Figure 5.

Pathway underlying the anti-obesity effects of fucoxanthin. Free fatty acids produced by adipocytes stimulate TLR4 receptors to induce inflammation. FX inhibits NF-κB entry into the nucleus and reduces the release of inflammatory factors, such as TNF-α, IL-6, and MCP-1, by modulating TLR4 receptors. FX also inhibits the release of inflammatory factors in adipocytes and macrophages infiltrating adipose tissue. Additionally, FX exerts anti-obesity effects by stimulating UCP-1 expression in white adipose tissue.