Conclusions
SFN enhances utilization of lipids via both the PGC- 1α-dependent promotion of mitochondrial biogenesis and Nrf2 dependent improvement of mitochondrial function.
Results
The abnormal lipid metabolism model was established both in HHL-5 cells and in rats by feeding a high-fat diet (HFD) for 10 weeks. The current findings suggest that SFN alleviates the swelling of mitochondria and stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis. The reduced expression of NRF1 and TFAM, were reversed by SFN. SFN increases the levels of antioxidant compounds via nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor (Nrf2) activation. Furthermore, SFN improves multiple mitochondrial bioactivities, such as mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP, and the electron transfer chain based on PGC-1α pathway. SFN also activates lipolysis by transcriptionally upregulating adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL). Conclusions: SFN enhances utilization of lipids via both the PGC- 1α-dependent promotion of mitochondrial biogenesis and Nrf2 dependent improvement of mitochondrial function.