Expression of PGC-1α, PPAR-α and UCP1 genes, metabolic and anthropometric factors in response to sodium butyrate supplementation in patients with obesity: a triple-blind, randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial

There is increasing evidence that gut metabolites have a role in the etiology of obesity. This study aimed to investigate the effects of sodium butyrate (NaB) supplementation on the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), PPAR-α, and uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1) genes, as well as on the metabolic parameters and anthropometric indices in persons with obesity.

In this triple-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial, 50 individuals with obesity were randomly assigned to NaB (600 mg/day) + hypo-caloric diet or placebo group + hypo-caloric diet for 8 weeks. The study measured the participants’ anthropometric characteristics, food consumption, and feelings of hunger in addition to the serum levels of metabolic indices and the mRNA expression of the PGC-1α, PPAR-α, and UCP-1 genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).

PGC-1α and UCP-1 genes expression significantly increased in NaB group compared to the placebo at the endpoint. A significant decrease in weight, BMI, and waist circumference (WC) was observed in NaB group. Among the metabolic factors, NaB significantly decreased fasting blood sugar (FBS) (P = 0.04), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (P = 0.038) and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (P = 0.016). NaB could not significantly change serum GLP-1 level.

This study unveiled NaB supplementation alone cannot have significant beneficial effects on anthropometric, and biochemical factors. NaB could affect anthropometric and metabolic risk variables associated with obesity only when prescribed, along with calorie restriction.

This study was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (https://en.irct.ir/trial/53968) on 31 January 2021 (registry number IRCT20190303042905N2).