Black tea affects obesity by reducing nutrient intake and activating AMP-activated protein kinase in mice

The effects of certain tea components on the prevention of obesity in humans have been reported recently. However, whether Yinghong NO. 9 black tea consumption has beneficial effects on obesity are not known. Here, we obtained a Yinghong NO. 9 black tea infusion (Y9 BTI) and examined the anti-obesity effects of its oral administration. ICR mice were fed a standard diet supplemented with Y9 BTI at 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 g/kg body weight for two weeks, and the body weight were recorded. HE staining was used to evaluate the effect of Y9 BTI on mice liver. Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression levels of related proteins in the mice liver and adipose. We found that the body weights of the mice in the control group were significantly higher than those of the mice in the middle and high dose groups. The results of western blot showed that Y9 BTI up-regulated the expression of liver kinase B1 (LKB1) and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and also increased in AMPK phosphorylation (p-AMPK) and LKB1 phosphorylation (p-LKB1). Y9 BTI significantly down-regulated Fas Cell Surface Death Receptor(FAS) and activated the phosphorylation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC). Furthermore, Y9 BTI (2.0 g/kg BW) down-regulated the expression of three factors (IL-1β, Cox-2, and iNOS). Altogether, Y9 BTI supplementation reduced the feed intake of mice and may prevent obesity by inhibiting lipid absorption. These results suggest that Y9 BTI may regulate adipogenic processes through the LKB1/AMPK pathway.