Raspberry Ketone Protects Rats Fed High-Fat Diets Against Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis

Abstract

The protective effect of raspberry ketone against nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) was tested by using a high-fat diet-induced NASH model, and its mechanism was explored. Forty Sprague-Dawley rats with a 1:1 male to female ratio were randomly divided into five groups: the normal control (NC) group (n = 8) fed normal diet for 8 weeks, the model control (MC) group (n = 8) fed high-fat diet (82% standard diet, 8.3% yolk powder, 9.0% lard, 0.5% cholesterol, and 0.2% sodium taurocholate), and the raspberry ketone low-dose (0.5%) (RKL) group (n = 8), the raspberry ketone middle-dose (1%) (RKM) group (n = 8), and the raspberry ketone high-dose (2%) (RKH) group (n = 8) fed high-fat diet for 4 weeks. were measured in rats. Therefore, we determined the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-a activity in liver homogenate and the levels of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), adiponection (APN), superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde (MDA). The liver tissues of rats in each group were imaged by electron microscopy with hematoxylin-eosin as the staining agent. The levels of TG, TC, LDL-C, ALT, AST, ALP, GLU, INS, IRI, FFA, LEP, TNF-a, MDA, and hs-CRP of MC rats were significantly increased (P < .05, P < .01). Therefore, the levels of HDL-C, ISI, PPAR-a, LDLR, and APN were significantly decreased (P < .05, P < .01). Compared with the MC group, each parameter in the RKL, RKM, and RKH groups was significantly improved (P < .05, P < .01). Thus raspberry ketone was an effective intervention for NASH in rats. It was believed that raspberry ketone had a dual effect of liver protection and fat reduction, and the mechanism was probably mediated by alleviation of fatty degeneration of liver cells, decreased liver inflammation, correction of dyslipidemia, reversal of LEP and INS resistance, and improved antioxidant capacity.

Development of obesity is reduced in high-fat fed mice fed whole raspberries, raspberry juice concentrate, and a combination of the raspberry phytochemicals ellagic acid and raspberry ketone

“…A direct measurement of hepatic triglycerides by enzymatic assay might provide a more definitive analysis compared to our use of densitometry of microscopic images, further, as these data were obtained at only N = 4 per groups, it is conceivable analysis with greater N would show more significant differences. Interestingly, we found HF+RK-fed mice to have a relatively low level of intrahepatic fat which is consistent with the findings of Wang et al, 2012 [35].…”

“…Although RK is promoted as a dietary supplement, as a product to help promote or maintain weight loss, there are few studies that document a clear effect [32,33]. More recently, publications investigating aspects of raspberry ketone have evaluated bone cell differentiation [34]; fatty liver [35]; and gene expression changes [36]. The efficacy of RK is not known with certainty at this time.…”

Eight weeks of supplementation with a multi-ingredient weight loss product enhances body composition, reduces hip and waist girth, and increases energy levels in overweight men and women

“…Razberi-K® contains Raspberry ketone (4-(4-hydroxyphenyl) butan-2-one), which is a naturally occurring phenolic compound in red raspberry ( Rubus ideas ) that has been shown to enhance norepinephrine-induced lipolysis in adipocytes, prevent high-fat diet-induced body weight gain in mice, and increase adiponectin gene expression and secretion in adipocytes in culture [12,13]. Moreover, Wang et al demonstrated anti-inflammatory benefits, improved antioxidant capacity, and enhanced leptin and insulin sensitivity in Sprague-Dawly rats using a high-fat diet induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) model [36]. From the limited preclinical literature, it appears that raspberry ketones require norepinephrine for maximizing their hormone-sensitive lipolytic action.…”

Raspberry ketone in food supplements – High intake, few toxicity data – A cause for safety concern?

“…A small number of studies with raspberry ketone have been performed in obese rats or mice concomitantly fed a fatty diet with the objective to show and explain an anti-obese action of raspberry ketone (Ikemoto et al, 2008;Lili et al, 2011;Morimoto et al, 2005;Wang et al, 2012). Due to the study designs these studies cannot be included in the toxicological data or used as evidence of no adverse effects.…”