Super CitriMax® Selectively Affects Genes That Influence Appetite and Fat Metabolism

Nutrigenomics, or the study of gene-nutrient interactions, is emerging as a means of understanding how nutrients might impact chronic disease prevention. In this study, Super CitriMax® curbed weight gain and favorably altered the expression of genes involved in regulating appetite and fat metabolism without adversely affecting genes vital to normal body functions. Super CitriMax® is a unique, highly bioavailable form of calcium/potassium -hydroxycitric acid (HCA-SX) that has been shown to control appetite and reduce body weight in animals and humans. To gain further insight into how HCA-SX works, researchers investigated the effects of Super CitriMax® on genes that affect appetite and fat metabolism in laboratory animals. Super CitriMax® supplementation for six weeks curbed weight gain compared to placebo-fed animals, with no signs of adverse effects. The level of supplemental HCA-SX fed was comparable to low-dose consumption in humans. Microarray analysis of 9960 genes and ESTs (DNA fragments) present in fat tissue revealed that about 1% of the genes screened were specifically affected by HCA-SX. The majority of those affected were up-regulated (activated), while others were down-regulated (deactivated). Of the genes related to appetite control, HCA-SX most notably activated genes involved in neuropeptide signaling and serotonin activity. This finding is consistent with previous in vitro research showing that HCA-SX reduced concentrations of neuropeptide Y (a brain molecule that stimulates food intake) and increased release of serotonin, an important brain chemical involved in regulating appetite. Genes involved in serotonin activity appear to be a key target of HCA-SX supplementation. HCA-SX also lowered the expression of genes involved with leptin production, a hormone that helps regulate fat metabolism. Other genes sensitive to HCA-SX included lipocalin 2, a transporter of fat soluble molecules; aldolase B, involved in metabolizing carbohydrates; and prostaglandin D synthetase, an enzyme thought to indirectly promote obesity. Super CitriMax® did not adversely affect genes vital to normal cellular functions, which corroborates existing evidence that HCA-SX is safe and non-toxic for human consumption. These findings further support a role for HCA-SX in effective weight management.

Source: Bagchi M, Zafra-Stone S, Sen CK, Sashwati R, Bagchi D, DNA Microarray Technology in the Evaluation of Weight Management Potential of a Novel Calcium-Potassium Salt of (—)-Hydroxycitric Acid, Toxicology Mechanisms and Methods 16:129-135, 2006.