Dihydromyricetin ameliorates diet-induced obesity and promotes browning of white adipose tissue by upregulating IRF4/PGC-1α

Discovery of a novel binding pocket in PPARγ for partial agonists: structure-based virtual screening identifies ginsenoside Rg5 as a partial agonist promoting beige adipogenesis

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a key target for metabolic disorders that contribute to obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, full agonists such as thiazolidinediones (TZDs) have limitations in terms of side effects. Selective PPARγ modulators (SPPARγMs) that target alternative binding pockets offer the potential for safer partial agonists. Here, we employed six computational algorithms (Fpocket, DeepSite, CavityPlus, DoGSiteScorer, CASTpFold, POCASA) to identify a novel allosteric pocket (pocket 6-5) in the PPARγ ligand-binding domain (LBD), localized at the helix 3 (H3), helix 2 (H2), helix 2'(H2'), and β-sheet interface. A virtual screening of 4,097 natural compounds from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) libraries was conducted, which led to the identification of ginsenoside Rg5 (TWSZ-5) as a top hit. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) dynamics revealed TWSZ-5 stabilizes pocket 6-5 through hydrogen bonds with Ser342, Gln345, Lys261, and Lys263. TWSZ-5 promoted beige adipocyte differentiation in adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) in vitro, upregulating Ucp1, Prdm16, Cpt1α, and Pgc1α. The present study identifies TWSZ-5 as a novel SPPARγM that utilizes an allosteric binding pocket to enhance thermogenesis while mitigating adverse effects. These findings emphasize the potential of TCM derivatives and structure-based screening strategies to develop safer antidiabetic therapies with precision pharmacology.

Huanglian-Jiedu decoction promotes adipose thermogenesis in obese mice by suppressing the expression of HDAC3

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Huanglian Jiedu Decoction (HLJDD) is an ancient formula of traditional Chinese medicine that is commonly utilized in a range of disorders, and it has been shown to have pharmacological effects on glucose and lipid metabolism. However, the specific mechanism of HLJDD for the treatment of obesity and related metabolic disorders remains to be further investigated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

It has been thought that encouraging adipose thermogenesis to raise the body's energy expenditure is a useful tactic for improving metabolic abnormalities and losing weight. In this study, we investigated the ability and underlying mechanisms of HLJDD to regulate fat cell thermogenesis to improve energy expenditure in obesity.

METHODS

The obese mouse model was established on a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. All mice were divided into NC, HFD, HFD with HLJDD of a low dose (2.25 g/kg/d), and HFD with HLJDD of a high dose (4.5 g/kg/d) groups and kept for 4 weeks. In vitro experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of 5% and 10% HLJDD-containing serum on differentiated 3T3-L1 cells and HDAC3-knocking-down 3T3-L1 cells.

RESULTS

The results showed that HLJDD treatment significantly improved glucose and insulin tolerance and decreased the adipocyte radius of WATs, as well as increased energy consumption in obese mice. Besides, HLJDD treatment dramatically increased the levels of thermogenic genes UCP-1 and PGC-1α while suppressing HDAC3 levels in WATs and 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Importantly, the effects of HLJDD on PGC-1α and UCP-1 were blocked in HDAC3 knockdown adipocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, these results suggest that HLJDD enhanced adipose thermogenesis and improved energy expenditure by inhibiting HDAC3, thereby increasing UCP-1 and PGC-1α expression. These findings amplified the mechanisms of HLJDD and its potential to treat obesity and related metabolic disorders.

Dihydromyricetin: an emerging compound with comprehensive effects on multiple systems

Dihydromyricetin (DHM or DMY) is a flavonoid derived from natural sources with a range of confirmed biological benefits. It exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumor, and anti-viral activities. DHM is recognized for its high biosafety, making it a promising subject for further research. This article offers a comprehensive overview of DHM's pharmacological properties, mechanisms, and recent research developments in the cardiovascular, urinary, digestive, nervous, and respiratory systems. The review summarizes DHM's biological effects and associated signaling pathways, providing novel insights for its clinical application.

Dihydromyricetin Alleviates Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease by Modulating Gut Microbiota and Inflammatory Signaling Pathways

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent chronic liver condition that is strongly linked to gut microbiota imbalance and chronic inflammation. This study aims to explore the preventive effects of dihydromyricetin (DHM) on NAFLD by modulating the intestinal flora and the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. Fifty male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to five groups: a normal control group, a model group, and three DHM treatment groups receiving low (500 mg/kg), medium (750 mg/kg), and high doses (1,000 mg/kg). NAFLD was induced using a high-fat diet, and DHM was administered for 8 weeks. ELISA measured serum levels of LPS, IL-1β, and TNF-α, while Western Blot assessed liver expression of TLR4 and NF-κB p65. Changes in intestinal flora composition were analyzed using high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing. The results showed that DHM treatment significantly reduced serum levels of LPS, IL-1β, and TNF-α, decreasing the liver expression of TLR4 and NF-κB p65. Intestinal flora analysis indicated a notable increase in beneficial bacteria, especially in the medium and high-dose groups. DHM treatment also significantly improved liver pathology, reducing fat deposition and inflammatory cell infiltration. In conclusion, DHM effectively prevents the progression of NAFLD by improving gut microbiota balance and suppressing inflammatory signaling pathways.

