Influence of L-carnitine on the Expression Level of Adipose Tissue miRNAs Related to Weight Changes in Obese Rats.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Molecular mechanisms of most anti-obesity drugs are remained to be clear. MicroRNAs that are noncoding RNA molecules supposed to regulate biological processes concomitant to obesity and have attracted a lot of attention to themselves. The miR-27a and miR-143 expression levels in obese and non-obese rats during weight changes and L-carnitine (LC) effects on them was investigated in this study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the present study 12 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal fat diet and high fat diet groups to develop obesity. After 8 weeks rats were weighted and half of diet induced obese rats were randomly selected to receive 200 mg LC kg -1 b.wt. for 4 weeks. At the end epididymal fat was isolated to investigate expression level of microRNAs by real-time PCR.

RESULTS

After 12 weeks, high fat diet in comparison with normal fat diet mediated significant decrease and increase in expression levels of miR-27a and miR-143 , respectively. These changes were modified in groups, which had received LC in a 4 weeks period. Furthermore, rats in this group gained less weight.

CONCLUSION

Findings of this study suggest that the changes of microRNAs expression probably play a role in pathogenesis of obesity, might be modulated by means of dietary agents and supplements and modify weight gain trend.