Kaempferide improves oxidative stress and inflammation by inhibiting the TLR4/IκBα/NF-κB pathway in obese mice

OBJECTIVE(S): Kaempferide (Ka), a major natural active component of Tagetes erecta L, has numerous pharmacological effects such as anti-obesity, anticancer, and anti-hypertension. However, there is no clear evidence that Ka is directly related to inflammation and oxidative stress in obese mice. We aimed to explore the effects of Ka on inflammation and oxidative stress and its mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The obese mice were induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). The anti-obesity effect was tested by liver and body weight, liver and adiposity index, and white adipose tissue. Blood sample analysis was used to detect the hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic effects. The anti-oxidation effect was assessed using GSH, SOD, MDA, CAT, T-AOC, and other indicators. The anti-inflammatory effect was assessed using TNF-α, MCP-1, and Adiponectin. Western blot and Real-Time PCR were used to evaluate the related signaling pathways. RESULTS: Obesity, glycolipid metabolism disorder, inflammation, and oxidative stress developed in HFD mice. These changes can be effectively alleviated by Ka treatment for 16 weeks. Further studies have suggested that these beneficial effects of Ka may be associated with inhibition of the TLR4/IκBα/NF-κB signaling pathways. CONCLUSION: Ka possesses important anti-obesity, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic effects. The mechanism may be causally associated with the TLR4/IκBα/NF-κB signaling pathway, which improves inflammation and oxidative stress.