Antiobesity molecular mechanisms of action: Resveratrol and pterostilbene

Abstract Obesity is a current global epidemic that has led to a marked increase in metabolic diseases. However, its treatment remains a challenge. Obesity is a multifactorial disease, which involves the dysfunction of neuropeptides, hormones, and inflammatory adipokines from the brain, gut, and adipose tissue. An understanding of the mechanisms and signal interactions in the crosstalk between organs and tissue in the coordination of whole‐body energy metabolism would be helpful to provide therapeutic and putative approaches to the treatment and prevention of obesity and related complications. Resveratrol and pterostilbene are well‐known stilbenes that provide various potential benefits to human health. In particular, their potential anti‐obesity effects have been proven in numerous cell culture and animal studies. Both compounds act to regulate energy intake, adipocyte life cycle and function, white adipose tissue (WAT) inflammation, energy expenditure, and gut microbiota by targeting multiple molecules and signaling pathways as an intervention for obesity. Although the efficacy of both compounds in humans requires further investigation with respect to their oral bioavailability, promising scientific findings have highlighted their potential as candidates for the treatment of obesity and the improvement of obesity‐related metabolic diseases. © 2018 BioFactors, 44(1):50–60, 2018