Açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) seed flour prevents obesity-induced hepatic steatosis regulating lipid metabolism by increasing cholesterol excretion in high-fat diet-fed mice

Abstract Obesity is one of the most serious global public health challenges of the 21st century. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary incorporation of acai seed flour (ASF) on lipid metabolism of high fat diet-induced obesity mice. C57BL/6 male mice were divided into four groups (n = 10): control group (C); high fat diet (HF); high fat diet with ASF (HFA15 and HFA30, high fat diet containing 15% or 30% ASF, respectively) for 12 weeks. Body composition, lipid metabolism and excretion, hepatic and adipose tissue morphology and biochemical parameters were assayed. The incorporation of 15% or 30% ASF in mice's diet promoted protective effect upon weight gain, prevented insulin resistance and improved lipid profile of animals, which had lower concentrations of glucose, insulin and leptin. Thus, ASF reduced lipogenesis preventing the development of fatty liver disease and hypertrophic obesity. It was also observed the influence of ASF consumption on the modulation of proteins involved with cholesterol synthesis and excretion. The high fecal weight in the ASF group demonstrates a significant action of the fibers in the excretion of bile acids and cholesterol. Biochemical parameters of the nutritional status were not altered nor were signs of toxicity observed in the animals with the ASF consumption, suggesting that the flour does not present toxic or harmful effects to the animals' health. The use of ASF prevents the development of obesity and its commorbidities, especially hepatic steatosis increasing cholesterol excretion.