Differential effects of flavonoids on 3T3-L1 adipogenesis and lipolysis

Controlled Quercetin Release by Fluorescent Mesoporous Nanocarriers for Effective Anti-Adipogenesis

Introduction

Quercetin (QUER), a flavonoid abundant in fruits and vegetables, is emerging as a promising alternative therapeutic agent for obesity treatment due to its antioxidant and anti-adipogenic properties. However, the clinical application of QUER is limited by its poor solubility, low bioavailability, and potential toxicity at high doses. To address these challenges, this study aims to develop an advanced drug delivery system using fluorescent mesoporous silica nanoparticles (FMSNs) coated with polydopamine (PDA) for the efficient and sustained delivery of QUER to inhibit adipogenesis.

Methods

The research included the synthesis of PDA-coated FMSNs for encapsulation of QUER, characterization of their mesoporous structures, and systematic investigation of the release behavior of QUER. The DPPH assay was used to evaluate the sustained radical scavenging potential. Concentration-dependent effects on 3T3-L1 cell proliferation, cellular uptake and adipogenesis inhibition were investigated.

Results

PDA-coated FMSNs exhibited well-aligned mesoporous structures. The DPPH assay confirmed the sustained radical scavenging potential, with FMSNs-QUER@PDA showing 53.92 ± 3.48% inhibition at 72 h, which was higher than FMSNs-QUER (44.66 ± 0.57%) and free QUER (43.37 ± 5.04%). Concentration-dependent effects on 3T3-L1 cells highlighted the enhanced efficacy of PDA-coated FMSNs for cellular uptake, with a 1.5-fold increase compared to uncoated FMSNs. Adipogenesis inhibition was also improved, with relative lipid accumulation of 44.6 ± 4.6%, 37.3 ± 4.6%, and 36.5 ± 7.3% at 2.5, 5, and 10 μM QUER concentrations, respectively.

Conclusion

The study successfully developed a tailored drug delivery system, emphasizing sustained QUER release and enhanced therapeutic effects. FMSNs, especially when coated with PDA, exhibit promising properties for efficient QUER delivery, providing a comprehensive approach that integrates advanced drug delivery technology and therapeutic efficacy.

Management of Obesity-Related Inflammatory and Cardiovascular Diseases by Medicinal Plants: From Traditional Uses to Therapeutic Targets

Inflammation is a crucial factor in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Cardiac remodeling in the presence of persistent inflammation leads to myocardial fibrosis and extracellular matrix changes, which reduce cardiac function, induce arrhythmias, and finally, cause heart failure. The majority of current CVD treatment plans concentrate on reducing risk factors such as hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. One such strategy could be inflammation reduction. Numerous in vitro, animal, and clinical studies indicate that obesity is associated with low-grade inflammation. Recent studies have demonstrated the potential of medicinal plants and phytochemicals to cure and prevent obesity and inflammation. In comparison to conventional therapies, the synergistic effects of several phytochemicals boost their bioavailability and impact numerous cellular and molecular targets. Focusing on appetite, pancreatic lipase activity, thermogenesis, lipid metabolism, lipolysis and adipogenesis, apoptosis in adipocytes, and adipocyte life cycle by medicinal plants and phytochemicals represent an important goal in the development of new anti-obesity drugs. We conducted an extensive review of the literature and electronic databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and MedlinePlus, for collecting data on the therapeutic effects of medicinal plants/phytochemicals in curing obesity and its related inflammation and CVD diseases, including cellular and molecular mechanisms, cytokines, signal transduction cascades, and clinical trials.

Elnosary M, L. Ashour M, M. Abd El-Moneam N, A. Shreadah M. Flavonoids Biosynthesis in Plants as a Defense Mechanism: Role and Function Concerning Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetic Properties

Flavonoids are a major class of secondary metabolites that comprises more than 6000 compounds that have been identified. They are biosynthesized via the phenylpropanoid metabolic pathway that involves groups of enzymes such as isomerases, hydroxylases, and reductases that greatly affect the determination of the flavonoid skeleton. For example, transferase enzymes responsible for the modification of sugar result in changes in the physiological activity of the flavonoids and changes in their physical properties, such as solubility, reactivity, and interaction with cellular target molecules, which affect their pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetic properties. In addition, flavonoids have diverse biological activities such as antioxidants, anticancer, and antiviral in managing Alzheimer’s disease. However, most marine flavonoids are still incompletely discovered because marine flavonoid biosynthesis is produced and possesses unique substitutions that are not commonly found in terrestrial bioactive compounds. The current chapter will illustrate the importance of flavonoids’ role in metabolism and the main difference between marine and terrestrial flavonoids.

