INTRODUCTION: Obesity is a risk factor for several diseases. Studies have shown that polyphenols in green tea aid in weight loss and influence the mechanisms of several diseases. Insulin, acting through its receptor (IR), triggers a series of responses. IR/Shc pathway is linked to cell growth and mitogenesis. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of green tea on body weight and on glucose tolerance test (GTT). To study IR phosphorylation, IR/Shc presence and expression and their morphological changes in the liver. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Young Wistar rats were fed with high-calorie diet or proper rat food diet and subsequently were treated with green tea. After anesthesia, insulin or saline solution was infused to remove the liver. A liver fragment was homogenized and underwent immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting in order to assess IR phosphorylation levels. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was applied for morphological analysis and immunohistochemistry was carried out to locate the presence of IR and Shc. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: It was observed a reduction in body weight and in liver steatosis as well as an improvement in GTT. There was also an increase in IR phosphorylation in treated animals in comparison with non-treated ones. Lesions such as focal necrosis were observed and may be associated with the treatment. The immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated the presence of IR and Shc in all groups and suggested changes in IR and Shc expression in both treated and non-treated groups.
Obesity; Green tea; Insulin signaling; Insulin receptor; Shc; Immunohystochemistry
