The HF-CP group had lower body mass than the HF group (-7%, P<0.05) and a better distribution of adipose tissue. Both groups that received coffee (HF-CP and HF-CT) showed improved glucose metabolism compared with the HF group. Coffee consumption also attenuated adipose tissue inflammation and showed decreased macrophage infiltration and lower IL-6 levels compared with the HF group (HF-CP: -337% %, P<0.05; HF-CT: -275%, P<0.05). Hepatic steatosis and inflammation were attenuated in the HF-CP and HF-CT groups. The HF-CP group showed more pronounced expression of genes involved in adaptive thermogenesis and mitochondrial biogenesis (PPARγ, Prdm16, Pcg1α, β3-adrenergic receptor, Ucp-1, and Opa-1) than the other experimental groups. Preventive coffee consumption associated with a high-fat diet ameliorates the metabolic profile related to the development of obesity and its comorbidities.

The Positive Effect of 6-Gingerol on High-Fat Diet and Streptozotocin-Induced Prediabetic Mice: Potential Pathways and Underlying Mechanisms

The purposes of the present work are to assess how 6-gingerol (6G) positively influences serum glucose regulation in mice with prediabetes triggered by streptozotocin (STZ) plus a high-fat diet (HFD) and to clarify its underlying mechanisms. An analysis of prediabetic symptoms and biochemical characteristics found that 6G intervention was significantly associated with reduced fasting glucose levels, alleviated insulin resistance, better glucose tolerance, hepatic and pancreatic impairment, and dyslipidemia. For the recognition of the target gut microbiota and the pathways linked to 6G's hypoglycemic function, a combination of hepatic RNA and 16S rRNA sequencing was employed. Specifically, 6G significantly improved the dysbiosis of the gut microbiota and elevated the relative abundances of Alistipes, Alloprevotella, and Ruminococcus_1. Furthermore, 6G supplementation inhibited gluconeogenesis and stimulated glycolysis by activating the PI3K/AKT axis, which also repressed the oxidative stress through Nrf2/Keap1-axis initiation. In addition, Spearman's correlation analyses reveal a complex interdependency set among the gut microbiota, metabolic variables, and signaling axes. Taken together, the hypoglycemic effect of 6G is partially mediated by altered gut microbiota, as well as by activated Nrf2/Keap1 and PI3K/AKT axes. Thus, 6G may be used as a candidate dietary supplement for relieving prediabetes.

The Effectiveness of Nigella sativa and Ginger as Appetite Suppressants: An Experimental Study on Healthy Wistar Rats

Background

Obesity is a global pandemic that is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Natural herbs are commonly used for weight reduction and appetite suppression. Therefore, we aim to investigate the role and mechanism of Nigella sativa (NS) and ginger on weight reduction and appetite regulation.

Methods

This experimental study was performed at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University. Twenty-five female rats were distributed into 5 groups: NS (oral 1000mg/kg), Ginger (500 mg/kg), NS-ginger (both interventions), a positive control (intraperitoneal 50 μg/kg Liraglutide), and a negative control. Each intervention was given for 9 weeks. Food intake and body weight were assessed weekly. Serum lipid profile and peptides involved in appetite control (cholecystokinin (CCK), glucagon-like peptide 1(GLP-1), gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), ghrelin, peptide YY, and orexin) were assayed at the end of the experiment.

Results

None of the interventions showed a statistically significant difference regarding food consumption or weight gain (p > 0.05). However, the three interventions significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC), NS and NS-ginger significantly increased HDL, NS increased ghrelin and ginger increased orexin.

Conclusion

The present dose and duration of NS, ginger, or in combination did not demonstrate a significant change in body weight or food consumption in comparison to the negative or positive controls. However, NS or ginger has improved the lipid profile by reducing TC and increasing HDL. In addition, NS or ginger can influence some of the peptides involved in appetite regulation such as the increase in ghrelin induced by NS and the reduction of orexin induced by ginger. We believe that these latter effects are novel and might indicate a promising effect of these natural products on appetite regulation.

Nutraceuticals in Brown Adipose Tissue Activation

Obesity and its associated comorbidities have become pandemic, and challenge the global healthcare system. Lifestyle changes, nutritional interventions and phamaceuticals should be differently combined in a personalized strategy to tackle such a public health burden. Altered brown adipose tissue (BAT) function contributes to the pathophysiology of obesity and glucose metabolism dysfunctions. BAT thermogenic activity burns glucose and fatty acids to produce heat through uncoupled respiration, and can dissipate the excessive calorie intake, reduce glycemia and circulate fatty acids released from white adipose tissue. Thus, BAT activity is expected to contribute to whole body energy homeostasis and protect against obesity, diabetes and alterations in lipid profile. To date, pharmacological therapies aimed at activating brown fat have failed in clinical trials, due to cardiovascular side effects or scarce efficacy. On the other hand, several studies have identified plant-derived chemical compounds capable of stimulating BAT thermogenesis in animal models, suggesting the translational applications of dietary supplements to fight adipose tissue dysfunctions. This review describes several nutraceuticals with thermogenic properties and provides indications, at a molecular level, of the regulation of the adipocyte thermogenesis by the mentioned phytochemicals.