Inhibition of palmitic acid induced adipogenesis by natural polyphenols in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Dietary free fatty acids induce preadipocyte differentiation in the presence of a hormonal cocktail in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Plant polyphenols are curb adipocyte differentiation and protect from metabolic stress. In the present study, we examined the effects of the saturated fatty acid, palmitic acid (PA) in presence of flavonoids, chrysin (CR) and hesperidin (HD) and phenolic acid, syringic acid (SYA) and sinapic acid (SIA). Adipocytes were incubated for 10 d with 100 μmol of PA along with 10-100 µmol CR/HD and 100-1000 µmol SYA/SIA. PA induced clonal expansion of preadipocytes, differentiation and oxidative stress in 3T3-L1 cells following 10 d of differentiation. Adipocytes treated with PA exhibited an increase of 300% in clonal population, 110% lipid and 172% reactive oxygen species accumulation. But treatment with CR, HD, SYA and SIA in the presence of PA concentration-dependent effect was observed. Concentrations of CR/HD and SYA/SIA inhibited PA-induced mRNA expression of PPARγ, C/EBPα, SREBP-1c, FAS and NOX4. Moreover, CR, HD, SYA and SIA did not exhibit toxicity in Drosophila DNA. In summary, these results suggest that dietary fatty acids act directly on adipocytes and addition of CR, HD, SYA and SIA resulted in reduction of PA-induced negative effects on 3T3-L1 adipocytes. HIGHLIGHTS: • Palmitic acid, the common dietary free fatty acid, is known to induce adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. • Treatment of differentiating adipocytes with flavonoids and phenolic acids reduced palmitic acid-induced clonal expansion of preadipocytes. • Phytocompounds reduced lipid accumulation and triglyceride production as well as ROS accumulation. • Thus, the phytocompounds showed effective anti-adipogenic activity even in palmitic acid challenged environment in adipocytes.

Genistein regulates adipogenesis by blocking the function of adenine nucleotide translocase-2 in the mitochondria

Genistein exerts antiadipogenic effects, but its target molecules remain unclear. Here, we delineated the molecular mechanism underlying the antiadipogenic effect of genistein. A pulldown assay using genistein-immobilized beads identified adenine nucleotide translocase-2 as a genistein-binding protein in adipocytes. Adenine nucleotide translocase-2 exchanges ADP/ATP through the mitochondrial inner membrane. Similar to the knockdown of adenine nucleotide translocase-2, genistein treatment decreased ADP uptake into the mitochondria and ATP synthesis. Genistein treatment and adenine nucleotide translocase-2 knockdown suppressed adipogenesis and increased phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase. Adenine nucleotide translocase-2 knockdown reduced the transcriptional activity of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β, whereas AMP-activated protein kinase inhibition restored the suppression of adipogenesis by adenine nucleotide translocase-2 knockdown. These results indicate that genistein interacts directly with adenine nucleotide translocase-2 to suppress its function. The downregulation of adenine nucleotide translocase-2 reduces the transcriptional activity of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β via activation of AMP-activated protein kinase, which consequently represses adipogenesis.

Lemongrass essential oil and its major constituent citral isomers modulate adipogenic gene expression in 3T3-L1 cells

Obesity is a predisposing factor to diseases such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and coronary artery disease. Lemongrass essential oil (LEO), from Cymbopogon flexuosus, possesses numerous therapeutic properties including modulation of obesity in vivo. This experiment investigated the effect of LEO and its major components citral (3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienal), citral dimethyl acetal (1,1-dimethoxy-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-diene), and citral diethyl acetal (1,1-diethoxy-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-diene) in modulation of adipogenesis and genetic expression in adipocytes. Adipogenesis was induced from murine 3T3-L1 preadipocytes procured from ATCC and maintained in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) enriched with calf serum. Differentiation was conducted using DMEM enriched with 10% fetal bovine serum, Dexamethasone 0.25 µM, 3-isobutyl-methylxanthine 0.5 mM, and insulin 10 mg/ml for 2 days, followed by 5 days of insulin 10 mg/ml alone. Samples were subjected to experimental treatments at a concentration of 2.5 × 10^-3 . Intracellular triglycerides were quantified and photomicrographs were obtained following Oil red O (ORO) staining procedure. Total ribonucleic acid was extracted and expression of genes effecting in lipid metabolism were quantitated using real-time polymerase chain reaction. ORO staining procedure and spectrophotometric analysis demonstrated decreased lipid accumulation following treatments. LEO and its major constituents significantly inhibited expression of sterol response binding protein 2, cluster of differentiation 36, fatty acid binding protein 4, and peripilin. These results indicate modulation of lipid accumulation through decreased lipid uptake, increased lipolysis, decreased differentiation, and downregulated lipid biosynthesis. This investigation suggests that LEO and its constituents exert effects on adipocyte metabolism and are important for understanding metabolic disease. Further investigation is required to elucidate the degree that each mechanism implicated contributes to the observed effect.

Enhanced Inhibition of Adipogenesis by Chrysin via Modification in Redox Balance, Lipogenesis, and Transcription Factors in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes in Comparison with Hesperidin

OBJECTIVE

The present study was conducted to elucidate the in-vitro anti-oxidant and anti-adipogenic effect of the flavone, chrysin in comparison with the citrus bioflavonoid, hesperidin during adipogenic differentiation in 3T3-L1 mouse preadipocytes.

