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Green tea extract activates AMPK and ameliorates white adipose tissue metabolic dysfunction induced by obesity

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Abstract

Purpose

Beneficial effects of green tea (GT) polyphenols against obesity have been reported. However, until this moment the molecular mechanisms of how green tea can modulate obesity and regulates fat metabolism, particularly in adipose tissue, remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of GT extract in the adipose tissue of obese animals and its effect on weight gain, metabolism and function (de novo lipogenesis and lipolysis), and the involvement of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK).

Methods and results

Male Wistar rats were treated with GT by gavage (12 weeks/5 days/week; 500 mg/kg of body weight), and obesity was induced by cafeteria diet (8 weeks). Here, we show that obese rats treated with GT showed a significant reduction in indicators of obesity such as hyperlipidemia, fat synthesis, body weight, and fat depots as compared to those treated with standard control diet. AMPK was induced in adipose tissue in rats that were treated with GT and likely restored insulin sensitivity, increased mRNA expression of GLUT4, reducing the concentrations of plasma and liver lipid content, also stimulating fatty acid oxidation in the same tissue. Importantly, repression of de novo lipogenesis in the adipose tissue, reduced lipid droplets in the liver, and the development of insulin resistance in diet-induced obese rats were accompanied by AMPK activation.

Conclusion

Our study identified that metabolic changes caused by GT intake induced AMPK activation and modulate the expression of genes involved in metabolism, particularly in adipose tissue, thus offering a therapeutic strategy to combat insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and obesity in rats.

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Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to the technical assistance of R. C. Macedo, B. A. Guerra, A. C. Morandi, R. G. Cruz, Marinovic M. P., Maia, O. F. Mori M, and R. Holanda. This research was supported by Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP 2011/19216-8), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico CNPq (139307/2012-5), and Universidade Cruzeiro do Sul.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Human Movement Sciences, Science Institute of Physical Activity and Sports, Cruzeiro do Sul University, Av. Regente Feijó, 1295, São Paulo, SP, 03342-000, Brazil

    Andréa Rocha, Anaysa Paola Bolin & Rosemari Otton

  2. Postgraduate Program of Pharmacology, Sao Paulo University, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

    Anaysa Paola Bolin & Rosemari Otton

  3. Mato Grosso do Sul University, Rodovia Ithaum, km 12 Cidade Universitária, Dourados, MS, 79804-970, Brazil

    Claudia Andrea Lima Cardoso

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  1. Andréa Rocha
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  2. Anaysa Paola Bolin
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Correspondence to Rosemari Otton.

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All authors of the present manuscript declare that there is no actual or potential conflict of interest including any financial, personal, or other relationships with other people or organizations that could inappropriately influence, or be perceived to influence our work.

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Rocha, A., Bolin, A.P., Cardoso, C.A.L. et al. Green tea extract activates AMPK and ameliorates white adipose tissue metabolic dysfunction induced by obesity. Eur J Nutr 55, 2231–2244 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-015-1033-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-015-1033-8

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