POTENTIAL PRO-BROWNING EFFECT OF Ginkgo biloba STANDARDIZED EXTRACT ON RETROPERITONEAL WHITE ADIPOSE TISSUE DEPOT OF DIET-INDUCED OBESE RATS

Abstract

In the current obesity epidemic, whose increased morbidity and mortality is related to metabolic alterations, there is an incessant search for less invasive therapeutic approaches, with reduced side effects and long-term functionality. In this context, the study of new therapeutic approaches targeting the increase of energy expenditure and remodeling of adipose tissue to a metabolically healthier profile by activating brown adipocytes or inducing browning in white adipose tissue (WAT) is extremely promising. The standardized extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGb) showed, in studies with animal models of obesity, a potential anti-obesogenic and anti-inflammatory action, besides promoting a reduction in lipogenesis, improved insulin resistance and reduced food intake. Previous studies from our laboratory demonstrated that EGb is capable of promoting the morphofunctional remodeling of WAT to a healthier metabolic profile. However, data on literature about the effect of EGb on the browning of the WAT is still scarce. Thus, this study aims to elucidate possible mechanisms of EGb action involved in the anti-obesogenic effects previously observed in our laboratory, looking at a possible pro-browning effect. For this, we will use samples of retroperitoneal adipose tissue obtained from rats with diet-induced obesity (DIO), submitted to prolonged treatment with EGb. After protein extraction from the WAT, the protein amount of UCP-1, PPARgamma, and PGC-1alpha, - characteristic proteins of the browning process - will be measured by Western Blotting technique. Furthermore, the morphofunctional characterization of the pro-browning potential of EGb will be evaluated in vitro, using the model of immortalized human pre-adipocytes of the hW A41 lineage, by microscopic analysis with Oil-Red-O staining. Additionally, the protein content of UCP-1, PPARgamma, and PGC-1alpha proteins will also be evaluated by the Western blotting technique.