Alisol B blocks the development of HFD-induced obesity by triggering the LKB1-AMPK signaling in subcutaneous adipose tissue

As a global epidemic disease, obesity causes dysfunction of glucose and lipid metabolism leading to persistently high morbidity and mortality. Given the difficulty to achieve and maintain weight loss through controlling diet and physical exercise, pharmacotherapy is considered an effective treatment for obesity. This investigation revealed that alisol B, a triterpene monomer isolated from the classical Chinese medicine Alisma orientale (Sam.) Juzep, functioned in suppressing adipogenesis and reducing the mass of subcutaneous adipose tissue, resulting in the reduction of weight gain, and improvements of hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and insulin resistance in HFD-induced obese mice. In consistent to the results, alisol B also significantly inhibited adipocyte differentiation and maturation in vitro. Furthermore, our data revealed that the effects of alisol B on adipogenesis were mediated by LKB1-AMPK signaling pathway. In total, alisol B could be a potential lead compound which contributes to the improvement of obesity-related metabolic disorders.

Automated summary

As a global epidemic disease, obesity leads to dysfunction of glucose and lipid metabolism, resulting in high morbidity and mortality. This study found that alisol B, a triterpene monomer from the Chinese medicine Alisma orientale, can suppress adipogenesis, reduce subcutaneous adipose tissue mass, and improve obesity-related metabolic disorders. The effects of alisol B on adipogenesis are mediated by the LKB1-AMPK signaling pathway. Overall, alisol B could be a potential lead compound for the treatment of obesity-related metabolic disorders.