Effects of ginger extract and its major component 6-gingerol on anti-tumor property through mitochondrial biogenesis in CD8+ T cells

Ginger extract (GE) and its major component 6-gingerol (6G) have been reported to exert anti-tumor effects in various cancers. The underlying mechanism, however, has not been well demonstrated. Here, we have focused on the relationship between promotion of mitochondrial biogenesis in tumor infiltrating CD8+ T cells induced by GE and 6G and their cytotoxic effect. The results showed that GE induced 56% inhibition of tumor growth in Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) xenograft mouse model and 6G induced 33% (25 mg/kg) and 37% (50 mg/kg) inhibition. GE increased mitochondrial mass of CD8+ T cells in tumor and draining lymph nodes (DLNs) significantly, while 6G had no significant effect. GE and 6G both had no significant influence on histopathological changes of liver and kidney in mice. In the co-culture system of CTLL-2 cells and LLC cells, GE enhanced the cytotoxicity of CTLL-2 cells against LLC cells by 14% and 19% at concentrations of 2.5 and 5 mg/ml, respectively. 6G did not promote cytotoxicity of CTLL-2 cells. GE increased mitochondrial mass at 5 and 10 mg/ml and mtDNA copy number and ATP production at 2.5, 5, 10 mg/ml in CTLL-2 cells. 6G promoted mtDNA copy number at 50, 100, 150 µM and mitochondrial mass and ATP production at 25, 50, 100, 150 µM in CTLL-2 cells. These results suggest that promotion of mitochondrial biogenesis and function in tumor infiltrating CD8+ T cells may play an essential role in GE-induced inhibition of tumor growth. The current results perfect the mechanism of anti-tumor effect of ginger, which is beneficial for further application in cancer management. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Ginger, as a worldwide food seasoning and herbal medicine in traditional Chinese medicine, has been reported to possess anti-tumor efficacy. To our knowledge, it is the first time to focus on ginger's ability of promoting mitochondrial biogenesis in tumor infiltrating CD8+ T cells to explore the mechanism of its anti-tumor effect. Our observations demonstrate that ginger inhibits tumor growth via promoting mitochondrial biogenesis and function of T cells. The present study links food to anti-tumor immunity and provides impetus to investigate and design dietary supplements for cancer management.

Nutritional benefits of ginger for patients with non-communicable diseases

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a famous dietary spice rich in bioactive components like gingerols, and it has been used for a long time as food and medicine. Indeed, clinical studies have confirmed the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of ginger. Thus, ginger seems to be an excellent complementary nutritional strategy for non-communicable diseases (NCD) such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease. This narrative review aims to discuss the possible effects of ginger on the mitigation of common complications such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and gut dysbiosis in NCD.

A Comprehensive Review on Anti-obesity Potential of Medicinal Plants and their Bioactive Compounds

Background:

Obesity is a complex health and global epidemic issue. It is an increasing global health challenge covering significant social and economic costs. Abnormal accumulation of fat in the body may increase the health risks including diabetes, hypertension, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, cardiovascular diseases, stroke and cancer. Synthetic drugs available on the market reported to have several side effects. Therefore, the management of obesity got to involve the traditional use of medicinal plants which helps to search the new therapeutic targets and supports the research and development of anti-obesity drugs.

Objective:

This review aim to update the data and provide a comprehensive report of currently available knowledge of medicinal plants and phyto-chemical constituents reported for their anti-obesity activity.

Methodology:

An electronic search of the periodical databases like Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Scielo, Niscair, ScienceDirect, Springerlink, Wiley, SciFinder and Google Scholar with information reported the period 1991-2019, was used to retrieve published data.

Results:

A comprehensive report of the present review manuscript is an attempt to list the medicinal plants with anti-obesity activity. The review focused on plant extracts, isolated chemical compounds with their mechanism of action and their preclinical experimental model, clinical studies for further scientific research.

Conclusion:

This review is the compilation of the medicinal plants and their constituents reported for the managements of obesity. The data will fascinate the researcher to initiate further research that may lead to the drug for the management of obesity and their associated secondary complications. Several herbal plants and their respective lead constituents were also screened by preclinical In-vitro and In-vivo, clinical trials and are effective in the treatment of obesity. Therefore, there is a need to develop and screen large number of plant extracts and this approach can surely be a driving force for the discovery of anti-obesity drugs from medicinal plants.

