Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Food Bioscience, cilt.73, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)
Obesity is a major global health issue, prompting research into dietary interventions for weight management. This study investigates the anti-obesity effects of caffeine (CAF) and L-theanine (LTH), compounds known for thermogenesis and lipid metabolism, in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity model in rats. Twenty-four rats were fed an HFD for 13 weeks, followed by a 4-week intervention with CAF (20 mg/kg/day), LTH (10 mg/kg/day), a combination of both, or HFD alone. Serum insulin, glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-c), Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-c), Free Fatty Acids (FFA), Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), leptin, and adiponectin levels were measured. Histological analysis of adipose and liver tissues was performed using Hematoxylin-Eosin and Perilipin-2 (Adipose Differentiation-Related Protein-ADFP) immunostaining. mRNA expression of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma (Pparg), Sterol Regulatory Element-Binding Protein 1c (Srebp1c), Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 (Mtorc1), AMP-Activated Protein Kinase alpha subunit (Ampkα), Fatty Acid Synthase (Fasn), and Carnitine Palmitoyltransferase 1A (Cpt1a) was assessed for nutrigenomic responses. LTH, at a dose suitable for human consumption, significantly reduced fat accumulation, regulated energy metabolism, and improved tissue morphology without affecting food intake. The combination of CAF and LTH showed synergistic effects, particularly in lowering serum glucose levels (p < 0.05). While gene expression changes were observed, they were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Histopathological analysis revealed similar effects of CAF and LTH in white adipose tissue (WAT) and liver tissues, including reduced adipocyte degeneration and improved tissue structure. LTH played a more prominent role in tissue regeneration, while CAF enhanced its effects, especially in adipocyte reduction. CAF and LTH reduced ADFP levels in the liver, with LTH being more effective. CAF and LTH may offer a potential strategy against HFD-induced obesity, but further studies, including human trials, are required for validation.