Benzothiazole Thioflavin T improves obesity-related symptoms in mice

Abstract

Background and Purposes: In order to counteract the obesity epidemics, novel therapeutics are needed. Thioflavin T (ThT) is a benzothiazole used as an amyloid probe and has other properties such as anti-aging and antihyperglycemic  effects. The current study aimed at investigating its effect on obesity.

Materials and Methods:  A mouse model of obesity was generated by feeding male NMRI mice with a high fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks. After this period, mice diet was switched to normal rodent diet, and ThT was orally administered with a 12 mg/Kg dose. The treatment effect was assessed on biochemical parameters, adipokines (adiponectin and leptin), total antioxidant capacity and TNF-α. Histological investigation was made on samples taken from adipose tissue and liver.

Results and Conclusion: After receiving HFD, mice exhibited significantly increased body weight compared with a control group as well as well as abnormality in biochemical parameters. A significantly effective result was obtained on body weight, blood glucose, cholesterol and ALT serum levels which decreased in the treated group. ThT caused also a significant decrease in leptin levels and TNF-α. Furthermore, the compound led to a reduction in the size of adipose tissue cells, as well as the number of lipid droplets in hepatic tissue. In conclusion, it is suggested that ThT possess an interesting potential for being used as an anti-obesity drug, especially when considering its previously reported effects as potential anti-diabetic and anti-ageing compound.