Efficacy of Ginger Supplementation in Relieving Persistent Hypothyroid Symptoms in Patients with Controlled Primary Hypothyroidism: A Pilot Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Primary hypothyroidism is a common disease. Some patients have persistent symptoms despite normal serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. Ginger is reported to be beneficial in relieving similar symptoms. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of ginger supplementation in relieving persistent symptoms in these patients. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 60 hypothyroid patients aged 20-60 years with normal serum TSH concentrations were randomly allocated to two equal parallel study groups of ginger (500 mg twice a day) or placebo for 30 days. Hypothyroid symptoms were evaluated as the primary outcome using the Thyroid Symptom Rating Questionnaire (ThySRQ) before and after the intervention. Anthropometric measures and laboratory indices including TSH, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TChol), and fasting blood sugar (FBS) were considered as secondary outcomes. A significant lower mean total ThySRQ score (8.63 ± 5.47 vs. 15.76 ± 6.09, P < 0.001) was observed in the ginger group compared to the control group. Ginger led to significant improvements in the mean scores of the weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, dry skin, appetite, memory loss, concentration disturbance, and feeling giddy or dizzy domains (P < 0.001). However, no significant improvements were observed in hair loss, nail fragility, hearing, hoarseness, speech, and depression or feeling down (P > 0.05). Ginger supplementation also led to a significant decrease in body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, serum TSH, FBS, TG, and TChol levels compared to the placebo. In summary according to preliminary results of this study, ginger supplementation can help relieve persistent hypothyroid symptoms. Also, it may have beneficial effects in terms of weight reduction and regulation of the FBS and lipid profile in hypothyroid patients.

Natural Dietary and Medicinal Plants with Anti-Obesity Therapeutics Activities for Treatment and Prevention of Obesity during Lock Down and in Post-COVID-19 Era

Overweight and obesity have become global epidemics, especially during the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The potential of medicinal plants as a better and safe option in treating obesity and overweight has gained attention in recent years. Obesity and overweight has become a major public health concern, and its incidence rising at an alarming rate. Obesity is one of the major types of metabolic syndrome, resulting in various types of problems such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and excess fat accumulation. The current searching was done by the keywords in main indexing systems including Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, the search engine of Google Scholar, and Institute for Scientific Web of Science. The keywords were traditional medicine, health benefits, pharmaceutical science, pomegranate, punicalin, punicalagin, and ellagitannins. Google Scholar was searched manually for possible missing manuscripts, and there was no language restriction in the search. This review was carried out to highlight the importance of medicinal plants which are common in traditional medicinal sciences of different countries, especially Asia to prevent and treatment of obesity and overweight during the global pandemic and the post-COVID-19 era.

Non-shivering Thermogenesis Signalling Regulation and Potential Therapeutic Applications of Brown Adipose Tissue

In mammals, thermogenic organs exist in the body that increase heat production and enhance energy regulation. Because brown adipose tissue (BAT) consumes energy and generates heat, increasing energy expenditure via BAT might be a potential strategy for new treatments for obesity and obesity-related diseases. Thermogenic differentiation affects normal adipose tissue generation, emphasizing the critical role that common transcriptional regulation factors might play in common characteristics and sources. An understanding of thermogenic differentiation and related factors could help in developing ways to improve obesity indirectly or directly through targeting of specific signalling pathways. Many studies have shown that the active components of various natural products promote thermogenesis through various signalling pathways. This article reviews recent major advances in this field, including those in the cyclic adenosine monophosphate-protein kinase A (cAMP-PKA), cyclic guanosine monophosphate-GMP-dependent protein kinase G (cGMP-AKT), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), transforming growth factor-β/bone morphogenic protein (TGF-β/BMP), transient receptor potential (TRP), Wnt, nuclear factor-κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κΒ), Notch and Hedgehog (Hh) signalling pathways in brown and brown-like adipose tissue. To provide effective information for future research on weight-loss nutraceuticals or drugs, this review also highlights the natural products and their active ingredients that have been reported in recent years to affect thermogenesis and thus contribute to weight loss via the above signalling pathways.

Aggregation induced by the synergy of sodium chloride and high-pressure improves chlorophyll stability

The development of green vegetable processing is still limited by the imperfect green protection now. Chlorophyll (Chl), the main pigment presented in green vegetables, was studied that the effects of NaCl on the stability of it, and the synergy of NaCl and high-pressure on Chl protection. Compared to the control, the retention of Chl was increased by 80.14% and the activation energy was 62.7% higher in 7.8% NaCl solution. When the pressure was 600 MPa with 7.8% NaCl, the synergy of NaCl and high-pressure increased the Chl retention by 100%. The restriction of NaCl to H₂O provided Chl with a lower polarity environment and increased the contact between Chl molecules. And the fluorescence quenching confirmed the aggregation of Chls induced by high-pressure. This study explains the mechanism of green protection by NaCl and high-pressure, broadening the horizon for the development of color protection in vegetable processing.

