Citrus peel flavonoids improve lipid metabolism by inhibiting miR-33 and miR-122 expression in HepG2 cells

Investigating the separation and purification of flavonoids extracted from foxtail millet, with an in-depth study on its functions in alleviating metabolic syndrome through suppressing lipid absorption

BACKGROUND

Rising living standards alongside high-fat diets (HFDs) have fueled the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), posing a significant health challenge with limited effective therapies. Foxtail millet is recognized as a health food with rich flavonoids. The objective of this work is to isolate and purify flavonoids from foxtail millet, which have the potential to alleviate MetS and to clarify their mechanism.

RESULTS

Our research combined single-factor experiments and a Box-Behnken design to optimize the extraction processes for millet whole-grain flavonoids (MWGFs) followed by the purification using D101 resin. Components were eluted using varied alcohol concentrations. Additionally, the investigation revealed that MWGF30 notably decreased triglyceride (TG) levels, mitigated lipid uptake in Caco-2 cells induced by free fatty acids, and suppressed lipid absorption in HFD mice while modulating TG, high‑ and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and total cholesterol levels. Further investigation uncovered that MWGF30 achieved this lipid uptake reduction ability by downregulating the CD36 protein level.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, MWGF30 demonstrated a potent ability to regulate blood lipids and curb lipid absorption, enhancing our comprehension of millet's benefits and furnishing a scientifically grounded dietary approach for MetS. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Metabolic profile of procyanidin A2 by human intestinal microbiota and their antioxidant and hypolipidemic potential in HepG2 cells

PURPOSE

Procyanidins have strong potential for antioxidation and decreasing hepatic fat accumulation thus preventing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Procyanidin A2 (PCA2), predominately found in cranberries, avocado, peanut red skins and litchi fruit pericarp, is poorly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. However, literatures about its metabolic profile by gut microbiota and effects on lipid metabolism are limited. Therefore, the metabolites of PCA2 by human intestinal microbiota as well as their antioxidant and hypolipidemic potential were investigated.

METHODS

PCA2 was incubated with human intestinal microbiota and the metabolites produced were characterized by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. The antioxidant and hypolipidemic potential of PCA2 and its microbial metabolites (MPCA2) were evaluated and compared.

RESULTS

The metabolism of PCA2 resulted in the formation of 14 metabolites, and the highest antioxidant capacity values were reached after 6 h incubation. In addition, PCA2 and MPCA2 were effective in reducing oxidative stress and lipid accumulation induced by oleic acid (OA) in HepG2 cells. They significantly promoted the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and thus stimulated hepatic lipolysis by up-regulating of the expression of carnitine palmitoyl transferase I (CPT-I) and suppressed hepatic lipogenesis by down-regulation of the expression of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA) reductase, fatty acid synthase (FAS) and sterol regulatory element binding proteins 1c (SREBP-1c).

CONCLUSION

Our results indicated that PCA2 and MPCA2 were effective to prevent OA-induced lipid accumulation and oxidative stress in HepG2 cells, implying that microbial metabolites may play a crucial role in the realization of human health effects of PCA2.

Effects of Chenpi (Citrus reticulata cv. Chachiensis) on serum antioxidant enzymes, inflammatory factors, and intestinal health in Beagle dogs

Ensuring companion animal welfare is a top priority for the pet industry and owners alike. The health of the pets can be directly and effectively improved through diet. Chenpi includes beneficial ingredients with proven anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. The present investigation involved feeding snacks infused with Chenpi powder (CPP) to dogs for 42 days to examine the potential health benefits of CPP. The research evidenced a notable increase in serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in dogs, accompanied by a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) level. Additionally, CPP increased fecal scores and significantly reduced fecal odors due to inhibition of 3-methylindole, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and ammonia nitrogen (NH4 +-N), and also raised the levels of fecal secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA). Analysis of the microbial composition via 16S rRNA sequencing showed that CPP increased Bacteroidota and decreased Firmicutes in the gut flora at the phylum level. Functional prediction study of microbial communities also showed that the CPP group enriched metabolic and genetic information processing pathways. In addition, there were significant correlations between serum indicators and several significantly altered microorganisms. These findings suggest that CPP can potentially enhance the overall health of dogs by reducing fecal odorants, enhancing antioxidant and immunological capabilities, and modulating intestinal flora. This study establishes a solid scientific foundation regarding the application of CPP in functional pet foods.

