Spirulina reduces diet-induced obesity through downregulation of lipogenic genes expression in Psammomys obesus

Abstract

The present study evaluates the protective effect of spirulina against diet-induced obesity and metabolic disorders in Psammomys obesus, an animal model of metabolic syndrome. Psammomys obesus lives on a low-energy diet, in order to remain healthy. However, under a standard laboratory chow diet (SLCD), this animal exhibits insulin resistance, which occurs as a result of obesity. Psammomys obesus was maintained on SLCD, in order to evaluate the effect of spirulina on obesity development with a particular focus on glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as the mRNA expression of some pro-inflammatory cytokines. After 12 weeks of treatment with spirulina, there was a significant reduction in body weight gain, plasma glucose, insulin and triglyceride levels. There was also a significant reduction in the mRNA expression of genes involved in lipogenesis and inflammation. Spirulina improved insulin sensitivity, glucose and lipid metabolism. These findings highlight the positive effect of spirulina on weight maintenance.

Keywords:

• Spirulina
• Psammomys obesus
• lipogenesis
• obesity
• insulin-resistance

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Algerian Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research programme under grant [F 0022014 0100].