Antiobesity mechanisms of action of conjugated linoleic acid

Received 5 May 2009; received in revised form 6 August 2009; accepted 19 August 2009. published online 02 December 2009.

Abstract

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a family of fatty acids found in beef, dairy foods and dietary supplements, reduces adiposity in several animal models of obesity and some human studies. However, the isomer-specific antiobesity mechanisms of action of CLA are unclear, and its use in humans is controversial. This review will summarize in vivo and in vitro findings from the literature regarding potential mechanisms by which CLA reduces adiposity, including its impact on (a) energy metabolism, (b) adipogenesis, (c) inflammation, (d) lipid metabolism and (e) apoptosis.

Keywords: CLA, Obesity, Adipose tissue, Energy metabolism, PPARγ, Adipogenesis, Inflammation

a Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina Greensboro, PO Box 26170, Greensboro, NC 27402-6170, USA

b Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark

Corresponding author. Tel.: +1 336 256 0325; fax: +1 336 334 4129.

PII: S0955-2863(09)00175-2

doi:10.1016/j.jnutbio.2009.08.003

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