Quercetin suppresses immune cell accumulation and improves mitochondrial gene expression in epididymal adipose tissue of diet-induced obese mice

We examined the effect of quercetin on the gene expression and function of epididymal adipose tissue (EAT) in Western diet-induced obese mice. Quercetin suppressed the increase in the number of macrophages and the decrease in the ratio of CD4+ to CD8+ T cells in EAT, and the elevation of plasma leptin and TNF levels in mice fed the Western diet. Comprehensive gene expression analysis revealed that quercetin suppressed gene expression associated with the accumulation and activation of immune cells, including macrophages and lymphocytes in EAT. It also improved the expression of the oxidative stress-sensitive transcription factor NFB, NADPH oxidases, and antioxidant enzymes. Quercetin markedly increased gene expression associated with mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial DNA Quercetin most likely universally suppresses the accumulation and activation of immune cells, including anti-inflammatory cells, whereas it specifically increased gene expression associated with mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Suppression of oxidative stress and NFB activity likely contributed to the prevention of the accumulation and activation of immune cells and resulting chronic inflammation.

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Kobori M, Takahashi Y, Sakurai M, Akimoto Y, Tsushida T, Oike H, Ippoushi K