HM-chromanone attenuates obesity and adipose tissue inflammation by downregulating SREBP-1c and NF-κb pathway in high-fat diet-fed mice.

Background: Obese adipose tissue produces various pro-inflammatory cytokines that are major contributors to adipose tissue inflammation.

Objective: The present study aimed to determine the effects of HM-chromanone (HMC) against obesity and adipose tissue inflammation in high-fat diet-fed mice.

Materials and methods: Twenty-four C57BL/6J male mice were divided into three groups: ND (normal diet), HFD (high-fat diet), and HFD + HMC. The ND group was fed a normal diet, whereas the HFD and HFD + HMC groups were fed a high-fat diet. After 10 weeks of feeding, the animals were orally administered the treatments daily for 9 weeks. The ND and HFD group received distilled water as treatment. The HFD+HMC group was treated with HM-chromaone (50 mg/kg).

Results: HM-chromanone administration decreased body weight, fat mass, and adipocyte diameter. HM-chromanone also improved plasma lipid profiles, decreased leptin levels, and increased adiponectin levels. The inhibiting effect of HM-chromanone on SREBP-1c, PPARγ, C/EBPα, and FAS decreased adipogenesis, thereby alleviating lipid accumulation. Furthermore, HM-chromanone administration exhibited a reduction in macrophage infiltration and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. HM-chromanone suppressed the phosphorylation of IκBα and NF-κB, leading to the inhibition of iNOS and COX2 expressions, resulting in decreased inflammation in adipose tissue.

Discussion and conclusion: These results highlight the anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory properties of HM-chromanone, achieved through the downregulation of the SREBP-1c and NF-κB pathway in high-fat diet-fed mice.