A narrative review on the mechanism of natural flavonoids in improving glucolipid metabolism disorders

Glucolipid metabolism disorder (GLMD) is a complex chronic disease characterized by glucose and lipid metabolism disorders with a complex and diverse etiology and rapidly increasing incidence. Many studies have identified the role of flavonoids in ameliorating GLMD, with mechanisms related to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, nuclear factor kappa-B, AMP-activated protein kinase, nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2, glucose transporter type 4, and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway. However, a comprehensive summary of the flavonoid effects on GLMD is lacking. This study reviewed the roles and mechanisms of natural flavonoids with different structures in the treatment of GLMD reported globally in the past 5 years and provides a reference for developing flavonoids as drugs for treating GLMD.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 (PGC-1) family in physiological and pathophysiological process and diseases

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 (PGC-1) family (PGC-1s), consisting of three members encompassing PGC-1α, PGC-1β, and PGC-1-related coactivator (PRC), was discovered more than a quarter-century ago. PGC-1s are essential coordinators of many vital cellular events, including mitochondrial functions, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis, and inflammation. Accumulating evidence has shown that PGC-1s are implicated in many diseases, such as cancers, cardiac diseases and cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, kidney diseases, motor system diseases, and metabolic disorders. Examining the upstream modulators and co-activated partners of PGC-1s and identifying critical biological events modulated by downstream effectors of PGC-1s contribute to the presentation of the elaborate network of PGC-1s. Furthermore, discussing the correlation between PGC-1s and diseases as well as summarizing the therapy targeting PGC-1s helps make individualized and precise intervention methods. In this review, we summarize basic knowledge regarding the PGC-1s family as well as the molecular regulatory network, discuss the physio-pathological roles of PGC-1s in human diseases, review the application of PGC-1s, including the diagnostic and prognostic value of PGC-1s and several therapies in pre-clinical studies, and suggest several directions for future investigations. This review presents the immense potential of targeting PGC-1s in the treatment of diseases and hopefully facilitates the promotion of PGC-1s as new therapeutic targets.

Research progress of dihydromyricetin in the treatment of diabetes mellitus

Diabetic Mellitus (DM), a chronic metabolic disorder disease characterized by hyperglycemia, is mainly caused by the absolute or relative deficiency of insulin secretion or decreased insulin sensitivity in target tissue cells. Dihydromyricetin (DMY) is a flavonoid compound of dihydroflavonol that widely exists in Ampelopsis grossedentata. This review aims to summarize the research progress of DMY in the treatment of DM. A detailed summary of related signaling induced by DMY are discussed. Increasing evidence implicates that DMY display hypoglycemic effects in DM via improving glucose and lipid metabolism, attenuating inflammatory responses, and reducing oxidative stress, with the signal transduction pathways underlying the regulation of AMPK or mTOR/autophagy, and relevant downstream cascades, including PGC-1α/SIRT3, MEK/ERK, and PI3K/Akt signal pathways. Hence, the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic implications of DMY in DM are still obscure. In this review, following with a brief introduction of the absorption, metabolism, distribution, and excretion characteristics of DMY, we summarized the current pharmacological developments of DMY as well as possible molecular mechanisms in the treatment of DM, aiming to push the understanding about the protective role of DMY as well as its preclinical assessment of novel application.

Sarcopenic Obesity: Involvement of Oxidative Stress and Beneficial Role of Antioxidant Flavonoids

Sarcopenic obesity, which refers to concurrent sarcopenia and obesity, is characterized by decreased muscle mass, strength, and performance along with abnormally excessive fat mass. Sarcopenic obesity has received considerable attention as a major health threat in older people. However, it has recently become a health problem in the general population. Sarcopenic obesity is a major risk factor for metabolic syndrome and other complications such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, liver disease, lung disease, renal disease, mental disease and functional disability. The pathogenesis of sarcopenic obesity is multifactorial and complicated, and it is caused by insulin resistance, inflammation, hormonal changes, decreased physical activity, poor diet and aging. Oxidative stress is a core mechanism underlying sarcopenic obesity. Some evidence indicates a protective role of antioxidant flavonoids in sarcopenic obesity, although the precise mechanisms remain unclear. This review summarizes the general characteristics and pathophysiology of sarcopenic obesity and focuses on the role of oxidative stress in sarcopenic obesity. The potential benefits of flavonoids in sarcopenic obesity have also been discussed.