METHODS

The effect of chrysin and hesperidin on adipogenic differentiation was evaluated using Oil red-O staining, triglyceride estimation, free glycerol release, and ROS accumulation. The expression of adipogenesis-related genes was evaluated in real time-polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

50 µmol chrysin or hesperidin did not affect the cell viability of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and adipocytes, but significantly reduced preadipocyte clonal population, accumulation of intracellular lipid and ROS and consequently increased lipolysis and antioxidant enzyme defence. It also decreased the expression of major adipogenic transcription factors, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-β, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ, sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c, fatty acid synthase and hormone sensitive lipase.

CONCLUSION(S)

Herein we have indicated, for the first time, the effective anti-adipogenic mechanism of chrysin by down-regulating adipogenesis, lipogenesis and ROS and up-regulating lipolysis and antioxidant enzyme in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. As a nutritional bioflavonoid, chrysin with its more effective inhibition on adipogenesis than hesperidin has the potential to be developed as an anti-adipogenic nutraceutical agent.

A review of the lipolytic effects and the reduction of abdominal fat from bioactive compounds and moro orange extracts

Dietary supplementation containing Citrus sinensis extract is being widely used for weight loss due to its anti-adipogenic and antioxidant effects that regulate the metabolism of fatty acids. Bioactive compounds upregulate PPARα in the liver tissue, increasing oxidation of fatty acids and improving insulin sensitivity in addition to decreasing the expression of genes involved in the synthesis of fatty acids, such as LXRα and FAS. Studies on synephrine demonstrated their ability to stimulate the development of beige adipose tissue through greater expression of UCP1 and mtTFA, contributing to an increase in thermogenesis and mitochondrial biogenesis. However, despite its widespread use to reduce abdominal fat, few scientific studies have consensually proven the effectiveness of Moro orange extract for weight loss. This literature review summarizes the current information on the pharmacological and molecular mechanisms involved in the modulation of lipid metabolism by the bioactive compounds present in Moro orange extract.

Early Postnatal Genistein Administration Affects Mice Metabolism and Reproduction in a Sexually Dimorphic Way

The phytoestrogen genistein (GEN) may interfere with permanent morphological changes in the brain circuits sensitive to estrogen. Due to the frequent use of soy milk in the neonatal diet, we aimed to study the effects of early GEN exposure on some physiological and reproductive parameters. Mice of both sexes from PND1 to PND8 were treated with GEN (50 mg/kg body weight, comparable to the exposure level in babies fed with soy-based formulas). When adult, we observed, in GEN-treated females, an advanced pubertal onset and an altered estrous cycle, and, in males, a decrease of testicle weight and fecal testosterone concentration. Furthermore, we observed an increase in body weight and altered plasma concentrations of metabolic hormones (leptin, ghrelin, triiodothyronine) limited to adult females. Exposure to GEN significantly altered kisspeptin and POMC immunoreactivity only in females and orexin immunoreactivity in both sexes. In conclusion, early postnatal exposure of mice to GEN determines long-term sex-specific organizational effects. It impairs the reproductive system and has an obesogenic effect only in females, which is probably due to the alterations of neuroendocrine circuits controlling metabolism; thus GEN, should be classified as a metabolism disrupting chemical.

Protection of Fatty Liver by the Intake of Fermented Soybean Paste, Miso, and Its Pre-Fermented Mixture

Soybeans and fermented soy-derived foodstuffs contain many functional components and demonstrate various beneficial effects. In this report, we demonstrate the anti-fatty liver effect of miso, a traditional fermented product made from soybeans and rice molded in Aspergillus oryzae and forming a common part of the Japanese diet. After acclimation for 2 weeks, male and female C57BL/6J mice were fed with a normal diet (ND), a high-fat diet (HFD), a HFD containing 5% miso (HFD+M), or a HFD containing 5% pre-fermented miso (HFD+PFM) for 20 weeks. Although mice in the HFD group developed typical fatty liver, the consumption of miso or PFM significantly ameliorated the progression of fatty liver in female mice. The liver weight and the average nonalcoholic fatty liver disease activity score (NAS) were significantly reduced in the HFD+M and HFD+PFM groups. In addition, leptin and resistin levels in the serum were decreased in the HFD+M and HFD+PFM groups. The progression of fatty liver was also prevented by the consumption of miso or PFM in male mice, although there were no decreases in NAS. Therefore, miso appears to be a potential food to prevent lifestyle-related diseases such as metabolic syndrome.

