Bitter melon extract attenuating hepatic steatosis may be mediated by FGF21 and AMPK/Sirt1 signaling in mice

Abstract

We sought to evaluate the effects of Momordica charantia (bitter melon, BM) extract on insulin sensitivity, NAFLD, hepatic FGF21 and AMPK signaling in mice fed a high-fat diet. Male C57/B6 mice were randomly divided into HFD and HFD supplementation with BM for 12 week. Body weight, plasma glucose, FGF21 and insulin levels, hepatic FGF21 and AMPK signaling proteins were measured. The results showed that plasma FGF21 and insulin concentrations were significantly decreased and hepatic FGF21 content was significantly down-regulated, while FGF receptors 1, 3 and 4 (FGFR1, FGFR3 and FGFR4) were greatly up-regulated in BM group compared to the HFD group (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01). BM also significantly increased hepatic AMPK p, AMPK α1 AMPK α2 and Sirt1 content compared to the HFD mice. We, for the first time, demonstrated that BM extract attenuated hepatic steatosis in mice by enhancing hepatic FGF21 and AMPK/Sirt1 signaling.

Mediterranean Tomato‐Based Sofrito Sauce Improves Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21) Signaling in White Adipose Tissue of Obese ZUCKER Rats

“…Taken as a whole, our data led us to hypothesize that sofrito restores the FGF21 signaling in OZR, overcoming the FGF21‐resistant state characteristic of obesity. These results were in accordance with previously published data demonstrating that polyphenols or polyphenols‐enriched foods are able to increase the expression of FGF21 receptors …”

“…In terms of the healthy properties of bioactive dietary compounds, one of the most important questions concerns the molecular mechanism by which they exert their beneficial effects. It has been recently described that in various rodent models of DIO there exists a positive correlation between the beneficial effects of polyphenol‐rich fruit extracts and FGF21 activity due to an induction of FGF21 levels or an improvement of the FGF21 signaling by increasing the expression of FGF21 receptors and KLB . Taking into account sofrito ’s rich bioactive compound content, here we analyzed the impact of a regular consumption of sofrito on insulin sensitivity in an obese rat model and identified FGF21 signaling as a mechanism by which sofrito could exert, at least in part, its healthy effects.…”

Beneficial Role of Bitter Melon Supplementation in Obesity and Related Complications in Metabolic Syndrome

“…This PGC-1 α activation and upregulation by bitter melon supplementation also decreased plasma level of TGs, cholesterol, and FFA in plasma of offspring rats fed a HF diet [ 72 ]. Recent investigation also reported that 1.2% bitter melon extract supplementation significantly increased hepatic AMPK p, AMPK α 1, AMPK α 2, and Sirt1 content in HF diet fed mice [ 74 ]. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a cellular fuel gauge, maintaining intracellular energy balance in mammalian cells [ 104 ].…”

Estrogen and Mitochondria Function in Cardiorenal Metabolic Syndrome

“…35 Another important factor related to mitochondrial biogenesis is AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). 36 Studies have shown that decreased expression of PGC-1α-associated impairment of mitochondrial biogenesis may be responsible for various metabolic abnormalities in the CRS. 32 Thus, the impairment of any of the complex steps in regulation of mitochondria biogenesis may contribute to the pathogenesis of IR and CVD in CRS.…”