METABOLIC EFFECT OF INDOL 3 CARBINOL ON ADIPOSITY AND INSULIN RESISTANCE IN RATS WITH HIGH FAT DIET-INDUCED OBESITY

Introduction: Obesity (OB) is a disease characterized by increased adipose tissue and hyperinsulinemia associated with the development of insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The phytochemical Indol 3 carbinol (I3C) is a product of glucosinolates degradation present in vegetables of the cruciferous family Brassica genus, such as broccoli and Brussels sprouts. I3C improves insulin sensitivity and decreases the storage of fatty acids in cultured adipocytes. Objectives: To assess the effects of I3C on adiposity and IR in an OB model induced by a high-fat diet in rats. Methods: The study was conducted in male Wistar rats. Eight study groups were formed (n=5 each): one baseline group, three control groups fed high-fat diet (DAG) containing 45.2% fat, for 3, 6 and 9 weeks; three prevention groups that received DAG simultaneously with I3C (250 mg/kg weight, orally) for 3, 6 and 9 weeks; one reversal group that received DAG for 6 weeks and subsequently DAG simultenously with I3C (250 mg / kg body weight, orally) during 3 additional weeks. Body weight was registered, blood glucose and insulin concentration was determined, IR was estimated using the homeostatic evaluation model (HOMA-IR). After sacrifice, adiposity was calculated by quantifying visceral adipose tissue. Data were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis and MannWhitney U tests, statistical difference was considered when p