Molecular mechanism of down-regulating adipogenic transcription factors in 3T3-L1 adipocyte cells by bioactive anti-adipogenic compounds

Obesity is growing at an alarming rate, which is characterized by increased adipose tissue. It increases the probability of many health complications, such as diabetes, arthritis, cardiac disease, and cancer. In modern society, with a growing population of obese patients, several individuals have increased insulin resistance. Herbal medicines are known as the oldest method of health care treatment for obesity-related secondary health issues. Several traditional medicinal plants and their effective phytoconstituents have shown anti-diabetic and anti-adipogenic activity. Adipose tissue is a major site for lipid accumulation as well as the whole-body insulin sensitivity region. 3T3-L1 cell line model can achieve adipogenesis. Adipocyte characteristics features such as expression of adipocyte markers and aggregation of lipids are chemically induced in the 3T3-L1 fibroblast cell line. Differentiation of 3T3-L1 is an efficient and convenient way to obtain adipocyte like cells in experimental studies. Peroxisome proliferation activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and Cytosine-Cytosine-Adenosine-Adenosine-Thymidine/Enhancer-binding protein α (CCAAT/Enhancer-binding protein α or C/EBPα) are considered to be regulating adipogenesis at the early stage, while adiponectin and fatty acid synthase (FAS) is responsible for the mature adipocyte formation. Excess accumulation of these adipose tissues and lipids leads to obesity. Thus, investigating adipose tissue development and the underlying molecular mechanism is important in the therapeutical approach. This review describes the cellular mechanism of 3T3-L1 fibroblast cells on potential anti-adipogenic herbal bioactive compounds.

Flavonoids as antiobesity agents: A review

Obesity is a global health problem that affects all age groups in both developing and developed countries. In recent years, the prevalence of overweight and obesity has reached pandemic levels, resulting in a dramatic increase in the incidence of various comorbidities, such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and cancer, consequently leading to massive health and socioeconomic burdens. Together with lifestyle changes, antiobesity pharmacotherapy is gaining momentum as an adjunctive treatment. However, the available pharmacological approaches have limited use owing to either significant adverse effects or low efficacy. Over the years, natural products have been an important source of lead compounds for drug discovery. Among these, flavonoids are associated with important biological effects and health-promoting activities. In this review, we discuss the modulatory effects of flavonoids on obesity and their potential mechanisms of action. The literature strongly suggests that most common flavonoids demonstrate a pronounced effect on obesity as shown by their ability to lower body weight, fat mass, and plasma triglycerides/cholesterol, both in in vitro and in vivo models. The impact of flavonoids on obesity can be observed through different mechanisms: reducing food intake and fat absorption, increasing energy expenditure, modulating lipid metabolism, or regulating gut microbiota profile. A better understanding of the known antiobesity mechanisms of flavonoids will enable their potential use to treat this medical condition. Therefore, this review focuses on the putative biological mechanisms through which flavonoids may prevent or treat obesity and highlights new perspectives on future pharmacological use.

Genistein Induces Adipogenic and Autophagic Effects in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Adipose Tissue: In Vitro and In Vivo Models

Soybeans are one of the most used alternative dietary ingredients in aquafeeds. However, they contain phytoestrogens like genistein (GE), which can have an impact on fish metabolism and health. This study aimed to investigate the in vitro and in vivo effects of GE on lipid metabolism, apoptosis, and autophagy in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Primary cultured preadipocytes were incubated with GE at different concentrations, 10 or 100 μM, and 1 μM 17β-estradiol (E2). Furthermore, juveniles received an intraperitoneal injection of GE at 5 or 50 µg/g body weight, or E2 at 5 µg/g. In vitro, GE 100 μM increased lipid accumulation and reduced cell viability, apparently involving an autophagic process, indicated by the higher LC3-II protein levels, and higher lc3b and cathepsin d transcript levels achieved after GE 10 μM. In vivo, GE 50 µg/g upregulated the gene expression of fatty acid synthase (fas) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase in adipose tissue, suggesting enhanced lipogenesis, whereas it increased hormone-sensitive lipase in liver, indicating a lipolytic response. Besides, autophagy-related genes increased in the tissues analyzed mainly after GE 50 µg/g treatment. Overall, these findings suggest that an elevated GE administration could lead to impaired adipocyte viability and lipid metabolism dysregulation in rainbow trout.

Mechanisms of action, chemical characteristics, and model systems of obesogens

There is increasing evidence for the role of environmental endocrine disrupting contaminants, coined obesogens, in exacerbating the rising obesity epidemic. Obesogens can be found in everyday items ranging from pesticides to food packaging. Although research shows that obesogens can have effects on adipocyte size, phenotype, metabolic activity, and hormone levels, much remains unknown about these chemicals. This review will discuss what is currently known about the mechanisms of obesogens, including expression of the PPARs, hormone interference, and inflammation. Strategies for identifying obesogenic chemicals and their mechanisms through chemical characteristics and model systems will also be discussed. Ultimately, research should focus on improving models to discern precise mechanisms of obesogenic action and to test therapeutics targeting these mechanisms.

The modulatory effect and the mechanism of flavonoids on obesity

With the improvement of living standards, obesity has become a serious health problem all over the word. Currently, the methods and drugs for obesity treatment have some limitations and side effects. Flavonoids are active constituents with various biological activities, widely found in plants, and numerous studies have shown that flavonoids can inhibit obesity and related metabolism disorders effectively. This perspective reviews the recent progress in understanding the anti-obesity effects of flavonoids through modulating food intake, enzyme activities, nutrition absorption, adipogenesis and adipocyte lifecycle, thermogenesis, energy consumption, and intestinal microbiota. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Natural bioactive substance flavonoids have anti-obesity property, which may play a role in anti-obesity drugs or functional food without any side effects. Flavonoids can inhibit weight gain directly or through their biologically active metabolites by various potential pathways. A better understanding of the modulatory effect and the mechanism of flavonoids on obesity will allow us to better utilize flavonoids in plants to treat obesity and related metabolic syndrome.