The Interplay Between Cytokines and MicroRNAs to Regulate Metabolic Disorders

Metabolic disorders represent significant public health challenges worldwide. Emerging evidence suggests that cytokines and microRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders by regulating various metabolic processes, including insulin sensitivity, lipid metabolism, and inflammation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the intricate interplay between cytokines and miRNAs in the context of metabolic disorders, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. We discuss how dysregulation of cytokine-miRNA networks contributes to the development and progression of metabolic disorders and explore the therapeutic potential of targeting these interactions for disease management.

Resveratrol suppresses hepatic fatty acid synthesis and increases fatty acid β-oxidation via the microRNA-33/SIRT6 signaling pathway

Hyperlipidemia is a strong risk factor for numerous diseases. Resveratrol (Res) is a non-flavonoid polyphenol organic compound with multiple biological functions. However, the specific molecular mechanism and its role in hepatic lipid metabolism remain unclear. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to elucidate the mechanism underlying how Res improves hepatic lipid metabolism by decreasing microRNA-33 (miR-33) levels. First, blood miR-33 expression in participants with hyperlipidemia was detected by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, and the results revealed significant upregulation of miR-33 expression in hyperlipidemia. Additionally, after transfection of HepG2 cells with miR-33 mimics or inhibitor, western blot analysis indicated downregulation and upregulation, respectively, of the mRNA and protein expression levels of sirtuin 6 (SIRT6). Luciferase reporter analysis provided further evidence for binding of miR-33 with the SIRT6 3'-untranslated region. Furthermore, the levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ), PPARγ-coactivator 1α and carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1 were increased, while the concentration levels of acetyl-CoA carboxylase, fatty acid synthase and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 were decreased when SIRT6 was overexpressed. Notably, Res improved the basic metabolic parameters of mice fed a high-fat diet by regulating the miR-33/SIRT6 signaling pathway. Thus, it was demonstrated that the dysregulation of miR-33 could lead to lipid metabolism disorders, while Res improved lipid metabolism by regulating the expression of miR-33 and its target gene, SIRT6. Thus, Res can be used to prevent or treat hyperlipidemia and associated diseases clinically by suppressing hepatic fatty acid synthesis and increasing fatty acid β-oxidation.

A protein-miRNA biomic analysis approach to explore neuroprotective potential of nobiletin in human neural progenitor cells (hNPCs)

Chemical-induced neurotoxicity is increasingly recognized to accelerate the development of neurodegenerative disorders (NDs), which pose an increasing health burden to society. Attempts are being made to develop drugs that can cross the blood-brain barrier and have minimal or no side effects. Nobiletin (NOB), a polymethoxylated flavonoid with anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, has been demonstrated to be a promising compound to treat a variety of NDs. Here, we investigated the potential role of NOB in sodium arsenate (NA)-induced deregulated miRNAs and target proteins in human neural progenitor cells (hNPCs). The proteomics and microRNA (miRNA) profiling was done for different groups, namely, unexposed control, NA-exposed, NA + NOB, and NOB groups. Following the correlation analysis between deregulated miRNAs and target proteins, RT-PCR analysis was used to validate the selected genes. The proteomic analysis showed that significantly deregulated proteins were associated with neurodegeneration pathways, response to oxidative stress, RNA processing, DNA repair, and apoptotic process following exposure to NA. The OpenArray analysis confirmed that NA exposure significantly altered miRNAs that regulate P53 signaling, Wnt signaling, cell death, and cell cycle pathways. The RT-PCR validation studies concur with proteomic data as marker genes associated with autophagy and apoptosis (HO-1, SQSTM1, LC-3, Cas3, Apaf1, HSP70, and SNCA1) were altered following NA exposure. It was observed that the treatment of NOB significantly restored the deregulated miRNAs and proteins to their basal levels. Hence, it may be considered one of its neuroprotective mechanisms. Together, the findings are promising to demonstrate the potential applicability of NOB as a neuroprotectant against chemical-induced neurotoxicity.

Ozonated Olive Oil Intake Attenuates Hepatic Steatosis in Obese db/db Mice

Chronic inflammation and insulin resistance lead to metabolic syndrome and there is an urgent need to establish effective treatments and prevention methods. Our previous study reported that obese model Zucker (fa/fa) rats fed with ozonated olive oil alleviated fatty liver and liver damage by suppressing inflammatory factors. However, differences among animal species related to the safety and efficacy of ozonated olive oil administration remain unclear. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of oral intake of ozonated olive oil on lipid metabolism in normal mice and mice in the obesity model. C57BL/6J and db/db mice were fed the following AIN-76 diets for four weeks: the mice were either fed a 0.5% olive oil diet (Control diet) or 0.5% ozonated olive oil diet (Oz-Olive diet) in addition to 6.5% corn oil. The results indicated that four weeks of Oz-Olive intake did not adversely affect growth parameters, hepatic lipids or serum parameters in normal C57BL/6J mice. Subsequent treatment of db/db mice with Oz-Olive for four weeks reduced the levels of hepatic triglycerides, serum alkaline phosphatase, and serum insulin. These effects of Oz-Olive administration might be due to suppression of fatty acid synthesis activity and expression of lipogenic genes, as well as suppression of inflammatory gene expression. In conclusion, this study confirmed the safety of Oz-Olive administration in normal mice and its ability to alleviate hepatic steatosis by inhibiting fatty acid synthesis and inflammation in obese mice.

Micro-Executor of Natural Products in Metabolic Diseases

Obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases are the major chronic metabolic diseases that threaten human health. In order to combat these epidemics, there remains a desperate need for effective, safe, and easily available therapeutic strategies. Recently, the development of natural product research has provided new methods and options for these diseases. Numerous studies have demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of metabolic diseases, and natural products can improve lipid and glucose metabolism disorders and cardiovascular diseases by regulating the expression of miRNAs. In this review, we present the recent advances involving the associations between miRNAs and natural products and the current evidence showing the positive effects of miRNAs for natural product treatment in metabolic diseases. We also encourage further research to address the relationship between miRNAs and natural products under physiological and pathological conditions, thus leading to stronger support for drug development from natural products in the future.

The effects of hesperidin supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in adults: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis

Hesperidin is a naturally occurring bioactive compound that may have an impact on cardiovascular disease risks, but the evidence is not conclusive. To investigate further, this study aimed to explore the effects of hesperidin supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in adults. A comprehensive search was conducted up to August 2022 using relevant keywords in databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ISI Web of Science for all randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The results showed that hesperidin supplementation had a significant effect on reducing serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density cholesterol (LDL), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and systolic blood pressure (SBP), whereas weight was increased. However, no significant effect was observed on high-density cholesterol (HDL), waist circumference (WC), fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), body mass index (BMI), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). The study also found that an effective dosage of hesperidin supplementation was around 1,000 mg/d, and a more effective duration of supplementation was more than eight weeks to decrease insulin levels. Furthermore, the duration of intervention of more than six weeks was effective in decreasing FBG levels.

Flavonoids attenuate cancer metabolism by modulating Lipid metabolism, amino acids, ketone bodies and redox state mediated by Nrf2

Metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells is a common hallmark of malignant transformation. The preference for aerobic glycolysis over oxidative phosphorylation in tumors is a well-studied phenomenon known as the Warburg effect. Importantly, metabolic transformation of cancer cells also involves alterations in signaling cascades contributing to lipid metabolism, amino acid flux and synthesis, and utilization of ketone bodies. Also, redox regulation interacts with metabolic reprogramming during malignant transformation. Flavonoids, widely distributed phytochemicals in plants, exert various beneficial effects on human health through modulating molecular cascades altered in the pathological cancer phenotype. Recent evidence has identified numerous flavonoids as modulators of critical components of cancer metabolism and associated pathways interacting with metabolic cascades such as redox balance. Flavonoids affect lipid metabolism by regulating fatty acid synthase, redox balance by modulating nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activity, or amino acid flux and synthesis by phosphoglycerate mutase 1. Here, we discuss recent preclinical evidence evaluating the impact of flavonoids on cancer metabolism, focusing on lipid and amino acid metabolic cascades, redox balance, and ketone bodies.

