Allicin regulates energy homeostasis through brown adipose tissue

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:sec><jats:title>Background/objectives:</jats:title><jats:p>Disorder of energy homeostasis can lead to a variety of metabolic diseases, especially obesity. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a promising potential therapeutic target for the treatment of obesity and related metabolic diseases. <jats:italic>Allicin</jats:italic>, a main bioactive ingredient in garlic, has multiple biology and pharmacological function. However, the role of <jats:italic>Allicin</jats:italic>, in the regulation of metabolic organ, especially the role of activation of BAT, has not been well studied. Here, we analyzed the role of Allicin in whole-body metabolism and the activation of BAT.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Results:</jats:title><jats:p>Allicin had a significant effect in inhibiting body weight gain, decreasing adiposity, maintaining glucose homeostasis, improving insulin resistance, and ameliorating hepatic steatosis in diet-introduced obesity (DIO) mice. Then we find that Allicin can strongly activate brown adipose tissue (BAT). The activation of brown adipocyte treated with Allicin was also confirmed in mouse primary brown adipocytes.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Conclusion:</jats:title><jats:p>Allicin can ameliorate obesity through activating brown adipose tissue. Our findings provide a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of obesity and metabolic disorders.</jats:p></jats:sec>