Erigeron annuus (L.) Pers. Extract Inhibits Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Production and Fat Accumulation in 3T3-L1 Cells by Activating an AMP-Dependent Kinase Signaling Pathway

Obesity is one of the major public health problems in the world because it is implicated in metabolic syndromes, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. The objective of this study was to investigate whether Erigeron annuus (L.) Pers. (EAP) extract suppresses reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and fat accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells by activating an AMP-dependent kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway. Our results showed that EAP water extract significantly inhibits ROS production, adipogenesis, and lipogenesis during differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. In addition, EAP decreased mRNA and protein levels of proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBPα). Moreover, EAP suppressed mRNA expressions of fatty acid synthase (FAS), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), adipocyte protein 2 (aP2) in a dose-dependent manner. Whereas, EAP upregulated adiponectin expression, phosphorylation levels of AMPK and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT-1) protein level during differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. These results suggest that EAP water extract can exert ROS-linked anti-obesity effect through the mechanism that might involve inhibition of ROS production, adipogenesis and lipogenesis via an activating AMPK signaling pathway.

Flavonoids: New Frontier for Immuno-Regulation and Breast Cancer Control

Breast cancer (BC) remains the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in women in the US, despite advances in detection and treatment. In addition, breast cancer survivors often struggle with long-term treatment related comorbidities. Identifying novel therapies that are effective while minimizing toxicity is critical in curtailing this disease. Flavonoids, a subclass of plant polyphenols, are emerging as promising treatment options for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer. Recent evidence suggests that in addition to anti-oxidant properties, flavonoids can directly interact with proteins, making them ideal small molecules for the modulation of enzymes, transcription factors and cell surface receptors. Of particular interest is the ability of flavonoids to modulate the tumor associated macrophage function. However, clinical applications of flavonoids in cancer trials are limited. Epidemiological and smaller clinical studies have been largely hypothesis generating. Future research should aim at addressing known challenges with a broader use of preclinical models and investigating enhanced dose-delivery systems that can overcome limited bioavailability of dietary flavonoids. In this review, we discuss the structure-functional impact of flavonoids and their action on breast tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment, with an emphasis on their clinical role in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer.

Natural Products and Obesity: A Focus on the Regulation of Mitotic Clonal Expansion during Adipogenesis

Obesity is recognized as a worldwide health crisis. Obesity and its associated health complications such as diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases impose a big social and economic burden. In an effort to identify safe, efficient, and long-term effective methods to treat obesity, various natural products with potential for inhibiting adipogenesis were revealed. This review aimed to discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying adipogenesis and the inhibitory effects of various phytochemicals, including those from natural sources, on the early stage of adipogenesis. We discuss key steps (proliferation and cell cycle) and their regulators (cell-cycle regulator, transcription factors, and intracellular signaling pathways) at the early stage of adipocyte differentiation as the mechanisms responsible for obesity.

Antidiabetic Properties of Naringenin: A Citrus Fruit Polyphenol

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disease characterized by insulin resistance and hyperglycemia and is associated with personal health and global economic burdens. Current strategies/approaches of insulin resistance and T2DM prevention and treatment are lacking in efficacy resulting in the need for new preventative and targeted therapies. In recent years, epidemiological studies have suggested that diets rich in vegetables and fruits are associated with health benefits including protection against insulin resistance and T2DM. Naringenin, a citrus flavanone, has been reported to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, immunomodulatory and antidiabetic properties. The current review summarizes the existing in vitro and in vivo animal studies examining the anti-diabetic effects of naringenin.

Grape seed procyanidin extract inhibits adipogenesis and stimulates lipolysis of porcine adipocytes in vitro

The objective of this article was to evaluate in vitro effect of grape seed procyanidin extract (GSPE) on differentiation, proliferation, and lipolysis of porcine adipocytes, providing a molecular basis for the use of GSPE in pig fat regulation. Primary preadipocytes isolated from subcutaneous adipose tissue of pigs were used as the in vitro cell model. Treatment of GSPE repressed preadipocyte differentiation, as evidenced by reduced lipid accumulation, decreased mRNA expressions of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4), as well as enhanced expressions of preadipocyte factor-1. Activity of glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH), one of the most important enzymes in the pathway for triacylglycerol biosynthesis, was also decreased. Furthermore, GSPE could suppress preadipocyte proliferation by inducing G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis. In porcine mature adipocytes, treatment with GSPE attenuated lipid content and GPDH activity, and the release of both free fatty acid and glycerol were enhanced; mRNA expressions of key lipolytic transcription factors, including hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) and adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), were elevated in GSPE-treated adipocytes. In summary, our results suggest GSPE inhibits porcine preadipocyte differentiation and proliferation and stimulates lipolysis of mature adipocytes, thus providing novel insights for further exploring the use of GSPE as a fat accumulation inhibitor.

