The Effect of Quercetin on Metabolism and Behavioral Responses in Mice with Normal and Impaired Leptin Reception

We studied the effects of quercetin (Q) on the behavioral responses and integral and metabolic indices in male db/db mice genetically predisposed to obesity and C57Bl/6J mice fed a diet with an excessive energy value. We examined forepaw grip strength, exploratory activity, anxiety, and short-term memory, as well as integral and biochemical indices, and the contents of leptin, ghrelin, and IL-10. We found differences between two models of obesity in the integral and biochemical indices and behavioral responses to Q treatment. In the db/db mice, they were associated with knockout of the Lepr gene encoding the leptin receptor, which prevented the neurotropic and regulatory functions of leptin. These effects of Q detected should be considered when justifying the dose and timing of this nutraceutical in clinical practice.