Targeting mitochondrial biogenesis: Chandraprabha Vati in the management of metabolic syndrome

Abstract

Introduction

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is an assortment of indications like obesity, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia, often linked to glucose intolerance, mitochondrial dysfunction, and low-grade inflammation. Chandraprabha Vati (CPV) is an Ayurvedic herbo-mineral formulation known for its antihyperglycemic and antilipidemic properties.

Objectives

To compare CPV's impacts alongside the hypoglycemic effects of metformin and the lipid-lowering effects of fenofibrate, in addition to evaluating CPV's capability to improve MetS-associated complications by promoting mitochondrial biogenesis.

Materials and Methods

After ten weeks of a high-fat diet with 10 % fructose (HFFD), Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats resembling the condition of MetS. Later, followed by CPV treatment (p.o.) for five weeks treatment with CPV. The study evaluated the effects of the interventions on anthropometric parameters, lipid profile, serum insulin, and levels of inflammatory markers such as TNF-α and IL-6. Furthermore, it evaluated the expression of genes related to inflammation and mitochondrial function, like NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), caspase-1, mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1α).

Result

: Compared to the disease control group, CPV at 100 mg/kg showed a significant reduction in body weight and improvements in anthropometric parameters, glucose tolerance, lipid profiles, and insulin sensitivity. The serum levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 were markedly decreased. CPV treatment upregulated the mRNA expression of mitochondrial biogenesis markers TFAM and PGC-1α while significantly downregulating inflammasomes such as caspase-1 and NLRP3 in cardiac, liver, and skeletal muscle tissues.

Conclusion

CPV could effectively combat mitochondrial dysfunction and chronic low-grade inflammation associated with MetS in rats.