2011 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) 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. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) 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. 3.Progress Report Pterostilbene was synthesized and used in animal studies to determine its effect on obesity. Rats fed diet enriched with pterostilbene (at 15 and 30 mg/kg) showed reduced fat accumulation. Studies also showed that pterostilbene reduced the activity of some enzymes involved in the lipid synthesis pathway. An invention disclosure was submitted on June 17, 2011, for these new findings. Work is monitored through emails and teleconferences. The collaborators were able to meet at a conference this past year, as well.