Etcho (Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum) Fruit Juice Reduces Lipid Accumulation and Modulates CD36 and AdipoR1 mRNA Expression in Human Adipocytes Stimulated with Long-Chain Fatty Acids

Phytochemicals modulate lipid metabolism, but it remains unclear whether phytochemical-rich cactus fruits have a similar effect. Accordingly, the effects of Etcho (Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum) fruit juice on lipid accumulation and on the expression of CD36 and ADIPOR1 were investigated, and the potential interactions between its major betalains and the CD36 and ADIPOR1 receptors were predicted. Phytochemical content was determined by spectrophotometry. Human adipocytes were stimulated with a 2:1 (molar) oleic/palmitic acid mixture and then treated with Etcho fruit juice/its hydroethanolic extract/betanin. Lipid accumulation was measured by Oil Red O staining, and CD36 and ADIPOR1 expression were quantified by qPCR. Molecular docking was performed to assess the binding affinities and molecular interactions of betanin, indicaxanthin, and phyllocactin with CD36 and ADIPOR1. All treatments reduced long-chain fatty acid–induced lipid accumulation (p < 0.05). The juice decreased CD36 mRNA and increased ADIPOR1 mRNA levels (p < 0.05), and molecular docking revealed that its betalains bind strongly to the CD36 extracellular domain and the ADIPOR1 orthosteric pocket triad. Etcho fruit juice is a source of phenolics and betalains. It reduces lipid accumulation in human adipocytes and modulates the expression of CD36 and ADIPOR1. The juice’s major betalains may target CD36 and ADIPOR1.