Mediterranean Tomato‐Based <i>Sofrito</i> Sauce Improves Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21) Signaling in White Adipose Tissue of Obese ZUCKER Rats

Abstract

A sofrito-supplemented diet improves insulin and FGF21 sensitivity in OZR, explaining part of sofrito's healthy effects on glucose metabolism. In addition, induction of UCP1 and the unchanged body weight despite the hyperphagic behavior of the sofrito-fed rats suggests that the increase in FGF21 signaling correlates with an increase in energy expenditure (EE). Further studies in humans may help to understand whether sofrito consumption increases the EE in obese individuals.