Combined Ingestion of Tea Catechin and Citrus beta-Cryptoxanthin Improves Liver Function via Adipokines in Chronic Obesity

Recently, there has been an increase in the number of obese individuals, which has elevated the risk of related diseases. Although several studies have been performed to develop a definitive treatment for obesity, no solution has yet been achieved. Recent evidence suggests that tea catechins possess antiobesity effects; however, an impractical amount of catechin may be required to achieve antiobesity effects in humans. Moreover, studies are yet to elucidate the effects of the combined treatment of tea catechins with other substances. Here, we investigated the synergistic effects of catechins and beta-cryptoxanthin in high-calorie diet-induced mice. Combined treatment with catechins and beta-cryptoxanthin significantly suppressed obesity-induced weight gain and adipocyte size and area, restoring serum parameters to normal. Additionally, combined treatment with catechins and beta-cryptoxanthin suppressed inflammatory responses in adipocytes, restored adiponectin levels to normal, protected the liver against obesity-induced damage, and restored normal liver function. Moreover, activin E level was restored to normal, possibly affecting the energy metabolism of brown adipocytes. Overall, these results suggest that the combined ingestion of tea catechins and beta-cryptoxanthin was not only effective against obesity but may also help to prevent obesity-related diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Automated summary

In recent years, the number of obese individuals has increased, leading to a higher risk of related diseases. Tea catechins have been found to have anti-obesity effects, but a large amount may be necessary for these effects in humans. This study investigated the combined effects of catechins and beta-cryptoxanthin in mice with high-calorie diet-induced obesity. The combined treatment significantly suppressed weight gain, reduced adipocyte size, restored serum parameters to normal, and prevented inflammation and liver damage. Overall, the combined ingestion of tea catechins and beta-cryptoxanthin may be an effective strategy against obesity and obesity-related diseases.