Effects of Piper sarmentosum Water Extract on 11-β Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1 Bioactivity in Ovariectomy-Induced Obese Rats

The 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11 beta-HSD1) convert inactive circulating 11-keto steroids into active glucocorticoids, amplifying local glucocorticoid action. It is elevated in adipose tissue in obese humans and rodents, suggesting that adipose tissue glucocorticoid excess may be the causative factor for obesity. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Piper sarmentosum (PS) water extract and glycyrrhizic acid (GCA) on 11 beta-HSD1 bioactivity in ovariectomized induced obese rats. Forty-two female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups; four treatments (PS, GCA, CTRL and SHM) and two basal (B-CTRL and B-SHM). All groups underwent ovariectomy excluding SHM and B-SHM which underwent sham operation. Basal groups were sacrificed on the first day of treatment, while ovariectomized groups were given PS extract (0.125 g kg(-1)), GCA (0.120 g kg(-1)) and water (CTRL), respectively, while SHM received only water. Blood pressure was measured monthly while body weight weekly. After five months, rats were sacrificed and liver, heart and visceral adipose tissues were taken for analysis. Piper sarmentosum (PS) and GCA group showed a significant reduction in enzyme activity but no difference in body weight compared to CTRL group. Meanwhile only the blood pressure in GCA group was significantly higher after three months of treatment as compared to CTRL group but no difference after five months. In conclusion, both PS water extract and GCA have the ability to reduce 11 beta-HSD1 enzyme activity but only GCA cause an increased in blood pressure.