Review of factors affecting citrus polyphenol bioavailability and their importance in designing in vitro, animal, and intervention studies

Evidence from in vitro, animal, and human studies links citrus fruit consumption with several health-promoting effects. However, many in vitro studies disregard bioavailability data, a key factor determining responses in humans. Citrus (poly)phenol metabolism and bioavailability follow specific pathways that vary widely among individuals and are affected by several intrinsic (age, sex, gut microbiota, metabolic state, genetic polymorphisms) and extrinsic (food matrix, co-consumed food, (poly)phenol solubility, dose, food processing, lifestyle) factors. The gut microbiota is crucial to both absorption of citrus (poly)phenols and the production of catabolites, and absorption of both takes place mostly in the colon. Citrus (poly)phenol absorption can reach up to 100% in some individuals when the sum of the gut microbiota products are taken into account. This review emphasizes the importance of understanding citrus (poly)phenol absorption, metabolism, and bioavailability using evidence primarily derived from human studies in designing in vitro, animal, and further human clinical studies.

Citrus depressa Hayata Peel Ameliorates Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver and Modulates the Hepatic Drug-metabolizing Enzymes and Transporters in Rats Fed a High-fat Diet

Citrus depressa Hayata is a small, green citrus fruit native to Taiwan and Japan. The citrus peel contains polymethoxylated flavones, including nobiletin and tangeretin, and might have strong antioxidant and...

Anti-adipogenic effect of the flavonoids through the activation of AMPK in palmitate (PA)-treated HepG2 cells

BACKGROUND

Flavonoids are natural polyphenols found widely in citrus fruit and peel that possess anti-adipogenic effects. On the other hand, the detailed mechanisms for the anti-adipogenic effects of flavonoids are unclear.

OBJECTIVES

The present study observed the anti-adipogenic effects of five major citrus flavonoids, including hesperidin (HES), narirutin (NAR), nobiletin (NOB), sinensetin (SIN), and tangeretin (TAN), on AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation in palmitate (PA)-treated HepG2 cells.

METHODS

The intracellular lipid accumulation and triglyceride (TG) contents were quantified by Oil-red O staining and TG assay, respectively. The glucose uptake was assessed using 2-[N-(7-Nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)amino]-2-deoxy-d-glucose (2-NBDG) assay. The levels of AMPK, acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) phosphorylation, and levels of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP-2) and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR) expression were analyzed by Western blot analysis. The potential interaction between the flavonoids and the γ-subunit of AMPK was investigated by molecular docking analysis.

RESULTS

The flavonoid treatment reduced both intracellular lipid accumulation and TG content in PA-treated HepG2 cells significantly. In addition, the flavonoids showed increased 2-NBDG uptake in an insulin-independent manner in PA-treated HepG2 cells. The flavonoids increased the AMPK, ACC, and GSK3β phosphorylation levels and decreased the SREBP-2 and HMGCR expression levels in PA-treated HepG2 cells. Molecular docking analysis showed that the flavonoids bind to the CBS domains in the regulatory γ-subunit of AMPK with high binding affinities and could serve as potential AMPK activators.

CONCLUSION

The overall results suggest that the anti-adipogenic effect of flavonoids on PA-treated HepG2 cells results from the activation of AMPK by flavonoids.

