Arthrospira platensis F&M-C265 reduces cardiometabolic risk factors in rats fed a high fat diet

Abstract

Clinical studies indicate that Arthrospira platensis (A. platensis) mitigates cardiometabolic risk factors, but the underlying mechanisms are very elusive. To fill this gap, Sprague-Dowley rats were fed either AIN-76 normal diet (5 % corn oil) or high-fat (HF; 30 % lard + 3 % corn oil) or HF + 5 % A. platensis F&M-C256 diet for 3 months. A. platensis F&M-C256 decreased blood triglycerides and total cholesterol, systolic and diastolic pressure and enhanced the expression of thermogenesis-related genes Prdm16, Dio2, PPARγ, Ucp1 and Lpl in visceral adipose tissue, compared to HF-diet. A. platensis reduced ANGPTL3 plasma levels and hepatic steatosis, prevented periaortic adipose tissue hypertrophy and increased aortic eNOS expression. These data provide some mechanistic evidence about the beneficial effects of A. platensis observed in human studies. Further controlled trials are needed to verify the clinical usefulness of A. platensis supplementation against metabolic disorders, to select the dosing regimens and the subgroup of patients with likelihood of benefit.

Keywords

• Arthrospira platensis
• Spirulina
• Adipose tissue
• Lipid metabolism
• High-fat diet
• Metabolic syndrome