Regulation of Neuropeptide Y Receptor Gene Expression and Hormone Level in Obese Male Rats Receiving 6-Gingerol and L-Arginine Supplementation
ABSTRACT:
Obesity and its associated disorders, such as hyperlipidemia, have become a global
issue following the consumption of unhealthy, high-fat, and high-carbohydrate
foods, which burdens the economies and the health systems of human societies
worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of oral consumption of 6-
gingerol and L-arginine supplements on obesity factors. Thirty rats in five groups
were fed a diet specific to each group for 12 weeks and then treated with the oral
administration of L-arginine (200 mg/day) and 6-gingerol (100 mg/day) for 12
weeks. The food and water intake and weight change, were then measured. In
addition, plasma glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL),
very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and serum
hormone levels, including corticosterone, testosterone, and insulin, were measured,
and NPY, Y1, and Y5 receptor gene expression were recorded using real-time PCR.
Administration of 6-gingerol and L-arginine decreased food intake, weight niag,
glucose levels, insulin levels, and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance
(HOMA-IR) index compared to the HCD control group. In addition, corticosterone
and testosterone levels in the study groups showed a significant decrease (P<0.05)
and increase (P<0.01) compared to the control groups, respectively. Triglyceride,
total cholesterol, HDL, and VLDL levels in the groups treated with L-arginine and
gingerol alone or combined significantly decreased compared to the control group
(P<0.01). This study confirms that 6-gingerol and L-arginine supplements prevent
HCD-induced hyperlipidemia by controlling hormones and neurotransmitters
involved in the general metabolism.