Biochanin A exerts an anti-inflammatory effect on adipose tissue and liver of ovariectomized obese mice

Abstract

Biochanin A (BCA), a phytoestrogen with broad therapeutic potential, is a promising molecule for alleviating post-menopausal symptoms and treating disorders related to reproductive metabolism. Nevertheless, the effect of BCA on inflammatory changes caused by postmenopausal obesity is unclear. Thus, this study focused on investigating the impact of BCA on the adipose tissue and liver of ovariectomized (OVX) mice subjected to a high-fat diet (HFD). We found that BCA treatment reduced the crown-like structures (CLS), adipocyte area, and hypertrophic adipocyte distribution. This was accompanied by an increase in the anti-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-5 and IL-10 and the expression of Mrc1 (CD206), a marker for M2 macrophages. Furthermore, there was a reduction in the extent of hepatic steatosis, triglyceride content, and the expression of Nos2, the M1 marker. We concluded that BCA exerted an anti-inflammatory response in the tissues, promoting a resolving profile, although the metabolic profile of the animals was not altered. This study was the first to demonstrate the anti-inflammatory effect of BCA in ovariectomized animals with established obesity.