Project Number: 6408-41000-008-01
Project Type: Nonfunded Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Jan 15, 2011
End Date: Jan 15, 2013

Objective:
The objective of this research is to investigate the anti-obesity effect of pterostilbene, by determining if pterostilbene reduces fat accumulation in rats. A further objective is to elucidate the mechanism of action by studying the effects of pterostilbene on lipid metabolism pathways in adipose tissue, liver and skeletal muscle.

Approach:
Pterostilbene will be synthesized, and incorporated in the feeds. The study will consist of 3 groups: (1) rats fed a high-fat diet, (2) rats fed a high-fat diet supplemented with pterostilbene (15 mg/kg body weight), and (3) rats fed a high-fat diet supplemented with pterostilbene (30 mg/kg body weight). Immunochemical studies will be performed at the end of the feeding and effects on molecular markers related to triacylglycerol metabolism will be analyzed. Analysis of pterostilbene in serum and tissues will also be performed to determine accumulation in tissues.