Ruminal Microbes Exhibit a Robust Circadian Rhythm and Are Sensitive to Melatonin

Gut hormones are not only able to regulate digestive, absorptive, and immune mechanisms of the intestine through biological rhythms, but impact the host through their interactions with intestinal microorganisms. Whether hormones in ruminal fluid have an association with the ruminal ecology is unknown. Objectives of the study were to examine relationships between the diurnal change in ruminal hormones and microbiota in lactating cows, and their associations in vivo and in vitro. For the in vivo study, six cows of similar weight (566.8 ± 19.6 kg), parity (3.0 ± 0.0), and milk performance (8,398.7 ± 1,392.9 kg/y) were used. They were adapted to natural light for 2 weeks before sampling and fed twice daily at 07:00 a.m. and 14:00 p.m. Serum, saliva, and ruminal fluid samples were collected at 02:00, 10:00, and 18:00 on the first day and 06:00, 14:00, and 22:00 on the second day of the experimental period. The concentrations of melatonin (MLT), growth hormone (GH), and prolactin (PRL) were measured via radioimmunoassay, whereas amplicon sequencing data were used to analyze relative abundance of microbiota in ruminal fluid. JTK_CYCLE analysis was performed to analyze circadian rhythms of hormone concentrations as well as the relative abundance of microbiota. For the in vitro study, exogenous MLT (9 ng) was added into ruminal fluid incubations to investigate the impacts of MLT on ruminal microbiota. The results not only showed that rumen fluid contains MLT, but the diurnal variation of MLT and the relative abundance of 9% of total rumen bacterial operational taxonomic units (OTUs) follow a circadian rhythm. Although GH and PRL were also detected in ruminal fluid, there was no obvious circadian rhythm in their concentrations. Ruminal MLT was closely associated with Muribaculaceae, Succinivibrionaceae, Veillonellaceae, and Prevotellaceae families in vivo. In vitro, these families were significantly influenced by melatonin treatment, as melatonin treatment increased the relative abundance of families Prevotellaceae, Muribaculaceae while it reduced the relative abundance of Succinivibrionaceae, Veillonellaceae. Collectively, ruminal microbes appear to maintain a circadian rhythm that is associated with the profiles of melatonin. As such, data suggest that secretion of melatonin into the rumen could play a role in host-microbe interactions in ruminants.

Hesperidin alleviates insulin resistance by improving HG-induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction by restoring miR-149

BACKGROUND

Hesperidin, a natural flavanone, has been proven to have multiple protective effects in diabetic rats, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of hesperidin are not well elucidated.

METHODS

LO2 cells were stimulated with high glucose (HG, 33 mM) for 24 h to establish a model of oxidative stress. Then, cell viability was determined using the MTT assay. The antioxidant activities, including the reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and adenosine-triphosphate (ATP) production, were measured with the corresponding kits. The levels of gene expression, protein expression and methylation were detected using qRT-PCR, western blotting and methylation-specific PCR (MSP) assays, respectively.

RESULTS

Compared to the NG treatment, hesperidin treatment increased the viability and improved the oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and insulin resistance of HG-treated LO2 cells, and these effects were correlated with heightened SOD and GPx activities, increased MMP level and ATP generation, reduced MDA, ROS and glucose levels, and activated GSK3β/AKT and inactivated IRS1 signals. Mechanistically, hesperidin treatment enhanced the miR-149 expression level by reducing its promoter methylation by inhibiting DNMT1. Importantly, knockdown of miR-149 obviously abolished the biological roles of hesperidin.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrated that hesperidin treatment ameliorated HG-induced insulin resistance by reducing oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction partly by suppressing DNMT1-mediated miR-149 silencing.

miR-15a-5p inhibits metastasis and lipid metabolism by suppressing histone acetylation in lung cancer

