Nutmeg extract modulates triglyceride levels and gene expressions of CD36, FATP1, and CPT1B in rat skeletal muscle

Abstract

Obesity has become a global health problem. It affects all organs in the human body including skeletal muscle as fat deposits in skeletal muscle. Myristica fragrans (nutmeg), which is a native spice from Indonesia, has been used in daily basis and have potential effect to hyperlipidemia. Various in vivo studies have been proven that nutmeg extract can reduce body weight and lipid deposition. However, there is limited information about the effects of nutmeg on lipid transport regulation, particularly in skeletal muscle cells. We investigated the effects of nutmeg extract on blood lipid profile and lipid metabolism in skeletal muscles. Male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: control and nutmeg extract-treated group. The treatment group consumed nutmeg extract for 12 weeks. Blood samples were collected for lipid profile examination. In addition, the soleus muscles of all groups were isolated and collected for mRNA examination. The expression of lipid transporter in the cell membrane (CD36) and mitochondrial membrane (FATP1 and CPT1B) were analyzed by semi-quantitative PCR. Although the daily food intake increased, there was no weight gain in the nutmeg-treated group. Additionally, nutmeg extract has been shown to decrease triglyceride blood levels in the treatment group. Interestingly, the CD36, FATP1 and CPT1B mRNA expressions in the soleus muscles increased with nutmeg treatment. The results of this study suggest that nutmeg extract modulates lipid utilization in skeletal muscle through CD36, FATP1 and CPT1B lipid transporter.