Effects of Resveratrol and ACE Inhibitor Enalapril on Glucose and Lipid Profiles in Mice

Abstract

Background: Lipogenesis is a process that involves the fatty acids synthesis. Resveratrol and enalapril have been studied for their beneficial physiological properties on the glucose and lipid metabolism.

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the oral administration of resveratrol and enalapril effects on glucose and lipid metabolism, evaluating the white pad lipogenesis genes expression in mice.

Methods: Swiss male mice were divided into four groups and treated for eight weeks as follows: Standard diet ad libitum (G1); Standard diet + Resveratrol (G2); Standard diet + Enalapril (G3); Standard diet + Resveratrol + Enalapril (G4), where resveratrol was administered with the food and enalapril with the water. Body weight, lipid profile, adiposity, glycemic parameters and epididymal adipocytes area were assessed. The expression levels of FAS, ACC, PPARγ and SREBP-1c were assessed by RT-PCR.

Results: The main findings showed an improvement in the insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in the group G2 as compared to G1. Similar results were found for the fasting glucose levels. Decreased triglycerides were observed in the animals treated with resveratrol and enalapril, along with decreased weight of the epididymal adipose tissue in the animals of the G2 group. A mild reduction in the group G4 as compared to the group G1 was observed. Decreased mRNA expression of FAS, ACC and PPARγ in the G4 group when compared to the G1 group were observed.

Conclusion: In conclusion the resveratrol and enalapril association improved the glucose and lipid profiles by modulating the expression of some lipogenesis genes, which are critical regulators of metabolic homeostasis.

Keywords: Metabolism; adipose tissue; enalapril; lipogenesis; resveratrol.; sirtuin.