Metabolic reprogramme was a key characteristic of malignant tumors. Increased evidences indicated that besides Warburg effect (abnormal glucose metabolism), abnormal lipid metabolism played more and more important in progression and metastasis of malignant tumors. MiR-15a-5p could inhibit development of lung cancer, while its regulating mechanism, especially the role in lipid metabolism still remained unclear. In this study, we confirmed that miR-15a-5p inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion of lung cancer cells. The online analysis of Mirpath v.3 predicted that miR-15a-5p was closely associated with fatty acid synthesis and lipid metabolism. In vitro cell experiments revealed that miR-15a-5p significantly suppressed fatty acid synthesis of lung cancer cells by inhibiting acetate uptake. Extensive analysis indicated that miR-15a-5p could suppress acetyl-CoA activity and decrease histone H4 acetylation by inhibiting ACSS2 expression. In addition, we also observed that ACSS2 located in nucleus under hypoxic conditions, while miR-15a-5p could be transported into nucleus to inhibit the function of ACSS2. Our study unveiled a novel mechanism of miR-15a-5p in inhibiting metastasis of lung cancer cells by suppressing lipid metabolism via suppression of ACSS2 mediated acetyl-CoA activity and histone acetylation.

Citrus Peel Extract Ameliorates High-Fat Diet-Induced NAFLD via Activation of AMPK Signaling

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is prevalent in the elderly population, and has symptoms ranging from liver steatosis to advanced fibrosis. Citrus peel extracts (CPEs) contain compounds that potentially improve dyslipidemia; however, the mechanism of action and effects on hepatic steatosis regulation remains unclear. Current study was aimed to investigate the protective effect of CPEs extracted through hot-air drying (CPEW) and freeze-drying (CPEF) and the underlying mechanism in a rat model of high-fat diet-induced NAFLD. The high-fat diet (HFD)-fed rats showed significant increase in total cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), triglycerides, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lipid peroxidation compared to the normal chow-diet (NCD) group rats; but CPEW and CPEF limited this effect. CPEW and CPEF supplementation reduced both hepatocyte steatosis and fat accumulation involving the regulatory effect of mTORC1. Collectively, CPEW and CPEF protected deterioration of liver steatosis with AMPK activation and regulating ROS accumulation associated with interstitial disorders, which are also associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) redox. Thus, the application of CPEW and CPEF may lead to the development of novel therapeutic or preventive agents against NAFLD.

Milagro F, Sánchez J, de la Garza AL, Castro H. miRNAs and Novel Food Compounds Related to the Browning Process

Obesity prevalence is rapidly increasing worldwide. With the discovery of brown adipose tissue (BAT) in adult humans, BAT activation has emerged as a potential strategy for increasing energy expenditure. Recently, the presence of a third type of fat, referred to as beige or brite (brown in white), has been recognized to be present in certain kinds of white adipose tissue (WAT) depots. It has been suggested that WAT can undergo the process of browning in response to stimuli that induce and enhance the expression of thermogenesis: a metabolic feature typically associated with BAT. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small transcriptional regulators that control gene expression in a variety of tissues, including WAT and BAT. Likewise, it was shown that several food compounds could influence miRNAs associated with browning, thus, potentially contributing to the management of excessive adipose tissue accumulation (obesity) through specific nutritional and dietetic approaches. Therefore, this has created significant excitement towards the development of a promising dietary strategy to promote browning/beiging in WAT to potentially contribute to combat the growing epidemic of obesity. For this reason, we summarize the current knowledge about miRNAs and food compounds that could be applied in promoting adipose browning, as well as the cellular mechanisms involved.

Hesperidin: A Therapeutic Agent For Obesity

Obesity is a chronic metabolic disease caused by multiple factors and is considered to be a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke and various cancers. Hesperidin, a flavanone glycoside, is a natural phenolic compound with a wide range of biological effects. Mounting evidence has demonstrated that hesperidin possesses inhibitory effect against obesity diseases. Our review discusses mechanisms of hesperidin in the treatment of obesity. Hesperidin regulates lipid metabolism and glucose metabolism by mediating AMPK and PPAR signaling pathways, directly regulates antioxidant index and anti-apoptosis, and indirectly mediates NF-κB signaling pathway to regulate inflammation to play a role in the treatment of obesity. In addition, hesperidin-enriched dietary supplements can significantly improve symptoms such as postprandial hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. Further clinical trials are also required for confirming lipid-lowering efficacy of this natural flavonoid and evaluating its safety profile.