Abstract
Hyperthermia (HT) has broad potential for disease treatment and health maintenance. Previous studies have shown that far-infrared rays (FIRs) at 8-10 μm can potentially reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, and gut microbiota imbalance. However, the effects of FIR HT on energy metabolism require further investigation. To investigate the effects of graphene-FIR HT therapy on diet-induced obesity and their regulatory mechanisms in energy metabolism disorders. After 8 weeks of hyperthermia, mice fed standard chow or a high-fat diet (HFD) underwent body composition analysis. Energy expenditure was measured using metabolic cages. The protein changes in adipose tissue were detected by molecular technology. Graphene-FIR therapy effectively mitigated body fat accumulation, improved dyslipidemia, and impaired liver function while enhancing insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, graphene-FIR therapy increased V(O2), V(CO2), and EE levels in HFD mice to exhibit enhanced metabolic activity. The therapy activated the AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT1 pathway in adipose tissue, increasing the expression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and glucose transporter protein four (GLUT4), activating the thermogenic program in adipose tissue, and improving energy metabolism disorder in HFD mice. In short, graphene-FIR therapy represents a comprehensive approach to improving the metabolic health of HFD mice.