The Science behind Microgreens as an Exciting New Food for the 21st Century

Chronic diseases are a major health problem in the United States. Accumulated data suggest that consumption of vegetables can significantly reduce the risk of many chronic diseases. Dietary guidelines for 2015-2020 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommend 1-4 cups of vegetables per day for males and 1-3 cups of vegetables per day for females, depending on their age. However, the average intake of vegetables is below the recommended levels. Microgreens are young vegetable greens. Although they are small, microgreens have delicate textures, distinctive flavors, and various nutrients. In general, microgreens contain greater amounts of nutrients and health-promoting micronutrients than their mature counterparts. Because microgreens are rich in nutrients, smaller amounts may provide similar nutritional effects compared to larger quantities of mature vegetables. However, literature on microgreens remains limited. In this Review, we discuss chemical compositions, growing conditions, and biological efficacies of microgreens. We seek to stimulate interest in further study of microgreens as a promising dietary component for potential use in diet-based disease prevention.

Establishment of a quantitative in vivo method for estimating adipose tissue volumes and the effects of dietary soy sauce oil on adipogenesis in medaka, Oryzias latipes

Adipose tissue, which is conserved in higher eukaryotes, plays central roles in controlling the body’s energy balance, including excess energy storage and energy expenditure during starvation. In adipogenesis, intranuclear receptor, peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a key molecule, and PPARγ agonists can promote adipogenesis. Many studies on the in vitro screening of PPARγ agonists with compounds derived from various materials have been reported; however, in vivo assays for quick examination of these feeding effects have not been established. In this study, we developed a technique using a lipophilic fluorescent reagent, Nile red to quantitatively estimate the adipose tissue volumes by using Japanese rice fish, medaka (Oryzias latipes) and studied effects of dietary soy sauce oil (SSO), which is a discarded by-product from Japanese traditional food and is known to have PPARγ-agonistic activity, on adipogenesis. We found that SSO feeding increased the adipose tissue volumes, and the expression levels of adipogenesis-related genes increased in these medaka larvae. These results suggest that SSO feeding increases the adipose tissue volumes through adipogenesis promotion by PPARγ-agonistic activity in medaka, and medaka is a powerful model for studying adipogenesis. Furthermore, our study also demonstrates the availability of SSO as a dietary additive for farmed fish.

Beneficial Effect of Jojoba Seed Extracts on Hyperglycemia-Induced Oxidative Stress in RINm5f Beta Cells

Hyperglycemia occurs during diabetes and insulin resistance. It causes oxidative stress by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, leading to cellular damage. Polyphenols play a central role in defense against oxidative stress. In our study, we investigated the antioxidant properties of simmondsin, a pure molecule present in jojoba seeds, and of the aqueous extract of jojoba seeds on fructose-induced oxidative stress in RINm5f beta cells. The exposure of RINm5f beta cells to fructose triggered the loss of cell viability (-48%, p < 0.001) and disruption of insulin secretion (p < 0.001) associated with of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and a modulation of pro-oxidant and antioxidant signaling pathway. Cell pre-treatments with extracts considerably increased cell viability (+86% p < 0.001) for simmondsin and +74% (p < 0.001) for aqueous extract and insulin secretion. The extracts also markedly decreased ROS (-69% (p < 0.001) for simmondsin and -59% (p < 0.001) for aqueous extract) and caspase-3 activation and improved antioxidant defense, inhibiting p22phox and increasing nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) levels (+70%, p < 0.001) for aqueous extract. Simmondsin had no impact on Nrf2 levels. The richness and diversity of molecules present in jojoba seed extract makes jojoba a powerful agent to prevent the destruction of RINm5f beta cells induced by hyperglycemia.

Differential effects of dietary flavonoids on adipogenesis

Propose

Obesity is a fast growing epidemic worldwide. During obesity, the increase in adipose tissue mass arise from two different mechanisms, namely, hyperplasia and hypertrophy. Hyperplasia which is the increase in adipocyte number is characteristic of severe obese patients. Recently, there has been much interest in targeting adipogenesis as therapeutic strategy against obesity. Flavonoids have been shown to regulate several pathways and affect a number of molecular targets during specific stages of adipocyte development.

Methods

Presently, we provide a review of key studies evaluating the effects of dietary flavonoids in different stages of adipocyte development with a particular emphasis on the investigations that explore the underlying mechanisms of action of these compounds in human or animal cell lines as well as animal models.

Results

Flavonoids have been shown to regulate several pathways and affect a number of molecular targets during specific stages of adipocyte development. Although most of the studies reveal anti-adipogenic effect of flavonoids, some flavonoids demonstrated proadipogenic effect in mesenchymal stem cells or preadipocytes.

