Description
We have shown in a previous study that the intake of persimmon peel (PP) extract altered hepatic gene expression of insulin signaling and enhanced tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptors in nonobese type 2 diabetic GotoKakizaki rats. We also showed the alteration of gene expression in fatty acid synthesis and metabolism. To evaluate the effect of PP extract on obese diabetic KK-Ay mice, we fed them a diet mixed with 0.1% of the extract for 8 weeks. The plasma total ketone bodies level of the treated mice were significantly lower than that of the untreated mice. The hepatic gene expression profiles of treated mice indicated upregulation of fatty acid biosynthesis-associated gene expression. Hepatic nonesterified palmitic acid content was higher in treated mice than in untreated mice. These results suggest that the intake of PP extract enhances hepatic fatty acid biosynthesis of KK-Ay mice, reducing their plasma total ketone bodies level.