Conjugated linoleic acid and L-carnitine combination effects on obesity-related miRNAs in diet-induced obese rats

• Published in: Obesity research & clinical practice 2023-09, Vol.17 (5), p.378-382
• Main Authors: Nazari, Maryam, Jalili, Mahsa, As’habi, Atefeh
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1871-403X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.orcp.2023.08.004

OBJECTIVESObesity is a major global health issue, resulting in significant costs and increased mortality rates. Finding effective treatments for obesity is therefore essential. This study investigated the combined effects of L-Carnitine (LC) and Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) on weight loss and adipose tissue microRNA levels.SUBJECTS /METHODSForty male Wistar rats weighing 150-200 g and about 8 weeks old were fed either a normal fat diet (NFD) or a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks. Afterwards, the HFD group was randomly divided into four subgroups: control, LC (200 mg kg-1), CLA (500 mg kg-1), and both (n = 8 in each group). The study lasted for an additional 4 weeks. The animals' weights were recorded regularly, and after 12 weeks, miRNAs were extracted from epididymal adipose tissue and analysed using real-time PCR. The miRNA expression levels of miR-27a and miR-143 were compared between groups using Kolmogorov-Smirnov and one-way ANOVA tests in SPSS software.RESULTSAt the end of the first 8 weeks, the HFD group weighed significantly more than the NFD group. LC significantly decreased weight gain (4.2%) compared to the control group, whereas CLA alone (3.5%) or in combination with LC (3.1%) did not significantly slow weight gain. Real-time PCR results showed that the HFD group had higher miR-143 levels and lower miR-27a levels compared to the NFD group. LC and CLA increased miR-27a expression after 4 weeks, but their combination decreased miR-27a expression. CLA alone reduced miR-143 expression, whereas LC had almost no effect. Their combination also reduced miR-143 expression.CONCLUSIONCLA and LC, which are considered weight loss supplements, can potentially regulate metabolism and cellular pathways. However, their combination did not show a synergistic effect on weight loss, possibly due to the reduction in miR-27a expression. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effects of combined fat burners on obesity treatment.