TargetRx Atlas

MRNA basic information

  • mRNA ID:ENST00000407236
  • Gene Name:PPARA
  • mRNA database:Ensembl
  • mRNA expression :up-regulated
  • mRNA Method:PCR
  • mRNA Pathway:NA
  • Evidence:validated
  • (mRNA-drug)

Drug basic information

  • Drug ID:DB00126
  • Drug Name:Vitamin C
  • Drug Method:up-regulated the gene expression

Disease basic infommation

  • Disease:obesity
  • Tissue:tissues

Other information

  • Title:Ascorbic acid inhibits visceral obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α in high-fat-diet-fed C57BL/6J mice
  • Journal:International Journal of Obesity
  • Published:2018
  • PubMed ID:30283077
  • Abstract:Background/objectives:Ascorbic acid is a known cofactor in the biosynthesis of carnitine, a molecule that has an obligatory role in fatty acid oxidation. Our previous studies have demonstrated that obesity is regulated effectively through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα)-mediated fatty acid β-oxidation. Thus, this study aimed to determine whether ascorbic acid can inhibit obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in part through the actions of PPARα. Design:After C57BL/6J mice received a low-fat diet (LFD, 10% kcal fat), a high-fat diet (HFD, 45% kcal fat), or the same HFD supplemented with ascorbic acid (1% w/w) (HFD-AA) for 15 weeks, variables and determinants of visceral obesity and NAFLD were examined using metabolic measurements, histology, and gene expression. Results:Compared to HFD-fed obese mice, administration of HFD-AA to obese mice reduced body weight gain, visceral adipose tissue mass, and visceral adipocyte size without affecting food consumption profiles. Concomitantly, circulating ascorbic acid concentrations were significantly higher in HFD-AA mice than in HFD mice. Ascorbic acid supplementation increased the mRNA levels of PPARα and its target enzymes involved in fatty acid β-oxidation in visceral adipose tissues. Consistent with the effects of ascorbic acid on visceral obesity, ascorbic acid not only inhibited hepatic steatosis but also increased the mRNA levels of PPARα-dependent fatty acid β-oxidation genes in livers. Similarly, hepatic inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis were also decreased during ascorbic acid-induced inhibition of visceral obesity. In addition, serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol were lower in HFD-AA-fed mice than in those of HFD-fed mice.