Asian Journal of Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

The incidence of obesity is increasing tremendously, world wide. This study aimed to determine phytochemical compositions and effect of Azadirachta indica aqueous leaf extract on molecular biomarkers in high-fat diet-induced obese wistar rats. The extract obtained was screened phytochemically. The obesity condition was induced in the rats by feeding them with high-fat diet for 12 weeks.Twenty-five male and female adult wistar rats were divided into five groups. Group A served as negative control fed with normal diet for 12 weeks. Group B were administered orally, with high-fat diet and normal diet for 12 weeks. Groups C, D and E received high-fat diet + normal diet for 6 weeks and treated with 10mg/kg.bw of lipostatin, 200mg/kg.bw and 400mg/kg.bw of Azadirachta indica extract respectively for another  6 weeks. During the treatment, abdominal circumference, body weight and body mass index were measured weekly. After treatment, animals were euthanized for laboratory analysis. Gene expressions were examined in adipose tissue and liver. The results of phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of metabolites in varying proportions. The body weight, body mass index, abdominal circumference were significantly decreased (p< 0.05) in the treated groups compared to high-fat diet group.  Azadiracta indica upregulated the activity of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α gene and downregulated leptin gene. In conclusion. These results confirmed the effects of Azadirachta indica extract on molecular biomarkers in obesity as indicated by down regulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α gene and upregulation of leptin gene.