Effects of resveratrol on lipid metabolism in muscle and adipose tissues: A reevaluation in a pig model

The body fat-lowering effect and mechanisms of action of resveratrol (0, 300, 600 mg resveratrol/kg diet) was evaluated in a pig model. Resveratrol improved serum lipid profiles, and decreased visceral adipose tissue weight and serum leptin level. In adipose tissue, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and fatty acid synthase (FAS) mRNA levels, and FAS and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activities were decreased by resveratrol, while hormone sensitive lipase (HSL), adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1(CPT-1) mRNA levels, and HSL and CPT-1 activities were increased. In muscle tissue, PPARγ, FAS, acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and LPL mRNA levels and FAS and ACC activities were decreased by resveratrol, while HSL mRNA levels and CPT-1 activity were increased. Moreover, compared with the control group, LPL activity was decreased, and CPT-1 mRNA levels and HSL activity were increased in the 600 mg resveratrol/kg diet group. This study provides the very first evidence in a pig model that resveratrol could improve serum lipid profiles and decrease body fat deposition, which might be mediated by a reduction in fatty acid uptake and de novo lipogenesis, as well as an increase in fat mobilization and fatty acid oxidation in muscle and adipose tissues.