Effects of fasting on skeletal muscles and body fat of adult and old C57BL/6J mice

Fasting improves metabolic health, but is also associated with loss of lean body mass. We investigated if old mice are less resistant to fasting-induce muscle wasting than adult mice. We compared changes in skeletal muscles and fat distribution in C57BL/6J mice subjected to 48-hour fasting at adult (6-month old) or old (24-month old) age. Old mice lost less weight (11.9 ± 1.5 vs 16.9 ± 2.8%, p < 0.001) and showed less (p < 0.01) pronounced muscle wasting than adult mice. Extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle force decreased only in adult mice after fasting. Serum IGF-1 levels were higher (p < 0.01) and showed greater (p < 0.01) decline in adult mice compared to old mice. Phosphorylation of 4EBP1 was reduced in the gastrocnemius muscles of adult mice only. Energy expenditure was slower in old mice and showed smaller fasting-induced decline than in adult mice when adjusted for variations in physical activity. There was a loss of fat mass in both age groups, but it was more pronounced in adult mice than old mice. Our results suggest that ageing-related decrease in metabolic rate protects old mice from skeletal muscle wasting during fasting.

Activation of AMP-Activated Protein Kinase-Sirtuin 1 Pathway Contributes to Salvianolic Acid A-Induced Browning of White Adipose Tissue in High-Fat Diet Fed Male Mice

Background: Salvianolic acid A (Sal A), a natural polyphenolic compound extracted from Radix Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen), exhibits exceptional pharmacological activities against cardiovascular diseases. While a few studies have reported anti-obesity properties of Sal A, the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Given the prevalence of obesity and promising potential of browning of white adipose tissue to combat obesity, recent research has focused on herbal ingredients that may promote browning and increase energy expenditure.

Purpose: The present study was designed to investigate the protective antiobesity mechanisms of Sal A, in part through white adipose browning.

Methods: Both high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese (DIO) male mice model and fully differentiated C3H10T1/2 adipocytes from mouse embryo fibroblasts were employed in this study. Sal A (20 and 40 mg/kg) was administrated to DIO mice by intraperitoneal injection for 13-weeks. Molecular mechanisms mediating effects of Sal A were evaluated.

Resluts: Sal A treatment significantly attenuated HFD-induced weight gain and lipid accumulation in epididymal fat pad. Uncoupling protein 1 (UCP-1), a specialized thermogenic protein and marker for white adipocyte browning, was significantly induced by Sal A treatment in both white adipose tissues and cultured adipocytes. Further mechanistic investigations revealed that Sal A robustly reversed HFD-decreased AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) expression in mice. Genetically silencing either AMPK or SIRT1 using siRNA abolished UCP-1 upregulation by Sal A. AMPK silencing significantly blocked Sal A-increased SIRT1 expression, while SIRT1 silencing did not affect Sal A-upregulated phosphorylated-AMPK. These findings indicate that AMPK was involved in Sal A-increased SIRT1.

Conclusion: Sal A increases white adipose tissue browning in HFD-fed male mice and in cultured adipocytes. Thus, Sal is a potential natural therapeutic compound for treating and/or preventing obesity.

Acute effects of dry extract of ginger on energy expenditure in eutrophic women: A randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The thermic effect of food (TEF) is one of the components of total energy expenditure (TEE). Some bioactive compounds present in food could be useful to increase TEE. In this context, ginger has been extensively used as a thermogenic food despite no clear effect has been demonstrated yet. Herein, we evaluated the acute thermogenic effect of gingerol, a bioactive compound present in ginger, in healthy women.

METHODS

We carried out a randomized double-masked, cross-over and placebo-controlled clinical trial with 20 healthy eutrophic women. Anthropometric, body composition, indirect calorimetry and clinical variables were collected at baseline and throughout the intervention phase. A standardized breakfast was offered together with two dry extract of ginger capsules (5% gingerol) or a placebo (cellulose). Indirect calorimetry, blood pressure, heart rate, axillary temperature and blood collection were assessed at baseline and thereafter, at 30, 60, 120, 180 and 240 min postprandial. The analyses were repeated with a minimum of seven days' washout period.

