Therapeutic potential of Citrus bergamia by-product in obesity complications associated with insulin resistance

¹SORMANI, L.E.; ²BELIN, M.A.F; ³CRUZEIRO, J.; ⁴SANTOS, M.P.S..;⁵PALACIO, T.L.N;⁶CORREA, C.R.

¹Botucatu Medical School - UNESP, SP, [email protected]

²North Dakota State University – NDSU, ND, [email protected]

³Botucatu Medical School - UNESP, SP, [email protected]

⁴Botucatu Medical School - UNESP, SP, [email protected]

⁵Botucatu Medical School - UNESP, SP, [email protected]         

⁶Botucatu Medical School - UNESP, SP, [email protected]

Keywords: Citrus; Insulin Resistance; Obesity

Summary: Citrus bergamia by-product (BP) is rich in bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, this citrus fruit becomes promising against obesity complications that promotes insulin resistance and alters the glucose transporter 4 (GLUT-4) stimulating a reduction in insulin resistance in skeletal muscle. This study evaluated the effects of BP on obesity complications associated with GLUT-4 expression. Wistar rats were fed a high sugar-fat diet (HSF) plus 25% sucrose for 20 weeks. After this period, the animals were redistributed into four groups for 10 weeks: Control (C), Control + BP (C + BP), HSF and HSF + BP (HSF + BP). The BP was administered by gavage at 250mg/kg. At the end of the experiment, adiposity index (AI), plasma triglycerides and leptin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and GLUT-4 expression in Quadriceps muscle were evaluated. The HSF diet increased AI, triglycerides, IL-6, leptin and AOPP compared to controls, with a compensatory increase in GLUT-4 expression. Treatment with BP in the HSF + BP group significantly affected AI, leptin, triglycerides, IL-6 and AOPP, demonstrating action on lipid metabolism, hyperleptinemia and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. GLUT-4 expression increased even more in the HSF + BP group, which may reflect greater insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake. The combined reduction in AI, hyperleptinemia and inflammatory markers, together with improved oxidative status and glucose metabolism suggest CB as promise as a natural therapeutic intervention for obesity-related disorders.

FAPESP: 2024/00750-4