摘要

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE @@@ Promoting energy metabolism is known to provide therapeutic effects for obesity and associated metabolic disorders. The present study evaluated the therapeutic effects of the newly identified bouchardatine (Bou) on obesity-associated metabolic disorders and the molecular mechanisms of these effects. @@@ EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH @@@ The molecular mode of action of Bou for its effects on lipid metabolism was first examined in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and HepG2 cells. This was followed by an evaluation of its metabolic effects in mice fed a high-fat diet for 16 weeks with Bou being administered in the last 5 weeks. Further mechanistic investigations were conducted in pertinent organs of the mice and relevant cell models. @@@ KEY RESULTS @@@ In 3T3-L1 adipocytes, Bou reduced lipid content and increased sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) activity to facilitate liver kinase B1 (LKB1) activation of AMPK. Chronic administration of Bou (50 mg.kg(-1) every other day) in mice significantly attenuated high-fat diet-induced increases in body weight gain, dyslipidaemia and fatty liver without affecting food intake and no adverse effects were detected. These metabolic effects were associated with activation of the SIRT1-LKB1-AMPK signalling pathway in adipose tissue and liver. Of particular note, UCP1 expression and mitochondrial biogenesis were increased in both white and brown adipose tissues of Bou-treated mice. Incubation with Bou induced similar changes in primary brown adipocytes isolated from mice. @@@ CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS @@@ Bou may have therapeutic potential for obesity-related metabolic diseases by increasing the capacity of energy expenditure in adipose tissues and liver through a mechanism involving the SIRT1-LKB1-AMPK axis.