RESULTS

Ginger intake did not increase the TEF of a standardized breakfast compared to the placebo. Oxygen consumption, respiratory quotient, blood pressure, heart rate, axillary temperature and metabolic profile were not different as well.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data show that gingerol did not modify the acute TEF in healthy women. More studies in human subjects, using different concentrations of gingerol, administration methods and intervention type (chronic effect) are necessary to clarify the putative thermogenic effect of ginger. Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Thermogenic Effect of Ginger - NCT03089593).

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Attenuates Obesity and Adipose Tissue Remodeling in High-Fat Diet-Fed C57BL/6 Mice

Obesity is characterized by excessive fat accumulation in adipose tissue, which is an active endocrine organ regulating energy metabolism. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is known to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiobesity effects, but the role of ginger in modulating adipocyte metabolism is largely unknown. In this study, we hypothesized that ginger supplementation inhibits high-fat (HF)-diet-mediated obesity. C57BL/6 male mice were randomly assigned to three diets for 7 weeks: low fat (LF, 16% kcal from fat), HF (HF, 60% kcal from fat), or HF with 5% ginger powder in diet (HF + G). The HF diet increased body weight (BW) and BW gain, as well as fasting glucose, total cholesterol, and hepatic lipid levels, compared to the LF diet-fed group. Ginger supplementation significantly improved HF-diet-induced BW gain, hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia, and hepatic steatosis without altering food intake. Next, we investigated whether ginger modulates adipocyte remodeling. HF-mediated adipocyte hypertrophy with increased lipogenic levels was significantly improved by ginger supplementation. Furthermore, the HF+G group showed high levels of the fatty-acid oxidation gene, carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1), which was accompanied by a reduction in adipocyte inflammatory gene expression. Taken together, our work demonstrated that ginger supplementation attenuated HF-diet-mediated obesity and adipocyte remodeling in C57BL/6 mice.

Effects of Oil Tea on Obesity and Dyslipidemia: A Cross-Sectional Study in China

BACKGROUND

Animal experiments have found that oil tea reduces body weight and improves blood lipid levels. However, the effect of oil tea on human health has not been confirmed yet. This study aims to explore the relationship between oil tea consumption and obesity and dyslipidemia.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional population study in Guangxi, China, a semi-quantitative questionnaire was used to investigate the oil tea consumed and food consumption frequency in adults aged 30 years and over. Anthropometric variables and serum biochemical indicators were measured. A total of 2001 adults were divided into five groups based on their non-consumption status and quartile of consumption (groups non-drink oil tea, Q1-Q4).

RESULTS

The risk of abdominal obesity tended to decrease significantly with increasing consumption of oil tea (P for trend< 0.05) in the overall participants (Q3 group, OR = 0.545, 95% CI = 0.336-0.884; Q4 group, OR = 0.520, 95% CI = 0.311-0.871) and in women (Q2 group, OR = 0.502, 95% CI = 0.274-0.920; Q3 group, OR = 0.397, 95% CI = 0.213-0.740; Q4 group, OR = 0.421, 95% CI = 0.228-0.780). Oil tea consumption Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 group significantly reduced the risk of abnormal HDL-cholesterol (P < 0.05). Oil tea consumption Q2 group significantly increased the risk of abnormal LDL-cholesterol (OR = 2.600, 95% CI = 1.033-6.546) in women. Oil tea consumption Q1 (OR = 0.081, 95% CI =0.008-0.864) and Q3 (OR = 0.057, 95% CI = 0.004-0.913) groups significantly reduced the risk of abnormal HDL-cholesterol in women.

CONCLUSION

Oil tea consumption may be associated with a low risk of abdominal obesity. High-dose oil tea consumption may be associated with a low risk of abnormal HDL-cholesterol. Prospective studies with large sample sizes would be required to further investigate this association.

The combination of ginger powder and zinc supplement improves the fructose-induced metabolic syndrome in rats by modulating the hepatic expression of NF-κB, mTORC1, PPAR-α SREBP-1c, and Nrf2

