Malus hupehensisleaves extract attenuates obesity, inflammation, and dyslipidemia by modulating lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in high-fat diet-induced obese mice

Malus hupehensisleaves (MHL) are used to make traditional Chinese tea. In this study, MHL extract was shown to improve metabolic disorders and inflammatory response in high-fat diet-induced obese mice. MHL extract could reduce body weight, and significantly alleviate liver damage and fat accumulation. MHL extract caused a decrease in the levels of ALT, AST, AKP, TC, TG, LDL-C, and an increase in the level of HDL-C. It also caused a decrease in inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, IL-1 beta, IL-6, and an increase in the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and IL-4. MHL extract could upregulate mRNA expression of PPAR-alpha, LPL, CPT1, CYP7A1, SOD1, SOD2, CAT, GSH1, and GSH-Px and downregulate that of PPAR-gamma and C/EBP-alpha in the liver of obese mice. In conclusion, our work represents the first study demonstrating that MHL extract possesses an anti-obesity effect and alleviates obesity-related symptoms, including dyslipidemia, chronic low-grade inflammatory, and liver damage. Practical applications The research may contribute to the development and application of MHL as functional foods or dietary supplement to fight against obesity.