Graphene-Based Far-Infrared Therapy Promotes Adipose Tissue Thermogenesis and UCP1 Activation to Combat Obesity in Mice

Abstract

Hyperthermia (HT) has broad potential for disease treatment and health maintenance. Previous studies have shown that far-infrared rays (FIRs) at 8–10 μm can potentially reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, and gut microbiota imbalance. However, the effects of FIR HT on energy metabolism require further investigation. To investigate the effects of graphene-FIR HT therapy on diet-induced obesity and their regulatory mechanisms in energy metabolism disorders. After 8 weeks of hyperthermia, mice fed standard chow or a high-fat diet (HFD) underwent body composition analysis. Energy expenditure was measured using metabolic cages. The protein changes in adipose tissue were detected by molecular technology. Graphene-FIR therapy effectively mitigated body fat accumulation, improved dyslipidemia, and impaired liver function while enhancing insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, graphene-FIR therapy increased VO2, VCO2, and EE levels in HFD mice to exhibit enhanced metabolic activity. The therapy activated the AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT1 pathway in adipose tissue, increasing the expression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and glucose transporter protein four (GLUT4), activating the thermogenic program in adipose tissue, and improving energy metabolism disorder in HFD mice. In short, graphene-FIR therapy represents a comprehensive approach to improving the metabolic health of HFD mice.