White Tea Mitigates Obesity-Related Metabolic Disorders Through Apelin and Insulin Modulation in Rats

Abstract

Obesity, a prevalent global health issue, is influenced by genetic, metabolic, environmental, and behavioral factors, often leading to serious complications like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and reduced life expectancy. Recent studies have highlighted apelin, a bioactive peptide, for its significant role in obesity and related metabolic disorders. Apelin, primarily found in adipose tissue, regulates appetite, energy expenditure, and insulin sensitivity, making it a promising target for antiobesity treatments. Concurrently, tea, especially white tea, rich in bioactive compounds, has shown potential health benefits, including antiobesity effects. This study investigates the impact of white tea on weight gain, glucose metabolism, and lipid metabolism by analyzing its effects on apelin-13, apelin-36, and insulin levels in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity model in rats. Thirty-two male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups: control, HFD, HFD+orlistat, and HFD+white tea. Over 13 weeks, the HFD groups received their respective treatments while being monitored for weight gain and metabolic changes. Results indicated that the HFD group exhibited significant weight gain and elevated cholesterol levels compared to the control. White tea-treated rats showed reduced weight gain and lower cholesterol levels, suggesting its antiobesity properties. Apelin-13 levels were significantly lower in the HFD group, while white tea mitigated this effect, highlighting its potential role in modulating apelin levels and improving insulin sensitivity. The findings support the hypothesis that white tea can be an effective antiobesity agent, offering a safer, natural alternative to conventional treatments. Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms underlying these beneficial effects.