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Natural and Synthetic Compounds for Management, Prevention and Treatment of Obesity, 3rd Edition

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pharmacology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2024 | Viewed by 7241

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Marianna Lauricella

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Section of Biochemistry, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (BIND), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
Interests: mechanisms of oxidative stress induction and main antioxidant systems; biochemical pathways of cell death and survival (apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy) in tumor cells; effects of phytocompounds in obesity reduction
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Antonella D'Anneo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
Interests: biochemical pathways in cancer cell death (apoptosis, necrosis, necroptosis, autophagy and anoikis); nutrition and human diseases; oxidative stress; signal transduction; targeted therapies; cancer stem-like cells; analysis of the behaviours of phytocompounds in obesity treatment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue follows the publication of the third edition on the topic “Natural and Synthetic Compounds for Management, Prevention and Treatment of Obesity”.

https://www.mdpi.com/journal/ijms/special_issues/Prevention_Treatment_Obesity

https://www.mdpi.com/journal/ijms/special_issues/Prevention_Treatment_Obesity_2

Obesity is a serious worldwide health concern with high mortality and morbidity rates. Many drivers have been identified for its etiopathogenesis, such as an imbalance between energy intake and its expenditure, resulting from a combination of excessive food intake, a sedentary lifestyle, reduced physical activity and genetic predisposition. In addition, environmental chemicals, such as pesticides, organotins and phthalates, have also been shown to have decisive roles in promoting obesity. These obesogens represent risk factors during fetal development, predisposing offspring to weight gain later in life. Adipose tissue plays an active metabolic role in regulating energy storage and its utilization. In addition, it may be considered an endocrine organ since it produces and secretes multiple immune-modulatory proteins, known as adipokines. Through adipokines, adipose tissue regulates several important physiological functions, including insulin sensitivity and secretion, glucose and lipid metabolism, blood pressure and the function of the immune system. Adipokines can be classified as molecules with pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory natures. An unbalanced production of adipokines with a pro-inflammatory role in adipose tissue induces low-grade systemic inflammation in obese patients, which predisposes them to insulin resistance, type II diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cardiovascular disorders and cancer. Therefore, the reduction in adipose tissue in obese subjects represents an important goal for the prevention and treatment of these chronic diseases. Nowadays, there is growing interest in finding novel target compounds, both natural and synthetic, with potential action against obesity. Investigating the effects of these compounds in reducing obesity and preventing its associated diseases could provide novel insights and further advance the knowledge base in this field. We are inviting investigators to contribute either original research or review articles to this upcoming Special Issue. Papers focusing on the pathophysiology of obesity as well as on the identification of compounds capable of managing an obesity profile and disease-related conditions are welcome.

Dr. Marianna Lauricella
Dr. Antonella D'Anneo
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • obesity
  • adipokines
  • obesogens
  • genetic predisposition
  • natural/synthetic compounds
  • cardiovascular disorders
  • type II diabetes
  • non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
  • cancer

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 3198 KiB  
Article
Untargeted Metabolomic Analyses and Antilipidemic Effects of Citrus Physiological Premature Fruit Drop
by Chao Wang, Mingfang Peng, Zhipeng Gao, Qi Han, Fuhua Fu, Gaoyang Li, Donglin Su, Lvhong Huang, Jiajing Guo and Yang Shan
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(3), 1876; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25031876 - 4 Feb 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1638
Abstract
Increasingly globally prevalent obesity and related metabolic disorders have underscored the demand for safe and natural therapeutic approaches, given the limitations of weight loss drugs and surgeries. This study compared the phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of five different varieties of citrus physiological [...] Read more.
Increasingly globally prevalent obesity and related metabolic disorders have underscored the demand for safe and natural therapeutic approaches, given the limitations of weight loss drugs and surgeries. This study compared the phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of five different varieties of citrus physiological premature fruit drop (CPFD). Untargeted metabolomics was employed to identify variations in metabolites among different CPFDs, and their antilipidemic effects in vitro were assessed. The results showed that Citrus aurantium L. ‘Daidai’ physiological premature fruit drop (DDPD) and Citrus aurantium ‘Changshan-huyou’ physiological premature fruit drop (HYPD) exhibited higher levels of phytochemicals and stronger antioxidant activity. There were 97 differential metabolites identified in DDPD and HYPD, including phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, organic acids, terpenes, and lipids. Additionally, DDPD and HYPD demonstrated potential antilipidemic effects against oleic acid (OA)-induced steatosis in HepG2 hepatocytes and 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In conclusion, our findings reveal the outstanding antioxidant activity and antilipidemic effects of CPFD, indicating its potential use as a natural antioxidant and health supplement and promoting the high-value utilization of this resource. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural and Synthetic Compounds for Management, Prevention and Treatment of Obesity, 3rd Edition)
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Review

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15 pages, 1036 KiB  
Review
Molecular Pharmacology of Vitamin C and Relevance to Health and Obesity—A Narrative Review
by Robert Beaumont Wilson, Yicong Liang, Devesh Kaushal and Anitra Carr
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(14), 7523; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25147523 - 9 Jul 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2334
Abstract
The role of food constituents as pharmacological agents is an important consideration in health and obesity. Vitamin C acts as a small molecule antioxidant but is also a co-factor for numerous transition metal-dependent enzymes involved in healthy weight and energy metabolism. Vitamin C [...] Read more.
The role of food constituents as pharmacological agents is an important consideration in health and obesity. Vitamin C acts as a small molecule antioxidant but is also a co-factor for numerous transition metal-dependent enzymes involved in healthy weight and energy metabolism. Vitamin C cannot be manufactured by humans and is mainly obtained from the dietary intake of fresh fruit and vegetables. There is great variability between different nutritional guidelines in the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C. Vitamin C deficiency results from an inadequate intake of vitamin C-containing foods and also increased utilization by oxidative and carbonyl stress. Risk factors for vitamin C deficiency include cigarette smoking, malnutrition, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, age, race, sex, social isolation, major surgery, and Western-type diets. Despite the common belief that vitamin C deficiency is rare in affluent countries, surveys of large populations and specific patient groups suggest otherwise. Patients with obesity typically consume highly processed, energy-dense foods which contain inadequate micronutrients. As obesity increases, larger amounts of oral vitamin C are required to achieve adequate plasma and tissue concentrations, as compared to persons with a healthy weight. This is important in the control of oxidative stress and the maintenance of homeostasis and organ function. In this narrative review, the dosage, absorption, distribution, excretion, and catabolism of vitamin C are reviewed, together with the latest findings on vitamin C pharmacology in patients with obesity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural and Synthetic Compounds for Management, Prevention and Treatment of Obesity, 3rd Edition)
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36 pages, 530 KiB  
Review
Clinically Effective Molecules of Natural Origin for Obesity Prevention or Treatment
by Gladys Maribel Hidalgo-Lozada, Angelica Villarruel-López, Karla Nuño, Abel García-García, Yaír Adonaí Sánchez-Nuño and César Octavio Ramos-García
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(5), 2671; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25052671 - 25 Feb 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2686
Abstract
The prevalence and incidence of obesity and the comorbidities linked to it are increasing worldwide. Current therapies for obesity and associated pathologies have proven to cause a broad number of adverse effects, and often, they are overpriced or not affordable for all patients. [...] Read more.
The prevalence and incidence of obesity and the comorbidities linked to it are increasing worldwide. Current therapies for obesity and associated pathologies have proven to cause a broad number of adverse effects, and often, they are overpriced or not affordable for all patients. Among the alternatives currently available, natural bioactive compounds stand out. These are frequently contained in pharmaceutical presentations, nutraceutical products, supplements, or functional foods. The clinical evidence for these molecules is increasingly solid, among which epigallocatechin-3-gallate, ellagic acid, resveratrol, berberine, anthocyanins, probiotics, carotenoids, curcumin, silymarin, hydroxy citric acid, and α-lipoic acid stand out. The molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways of these molecules have been shown to interact with the endocrine, nervous, and gastroenteric systems. They can regulate the expression of multiple genes and proteins involved in starvation–satiety processes, activate the brown adipose tissue, decrease lipogenesis and inflammation, increase lipolysis, and improve insulin sensitivity. This review provides a comprehensive view of nature-based therapeutic options to address the increasing prevalence of obesity. It offers a valuable perspective for future research and subsequent clinical practice, addressing everything from the molecular, genetic, and physiological bases to the clinical study of bioactive compounds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural and Synthetic Compounds for Management, Prevention and Treatment of Obesity, 3rd Edition)
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