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Review
. 2021 May 19;26(10):3014.
doi: 10.3390/molecules26103014.

Zebrafish and Flavonoids: Adjuvants against Obesity

Giuseppe Montalbano  1 , Kamel Mhalhel  1 , Marilena Briglia  1 , Maria Levanti  1 , Francesco Abbate  1 , Maria Cristina Guerrera  1 , Enrico D'Alessandro  2 , Rosaria Laurà  1 , Antonino Germanà  1
Affiliations
Review

Zebrafish and Flavonoids: Adjuvants against Obesity

Giuseppe Montalbano et al. Molecules. .

Abstract

Obesity is a pathological condition, defined as an excessive accumulation of fat, primarily caused by an energy imbalance. The storage of excess energy in the form of triglycerides within the adipocyte leads to lipotoxicity and promotes the phenotypic switch in the M1/M2 macrophage. These changes induce the development of a chronic state of low-grade inflammation, subsequently generating obesity-related complications, commonly known as metabolic syndromes. Over the past decade, obesity has been studied in many animal models. However, due to its competitive aspects and unique characteristics, the use of zebrafish has begun to gain traction in experimental obesity research. To counteract obesity and its related comorbidities, several natural substances have been studied. One of those natural substances reported to have substantial biological effects on obesity are flavonoids. This review summarizes the results of studies that examined the effects of flavonoids on obesity and related diseases and the emergence of zebrafish as a model of diet-induced obesity.

Keywords: flavonoids; inflammation; metabolic syndrome; natural compounds; obesity; obesity models; polyphenols; zebrafish.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Scheme for causes of obesity and related disease.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Principal adipose tissue depots in zebrafish.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Classification of Pholiphenols and Flavonoids.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Chemical structures of flavonoids.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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