Exosomes derived from kiwifruit increase the mitochondrial function of browning adipose tissue and exert anti-obesity activity

Obesity has become a global health problem and has received much attention worldwide. Promoting or increasing the energy expenditure function of browning adipose tissue (BAT) is believed to be an effective strategy for treating obesity. Exosome-like nanovesicles (EMs) derived from plants are considered important natural active substances with various pharmacological activities. Furthermore, EMs are safe, biocompatible and biodegradable and are easy to prepare in large quantities. In this study, EMs of kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis) (KEMs) were successfully extracted and showed significant anti-obesity activity. Further study revealed that KEM treatment inhibited the degeneration of BAT and increased the expression of the uncoupling protein (UCP) 1 protein and genes in obese mice. In addition, on the basis of in vivo and in vitro experiments, we also found that KEMs increased the function and contents of mitochondria in BAT. These results indicate that KEMs can suppress BAT degradation caused by obesity and increase energy consumption in obese mice to exert anti-obesity effects. Finally, no obvious toxicity to the liver, kidneys, heart, spleen or lungs was observed in KEM-treated mice in vivo. Overall, this study is the first report regarding the anti-obesity activity of KEMs, which is a potential natural treatment for obesity with high safety.