Urolithin A, a Gut Metabolite, Improves Insulin Sensitivity Through Augmentation of Mitochondrial Function and Biogenesis

Obesity (Silver Spring). 2019 Apr;27(4):612-620. doi: 10.1002/oby.22404. Epub 2019 Feb 15.

Abstract

Objective: Urolithin A (UroA) is a major metabolite of ellagic acid produced following microbial catabolism in the gut. Emerging evidence has suggested that UroA modulates energy metabolism in various cells. However, UroA's physiological functions related to obesity and insulin resistance remain unclear.

Methods: Male mice were intraperitoneally administrated either UroA or dimethyl sulfoxide (vehicle) along with a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. Insulin sensitivity was evaluated via glucose and insulin tolerance tests and acute insulin signaling. The effects of UroA on hepatic triglyceride accumulation, adipocyte size, mitochondrial DNA content, and proinflammatory gene expressions were determined. The impact of UroA on macrophage polarization and mitochondrial respiration were assessed in bone marrow-derived macrophages.

Results: Administration of UroA (1) improved systemic insulin sensitivity, (2) attenuated triglyceride accumulation and elevated mitochondrial biogenesis in the liver, (3) reduced adipocyte hypertrophy and macrophage infiltration into the adipose tissue, and (4) altered M1/M2 polarization in peritoneal macrophages. In addition, UroA favored macrophage M2 polarization and mitochondrial respiration in bone marrow-derived macrophages.

Conclusions: UroA plays a direct role in improving systemic insulin sensitivity independent of its parental compounds. This work supports UroA's role in the metabolic benefits of ellagic acid-rich foods and highlights the significance of its microbial transformation in the gut.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adipocytes / drug effects
  • Adipocytes / metabolism
  • Adipose Tissue / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Coumarins / metabolism
  • Coumarins / pharmacology*
  • Diet, High-Fat
  • Glucose / metabolism
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Insulin / metabolism
  • Insulin Resistance*
  • Liver / drug effects
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Macrophage Activation / drug effects
  • Macrophages / drug effects
  • Macrophages / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mitochondria / drug effects*
  • Mitochondria / physiology
  • Obesity / metabolism
  • Obesity / pathology
  • Organelle Biogenesis*
  • Triglycerides / metabolism

Substances

  • Coumarins
  • Insulin
  • Triglycerides
  • 3,8-dihydroxy-6H-dibenzo(b,d)pyran-6-one
  • Glucose