Stop fat cell formation with antioxidants
BY JULIE SEAMERFRIDAY, MAY 09, 2008
Nutritional research suggests that natural antioxidant compounds could inhibit the formation of fat from fat cells.
Flavonoids (such as those found in green tea) and phenolic acids (found in berries and tea) were studied for their ability to affect fat cells in laboratory cultures of mouse cells. O-courmaric acid (from coumarin) and rutin were reported to inhibit activity of the glycerol-3-phospahte dehydrogenase (GPDH) enzyme that forms triglycerides – fatty materials which at high levels increase heart disease risk (by 61 and 83 per cent respectively).
Researchers from the National Chung Hsing University in Taiwan state that the results indicate flavonoids and phenolic acids may help control adipogenesis with further implication in anti-obesity effects.
The compounds also expressed potential in affecting other metabolic functions including activity of the hormone leptin. They up-regulated expressions of adiponectin; a hormone involved in regulation of insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis. "These results suggest that o-courmaric acid and rutin targeted for adipocyte functions could be effective in improving the symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome" concluded researchers.
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterised by central obesity, hypertension and disturbed glucose and insulin metabolism. It increases risk to both type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD).
The International Obesity Task Force estimates that 300 million adults worldwide are obese (body mass index over 30). Rising obesity is predicted to have a huge impact on public health services. Given these facts, the above findings show promise in helping control and prevent obesity, as part of controlled dietary and exercise plans. Further investigations into this mechanism are eagerly awaited.
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