Although studies have shown that ginger, as an herbal remedy and zinc are able to improve inflammation, oxidative stress, autophagy, and metabolism of lipid and glucose, their molecular mechanisms are unknown. Therefore, this study was aimed to examine the therapeutic effects of ginger with zinc supplement for eight weeks on fructose-induced metabolic syndrome (MS). Ninety-six adult male Sprague Dawley rats (220 g ± 20) were randomly assigned to twelve controlled and treated groups. After the last treatment session, the level of lipid profiles, glucose, insulin, and leptin as metabolic factors and liver enzymes as biomarkers to evaluate liver function in serum were measured. The level of antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation to evaluate the oxidative status and the TNF-α level as a biomarker to assess the state of inflammation in liver were also measured. The level of zinc along with the expression of NF-κB, mTORC1, PPAR-α, SREBP-1c, and Nrf2 in liver was also evaluated. The level of metabolic factors and liver enzymes in serum along with lipid peroxidation and TNF-α in liver increased; zinc and antioxidant enzymes levels decreased in rats with MS compared to control rats (p < .05). The hepatic expression of SREBP-1c, NF-κB and mTORC1 were upregulated and the expression of PPAR-α and Nrf2 were downregulated in rats with MS compared to control rats (p < .05). Treatment with different doses of ginger, zinc, and the combination of them could improve metabolic, inflammatory oxidative stress factors, and expression of the above genes in rats with MS compared to the MS group (p < .05). It can be concluded that ginger, zinc, and the combination of them could improve oxidative damage, inflammation, and autophagy induced by fructose and could adjust the glucose and lipid metabolism and the homeostasis of zinc in rats with MS. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Due to the increasing prevalence of metabolic diseases, the use of plant compounds such as ginger has attracted widespread attention. Ginger as an herbal remedy with predominant pharmacological properties due to its availability, cheapness, and lack of side effects is also very popular for the treatment of metabolic disorders in folk medicine. Moreover, enhancing its medicinal properties with supplements such as zinc can be widely welcomed. This study was actually performed with the aim of investigating the effects of ginger + zinc supplement on MS. The results showed that the ginger + zinc supplement could improve oxidative damage, inflammation, and autophagy caused by fructose and adjust the glucose and lipid metabolism and the homeostasis of zinc in rats with MS. The results of this study support the hypothesis that ginger can be used as a very suitable option for the production of medicinal supplements to maintain human health.

QSHY Granules Promote White Adipose Tissue Browning and Correct BCAAs Metabolic Disorder in NAFLD Mice

PURPOSE

White adipose tissue (WAT) has positive effects on peripheral metabolism parameters and liver energy metabolism. This study aimed to explain the pharmacological mechanism of Qushi Huayu (QSHY) granules in the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NALFD) mice based on branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) catabolism and WAT browning.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a (Ctrl) control group, fed with a control diet, a NAFLD model group, fed with a high-fat and high-sugar (HFHS) diet, and a QSHY granules treatment (HFHS+QSHY) group, administered with QSHY granules. After 14 weeks of feeding, HFHS+QSHY group mice were administered QSHY granules through oral gavage for 6 weeks. The metabolic parameters were assessed, the circular and fecal BCAA content was observed, and liver and epididymal WAT (eWAT) were collected for pathological, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and Western blotting analyses.

RESULTS

Compared with the HFHS group, mice in the HFHS+QSHY group demonstrated restored liver histological changes, ameliorated hepatocyte steatosis, and alleviated inflammatory cell infiltration. Consistent with the pathological changes, QSHY granules significantly reduced the elevated levels of liver triglycerides, and serum alanine aminotransferase, and it relieved hypercholesterolemia and insulin resistance in mice with HFHS-induced NAFLD. Furthermore, it corrected BCAA metabolic disorders in serum and feces and promoted the expression of BCAA catabolic genes in the eWAT of HFHS mice. QSHY granules also increased the expression of phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) protein, up-regulating the protein expression of the AMPK/SIRT1/UCP-1 pathway in the eWAT.

CONCLUSION

QSHY granules improved hepatic steatosis and corrected the BCAA disorder in NAFLD mice, and the related mechanisms regulated the AMPK/SIRT1/UCP-1 pathway and promoted WAT browning.

Dietary Lactate Supplementation Protects against Obesity by Promoting Adipose Browning in Mice

Yogurt has been widely used in weight-loss foods to prevent obesity, but its molecular nature remains unclear. Lactate is a major ingredient of yogurt, while its cognate cell surface receptor GPR81 is highly expressed in adipose tissues in mammals. Here we hypothesized that dietary lactate supplementation might activate GPR81 to promote adipose browning. Studying mouse models, we observed that GPR81 was substantially lowered in adipose tissue of obese mice compared with that for lean ones, whereas its expression was markedly up-regulated by a β3-adrenergic receptor (β3-AR) agonist. The deficiency of GPR81 greatly attenuated experimental adipose browning and thermogenesis. Importantly, oral administration of lactate effectively induced adipose browning, enhanced thermogenesis, improved dyslipidemia, and protected mice against high-fat-diet-induced obesity. Mechanistically, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase might serve as a key downstream effect or of GPR81. Collectively, our findings revealed a critical role of GPR81 in adipose browning and provided a new insight into obesity management by modulating lactate-GPR81 signaling axis.

Effect of fasting on body composition and proteolysis gene expression in skeletal muscles and liver of BEH+/+ and BEL mice

Fasting improves health, but can cause muscle weakness. We assessed body composition in 21-week old males of Berlin high (BEH+/+) and Berlin low (BEL) strains after two bouts of 48-h or 40-h of fasting with 5-day refeeding in between, respectively. BEH+/+ mice tended to loose less weight than BEL in bout 1 and 2 (16.0 ± 2.7 versus 23.5 ± 2.9%, p < 0.001 and 17.1 ± 3.4 versus 20.4 ± 3.4%, p = 0.17, respectively). In spite of greater serum IGF-1 and body fat levels, BEH+/+ mice showed more severe muscle atrophy, but less marked liver wasting and fat depletion than BEL mice. BEH+/+ mice also showed smaller increases in expression of p62, Atrogin-1, and Mstn genes in skeletal muscles. In summary, BEL mice show resistance to fasting-induced muscle wasting in spite of low serum IGF-1 levels and high expression of genes associated with muscle atrophy.

A Critical Review on the Role of Food and Nutrition in the Energy Balance

The mass media has increasingly frequently suggested to the general population that specific foods or nutritional schemes are able to affect both human metabolism and energy expenditure, thus facilitating weight loss. This critical review is aimed at assessing available evidence on the roles of nutrients, food and dietary regimens in energy intake and energy expenditure. We queried the National Library of Medicine, the Cochrane Library, Excerpta Medica dataBASEand the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature database, and a search strategy was performed by using database-specific subject headings and keywords. We found that available scientific evidence on these topics is scarce, and that the limited number of available studies often have poor methodological quality. Only a few foods show beneficial effects on metabolism and energy expenditure, as the human energy balance is complex and multifactorial. Finally, microbiota may interfere with the intake, use and expenditure of energy in the human body. Conclusive evidence is still lacking, and, at present, it is not possible to identify a food or a diet with a significant impact on human energy expenditure.

Impact of Adaptive Thermogenesis in Mice on the Treatment of Obesity

Obesity and associated metabolic diseases have become a priority area of study due to the exponential increase in their prevalence and the corresponding health and economic impact. In the last decade, brown adipose tissue has become an attractive target to treat obesity. However, environmental variables such as temperature and the dynamics of energy expenditure could influence brown adipose tissue activity. Currently, most metabolic studies are carried out at a room temperature of 21 °C, which is considered a thermoneutral zone for adult humans. However, in mice this chronic cold temperature triggers an increase in their adaptive thermogenesis. In this review, we aim to cover important aspects related to the adaptation of animals to room temperature, the influence of housing and temperature on the development of metabolic phenotypes in experimental mice and their translation to human physiology. Mice studies performed in chronic cold or thermoneutral conditions allow us to better understand underlying physiological mechanisms for successful, reproducible translation into humans in the fight against obesity and metabolic diseases.

3,3-Dimethyl-1-butanol attenuates cardiac remodeling in pressure-overload-induced heart failure mice

Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is closely related to cardiovascular diseases, particularly heart failure (HF). Recent studies shows that 3,3-dimethyl-1-butanol (DMB) can reduce plasma TMAO levels. However, the role of DMB in overload-induced HF is not well understood. In this research study, we explored the effects and the underlying mechanisms of DMB in overload-induced HF. Aortic banding (AB) surgery was performed in C57BL6/J mice to induce HF, and a subset group of mice underwent a sham operation. After surgery, the mice were fed with a normal diet and given water supplemented with or without 1% DMB for 6 weeks. Cardiac function, plasma TMAO level, cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, expression of inflammatory, electrophysiological studies and signaling pathway were analyzed at the sixth week after AB surgery. DMB reduced TMAO levels in overload-induced HF mice. Adverse cardiac structural remodeling, such as cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis and inflammation, was elevated in overload-induced HF mice. Susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmia also significantly increased in overload-induced HF mice. However, these changes were prevented by DMB treatment. DMB attenuated all of these changes by reducing plasma TMAO levels, hence negatively inhibiting the p65 NF-κB signaling pathway and TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway. DMB plays an important role in attenuating the development of cardiac structural remodeling and electrical remodeling in overload-induced HF mice. This may be attributed to the p65 NF-κB signaling pathway and TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway inhibition.

6-Gingerol, a Functional Polyphenol of Ginger, Promotes Browning through an AMPK-Dependent Pathway in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

The main purpose of the present study was to investigate the browning effect of 6-gingerol (6G), one of the main functional compounds in the ethyl acetate extract of ginger (ginger ethyl acetate fraction, GEF), and its underlying mechanisms. In this study, we first discovered that GEF stimulated brown adipocyte differentiation by upregulating the expression levels of browning-specific transcription makers (UCP1, PRDM16, and PGC-1α), thereby reducing lipogenesis transcriptional regulator (C/EBPα) expression in 3T3-L1-differentiated adipocytes. Then, 6G (47.81 ± 0.62 mg/g) was identified as one of the main functional compounds in GEF using high-performance liquid chromatography. 6G promoted adipocyte browning, as evidenced by an increase in some brown/beige fat-specific genes (PGC-1α, Cidea, Prdm16, Cited1, SIRT1, Tmem26, and Ucp1) and proteins (UCP1, CEBP/β, PGC-1α, and PRDM16) expression levels. Moreover, 6G greatly improved mitochondrial respiration and energy metabolism by upregulating the expression levels of some mitochondrial biogenesis markers (Tfam, Nrf1, SIRT1, and p-AMPK/AMPK) and increasing the uncoupled oxygen consumption rate of protons leaked in 3T3-L1 cells. Comparison of the experimental results obtained with an inhibitor (dorsomorphin) and an activator (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide) suggested that the 6G-associated regulation of the energy metabolism effect was mediated partly through the AMPK signaling pathway. This study provides new insight into the promotion of fat browning and regulation of lipid metabolism by 6G and suggests that 6G likely has potential therapeutic effects on obesity.

Resveratrol and Oxyresveratrol Activate Thermogenesis via Different Transcriptional Coactivators in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice

Obesity is a global public health issue. Thermogenesis is a novel way to promote anti-obesity by consuming energy as heat rather than storing it as triacylglycerols. The browning program allows mitochondrial biosynthesis and thermogenesis-related gene expression to occur in subcutaneous white adipose tissue, which results in the formation of beige adipose tissue. Some phytochemicals have exerted the capability to activate the fat browning process. Resveratrol and oxyresveratrol are both natural stilbenoids that have been reported for their anti-obesity efficacy. However, the comparison between the two as they relate to thermogenesis as well as the differences in their underlying mechanisms are still not widely discussed. Our result reveals that both resveratrol and oxyresveratrol could elevate the expression of thermogenesis-related protein expression including UCP1 (uncoupling protein-1) and PRDM (PR domain containing 16) via Sirt1/PGC-1α (sirtuin 1/peroxisome proliferation gamma coactivator-1 α) activation. However, it is suggested that the transcriptional factor PPARα (peroxisome proliferator-activator receptor α) was activated by resveratrol (1.38 ± 0.07 fold) but not oxyresveratrol. Conversely, C/EBPβ (CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β) was upregulated by oxyresveratrol (1.58 ± 0.05 fold) but not by resveratrol. On the other hand, CPT1 (carnitine palmitoyltransferase) was found to be significantly activated at lower concentrations of oxyresveratrol up to 1.89 ± 0.04 fold as compared to high-fat diet, and it could be a leading reason for UCP1 activation. Lastly, adiponectin expression was promoted in all experimental groups (1.53 ± 0.08 and 1.49 ± 0.11-fold in resveratrol (RES) and high oxyresveratrol (HOXY), respectively), which could be an activator for mitochondrial biosynthesis and UCP1 expression.

Effect of Fermented Corn-Soybean Meal on Serum Immunity, the Expression of Genes Related to Gut Immunity, Gut Microbiota, and Bacterial Metabolites in Grower-Finisher Pigs

Fermented corn-soybean meal (fermented feed, FF) is commonly used in swine production, but the effects of FF on gut health remain unclear. In this study, serum immunity, mRNA abundances of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and Toll-like receptors (TLR1-9), bacterial abundance in the duodenum and colon, and colonic metabolic phenotypes were determined in crossbred barrows (Duroc × Landrace × Large White) fed FF or normal feed (unfermented feed, UF) (n = 6). When compared to the UF group, the results showed that serum levels of IgG and IgM were significantly increased in FF group pigs (P < 0.05). FF significantly decreased the abundances of Bacteroides and Verrucomicrobia in the duodenum and decreased the abundances of Bacteroides, Proteobacteria, and Verrucomicrobia in the colon while it significantly increased the abundances of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria (P < 0.05). Furthermore, a Spearman's correlation analysis showed that serum immunity and the expression of genes related to gut immunity were associated with bacterial strains at the family level. Moreover, differentially abundant colonic microbiota were associated with colonic metabolites. LC-MS data analyses identified a total of 1,351 metabolites that markedly differed between the UF and FF groups. C5-Branched dibasic acid metabolism was significantly upregulated whereas the purine metabolism was significantly downregulated (P < 0.05) in the colonic digesta of pigs in the FF meal group compared to the UF meal group. Collectively, these results indicated that FF meal could influence serum immunity and the expression of genes related to gut immunity, correlating with the gut microbiota and bacterial metabolites in grower-finisher pigs. This study may provide an alternative strategy for improving the intestinal health of grower-finisher pigs.