Topical capsaicin cream with moderate exercise protects against hepatic steatosis, dyslipidemia and increased blood pressure in hypoestrogenic obese rats

Abstract BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of capsaicin (Cap), moderate exercise (Ex), and their combination on arterial blood pressure (BP) and metabolic complications in hypoestrogenic (HE) obese (HEOb) rats. Female Wistar rats were ovariectomized and given 300 g L −1 sucrose solution (HEOb), or purified water (HE) ad libitum , for 28 weeks. After shaving the abdominal skin, cold cream vehicle was applied to sedentary (Sed) and exercise (Ex) groups, and 0.75 g kg −1 Cap cream was applied to Ex groups. Ex groups ran on a treadmill every day for 20 min at speeds from 0.15 to 0.3 m s −1 . For combination groups (Cap + Ex), topical Cap was applied 90 min before Ex. The treatments were performed for 6 weeks, and BP was recorded before and at the end of the experimental protocol. The animals were killed by decapitation, and blood and tissues were obtained to perform oxidative profile, as well as to undertake biochemical and histologic studies. RESULTS Compared with individual treatments, the combined therapy (Cap + Ex) in HEOb rats caused a higher reduction in the caloric intake, body weight, abdominal fat percentage, oxidative stress, and hepatic steatosis. In HEOb groups, Cap was the only treatment that reduced BP and prevented dyslipidemia and oxidative stress. CONCLUSION The present data show that Cap improves the metabolic alterations induced by obesity and hypoestrogenism, suggesting that Cap can be considered as an excellent candidate for therapy of these clinical conditions. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry