Carnosic acid prevents obesity and hepatic steatosis in ob/ob mice

• Published in: Hepatology research Vol. 41; no. 1; pp. 87 - 92
• Main Authors: Wang, Ting, Takikawa, Yasuhiro, Satoh, Takumi, Yoshioka, Yoshichika, Kosaka, Kunio, Tatemichi, Yoshinori, Suzuki, Kazuyuki
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Melbourne, Australia Blackwell Publishing Asia 01.01.2011
• Subjects: carnosic acid; non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; ob/ob mice; obesity
• ISSN: 1386-6346; 1872-034X
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1872-034X.2010.00747.x

Aim:  Carnosic acid (CA) inhibits adipogenesis in vitro. The present study evaluated the therapeutic effects of CA in ob/ob mice. Methods:  The experimental animals were given a standard chow diet with or without CA for 5 weeks. Bodyweight gain and food intake were measured during this period. Magnetic resonance imaging analysis, histological examination, serum chemistry analysis and intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) were all performed. Results:  The mice fed CA experienced significant weight loss and reduced visceral adiposity, in addition to significantly reduced serum triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol levels. Importantly, CA had a dramatic effect on the liver by reducing the hepatic TG content, thus decreasing serum alanine aminotransferase levels. In addition, IPGTT revealed that CA significantly improved glucose tolerance. Conclusion:  These data suggest that CA is a novel therapeutic agent for obesity‐related non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease.