Fig. 4

Effects of flavonoids on HF-induced effects on white adipose tissue weights, serum leptin levels, adipocyte size and crown-like structures in epiWAT. Mesenteric white adipose tissue (mesWAT, a) and epididymal tissue (epiWAT, b) relative weight (gram/gram body weight) at the end of the dietary intervention. Serum leptin levels (c). Quantification of adipocyte sizes (d) and crown-like structures (CLS) by macrophage staining (e) in epiWAT. Representative pictures of adipocyte stainings (f). Data are presented as mean ± SEM. Asterisk indicates a significant difference of HF + flavonoid to HF (p < 0.05); **p < 0.01; ***p < 0.001; triple hash indicates a significant difference of HF to NF (p < 0.001). NF, normal-fat diet; HF, high-fat diet; HF supplemented with quercetin, HF + Q; hesperetin, HF + H; epicatechin, HF + E; apigenin, HF + Ap; anthocyanins, HF + An