RRC ID 76032
Author Pinto C, Ibáñez MR, Loyola G, León L, Salvatore Y, González C, Barraza V, Castañeda F, Aldunate R, Contreras-Porcia L, Fuenzalida K, Bronfman FC.
Title Characterization of an Agarophyton chilense Oleoresin Containing PPARγ Natural Ligands with Insulin-Sensitizing Effects in a C57Bl/6J Mouse Model of Diet-Induced Obesity and Antioxidant Activity in Caenorhabditis elegans.
Journal Nutrients
Abstract The biomedical potential of the edible red seaweed Agarophyton chilense (formerly Gracilaria chilensis) has not been explored. Red seaweeds are enriched in polyunsaturated fatty acids and eicosanoids, which are known natural ligands of the PPARγ nuclear receptor. PPARγ is the molecular target of thiazolidinediones (TZDs), drugs used as insulin sensitizers to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. Medical use of TZDs is limited due to undesired side effects, a problem that has triggered the search for selective PPARγ modulators (SPPARMs) without the TZD side effects. We produced Agarophyton chilense oleoresin (Gracilex®), which induces PPARγ activation without inducing adipocyte differentiation, similar to SPPARMs. In a diet-induced obesity model of male mice, we showed that treatment with Gracilex® improves insulin sensitivity by normalizing altered glucose and insulin parameters. Gracilex® is enriched in palmitic acid, arachidonic acid, oleic acid, and lipophilic antioxidants such as tocopherols and β-carotene. Accordingly, Gracilex® possesses antioxidant activity in vitro and increased antioxidant capacity in vivo in Caenorhabditis elegans. These findings support the idea that Gracilex® represents a good source of natural PPARγ ligands and antioxidants with the potential to mitigate metabolic disorders. Thus, its nutraceutical value in humans warrants further investigation.
Volume 13(6)
Published 2021-5-27
DOI 10.3390/nu13061828
PII nu13061828
PMID 34071972
PMC PMC8227508
MeSH Animals Antioxidants / analysis Antioxidants / chemistry Antioxidants / pharmacology Caenorhabditis elegans Disease Models, Animal Gracilaria / chemistry* Insulin / metabolism Insulin Resistance / physiology* Male Mice Mice, Inbred C57BL Obesity / metabolism* PPAR gamma / metabolism* Plant Extracts* / analysis Plant Extracts* / chemistry Plant Extracts* / pharmacology
Resource
C.elegans tm1421