Conclusion

The anti-adipogenic effect of flavonoids is mainly via their effect on regulation of several pathways such as induction of apoptosis, suppression of key adipogenic transcription factors, activation of AMPK and Wnt pathways, inhibition of clonal expansion, and cell-cycle arrest.

Nonthermal plasma treated solution inhibits adipocyte differentiation and lipogenesis in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes via ER stress signal suppression

The accumulation and differentiation of adipocytes contribute to the development of obesity and metabolic diseases. It is well-known that interactions of transcription factors such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα), and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress are required for adipogenesis. Recently, use of nonthermal atmospheric plasma (NTP) is expanding from the biomedical field into various other fields. In this study, we investigated whether nonthermal plasma-treated solution (NTS) has an inhibitory effect on adipogenesis and elucidated its mechanisms. Our results demonstrated that NTS significantly inhibited pre-adipocyte differentiation into adipocytes based on Oil Red O staining and triglyceride accumulation. Moreover, NTS treatment suppressed the mRNA and protein expression levels of key adipogenic transcription factors, and adipocyte-specific genes. NTS also down-regulated endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins. Consistent with in vitro studies, an animal study using a mouse model of diet-induced obesity showed that NTS treatment reduced body weight and fat, ER stress/UPR, triglyceride, and adipogenic marker level without altering food intake. These findings indicate that NTS inhibits adipogenic differentiation, and provide a mechanistic explanation of the inhibitory effect of NTS on adipogenesis. Taken together, our results suggest that NTS might be useful to treat obesity and obesity-related diseases.

Beneficial Effects of Monascus sp. KCCM 10093 Pigments and Derivatives: A Mini Review

The production of Monascus pigments and related byproducts, via microbial fermentation, has been broadly utilized as coloring by traditional food industries and as a natural textile dye. In addition to these traditional purposes, Monascus pigments have been recently favored for a variety of commercial and academic purposes. Pigments and derivatives formed during Monascus fermentation have pharmaceutical and clinical properties that can counteract common diseases, including obesity, type-2 diabetes, and cancer. Various research attempts have investigated the optimum conditions for this derived compound synthesis, as well as the still-unknown bio-functional effects. Recently, several studies were conducted using Monascus sp. KCCM 10093 and its derivatives. These experimental outcomes potentially reflect the bio-functional features of Monascus sp. KCCM 10093. However, no publication to date provides an overview of Monascus sp. KCCM 10093's unique metabolite products, functionalities, or biological pathways. In order to develop profitable commercial applications of Monascus sp. KCCM 10093, it is necessary not only to conduct continuous research, but also to systematically organize previous Monascus studies. The goals of this review are to investigate the current derivatives of Monascus sp. KCCM 10093 pigments-some of which have demonstrated newly-identified functionality-and the relevant uses of these molecules for pharmaceutical or nutraceutical purposes.

Metabolism Disrupting Chemicals and Alteration of Neuroendocrine Circuits Controlling Food Intake and Energy Metabolism

The metabolism-disrupting chemicals (MDCs) are molecules (largely belonging to the category of endocrine disrupting chemicals, EDCs) that can cause important diseases as the metabolic syndrome, obesity, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus or fatty liver. MDCs act on fat tissue and liver, may regulate gut functions (influencing absorption), but they may also alter the hypothalamic peptidergic circuits that control food intake and energy metabolism. These circuits are normally regulated by several factors, including estrogens, therefore those EDCs that are able to bind estrogen receptors may promote metabolic changes through their action on the same hypothalamic circuits. Here, we discuss data showing how the exposure to some MDCs can alter the expression of neuropeptides within the hypothalamic circuits involved in food intake and energy metabolism. In particular, in this review we have described the effects at hypothalamic level of three known EDCs: Genistein, an isoflavone (phytoestrogen) abundant in soy-based food (a possible new not-synthetic MDC), Bisphenol A (compound involved in the manufacturing of many consumer plastic products), and Tributyltin chloride (one of the most dangerous and toxic endocrine disruptor, used in antifouling paint for boats).

Polyphenols and their effects on diabetes management: A review

Background: Type 2 diabetes is a growing public health problem and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The worldwide prevalence of type 2 diabetes is rising. Polyphenols, such as flavonoids, phenolic acid, and stilbens, are a large and heterogeneous group of phytochemicals in plant-based foods. In this review, we aimed at assessing the studies on polyphenols and diabetes management. Methods: A literature search in the PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published from 1986 to Jan 2017. Results: Several animal models and a limited number of human studies have revealed that polyphenols decrease hyperglycemia and improve acute insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity. The possible mechanisms include decrease in glucose absorption in the intestine, inhibition of carbohydrates digestion, stimulation of insulin secretion, modulation of glucose release from the liver, activation of insulin receptors and glucose uptake in insulin-sensitive tissues, modulation of intracellular signaling pathways, and gene expression. Conclusion: Growing evidence indicates that various dietary polyphenols may influence blood glucose at different levels and may also help control and prevent diabetes complication. However, we still need more clinical trials to determine the effects of polyphenols- rich foods, their effective dose, and mechanisms of their effects in managing diabetes.

