06 June 2009

Resveratrol, a compound present in grapes and red wine, has been reported to inhibit the formation of fat, and in vitro studies show that resveratrol could have applications for the treatment of obesity through the suppression of adipogenesis (production of fat).

Image: 3D rendering of a resveratrol molecule.

According to a study in mice, resveratrol reduces the number of fat cells and could one day be used to treat or prevent obesity.

"Resveratrol has anti obesity properties by exerting its effects directly on the fat cells," says Fischer-Posovszky, the study lead author. "Thus, resveratrol might help to prevent development of obesity or might be suited to treating obesity."

Previous research found that resveratrol protected laboratory mice that were fed a high-calorie diet from the health problems of obesity by mimicking the effects of calorie restriction.

The researchers used a strain of human fat cell precursors, called preadipocytes that develop into mature fat cells in the body.

They found that resveratrol inhibited the pre-fat cells from increasing and prevented them from converting into mature fat cells, and that resveratrol also hindered fat storage. Resveratrol reduced production of certain cytokines (interleukins 6 and 8), substances that may be linked to the development of obesity related disorders, such as diabetes and clogged coronary arteries. Resveratrol also stimulated formation of a protein called adiponectin that is reduced in obesity. Adiponectin is known to decrease the risk of heart attack.

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References:
1. Park HJ, Yang JY, Ambati S, Della-Fera MA, Hausman DB, Rayalam S, Baile CA. Combined effects of genistein, quercetin, and resveratrol in human and 3T3-L1 adipocytes. J Med Food. 2008 Dec;11(4):773-83. PMID: 19053873.
2. Rayalam S, Yang JY, Ambati S, Della-Fera MA, Baile CA. Resveratrol induces apoptosis and inhibits adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Phytother Res. 2008 Oct;22(10):1367-71. PMID: 18688788.
3. Pamela Fischer-Posovszky, et al. The Endocrine Society.