Anti-obesity molecular mechanism of soy isoflavones: weaving the way to new therapeutic routes

Obesity is ringing alarm bells globally. Advances in food science and nutrition research have been devoted to identifying food components that exert anti-obesity effects, as well as investigating the molecular mechanisms by which they modulate the progression of obesity. Soy foods have attracted much interest as high-protein components of the human diet and as unique sources of isoflavones. As they have similar chemical structures to endogenous estrogens, isoflavones are believed to interact with intracellular estrogen receptors, which results in reductions in the accumulation of lipids and the distribution of adipose tissue. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have revealed other signaling pathways in which isoflavones are involved in the inhibition of adipogenesis and lipogenesis by interacting with various transcription factors and upstream signaling molecules. Although the biological mechanisms that cause the biphasic effects of isoflavones and various controversial results remain unknown, it is noteworthy that isoflavones exhibit pleiotropic effects in the human body to regulate metabolism and balance, which may potentially prevent and treat obesity.

Citral, a Monoterpene Inhibits Adipogenesis Through Modulation of Adipogenic Transcription Factors in 3T3-L1 Cells

Obesity is considered as a major global human health problem which significantly increases the risk for development of type 2 diabetes. Citral, a bioactive compound widely found in a variety of foods that are consumed daily. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of citral against adipogenic genes in 3T3-L1 cells. The mouse fibroblast 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes were differentiated into adipocytes using adipogenic cocktail (5 g/ml insulin, 0.5 mM isobutylmethylxanthine and 10 M dexamethasone). Differentiation of adipocytes was evaluated by assessing triglyceride accumulation assay and cell viability by MTT assay. The PI3K/AKT signaling, adipogenic specific transcription factors (PPARγ, SREBP-1c, FAS and CPD) and inflammatory genes (TNF-α, IL-6 and MCP-1) were analyzed by western blotting and reverse transcriptase PCR in differentiated 3T3-L1 cell lines. In this study, triglyceride accumulation was increased in adipogenic cocktail induced 3T3-L1 cells, whereas treatment of citral significantly decreased levels of triglyceride accumulation in concentration dependent manner. Further, MTT assay shows that there was no reduction of cell viability during the differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells. The differentiated 3T3-L1 cell significantly increases the expression of PI3K/AKT, adipogenic transcription factors (PPARγ, SREBP-1c, FAS and CPD) and inflammatory biomarkers (TNF-α, IL-6 and MCP-1). Conversely, cells were treated with citral significantly suppress the expression of PI3K/AKT, PPARγ, SREBP-1c, FAS, CPD, TNF-α, IL-6 and MCP-1 in dose dependent manner. Thus, citral exhibits beneficial effects to inhibit adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes through the modulation of adipogenic transcription factors and inflammatory markers.

A-type ECG and EGCG dimers inhibit 3T3-L1 differentiation by binding to cholesterol in lipid rafts

The present study aimed to explore the underlying mechanisms of epicatechin-3-gallate-(4β→8, 2β→O→7)-epicatechin-3-gallate (A-type ECG dimer) and epigallocatechin-3-gallate-(4β→8, 2β→O→7)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (A-type EGCG dimer) involved in their strong inhibitory effects on 3T3-L1 preadipocytes differentiation. In the synthetic "lipid raft-like" liposome, A-type ECG and EGCG dimers incorporated into the liposome with high affinity and decreased the fluidity of the liposome. In 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, A-type ECG and EGCG dimers possibly bonded to lipid rafts cholesterol and disrupted the integrity of lipid rafts, thus exerting their notable inhibitory effects on 3T3-L1 preadipocytes differentiation by suppressing mitotic clonal expansion process and mRNA levels of PPARγ, C/EBPα and SREBP1C. A highly positive correlation between the cholesterol binding capacity of the two dimers and their inhibitory effect on 3T3-L1 preadipocytes differentiation (R²=0.9328) was observed. Molecular dynamics simulation further verified that A-type ECG and EGCG dimers could bond to cholesterol via hydrogen bonding. The results of this study suggested that the disruption of A-type ECG and EGCG dimers on membrane lipid rafts by targeting cholesterol in the lipid rafts was involved in the underlying mechanisms of their strong inhibitory effects on 3T3-L1 preadipocytes differentiation. This broadens the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of polyphenols on modulating and controlling of metabolic dysregulation, particularly adipocyte differentiation, which is a significant risk factor associated with the development of cardiovascular disease.

Early endocrine disruptors exposure acts on 3T3-L1 differentiation and endocrine activity

Introduction: Data from last years suggested that early exposure to endocrine disruptors (EDs) can predispose newborns to endocrine dysfunction of adipocytes, obesity, and associated disorders. The implication of EDs at low doses on adipocyte development has been poorly investigated. For instance, vinclozolin (V) is a dicarboximide fungicide widely used in agriculture since the 90's, alone or in mixture with genistein (G), an isoflavonoid from Leguminosae. This study aims to identify the effect of vinclozolin alone or with genistein, on adipose tissue properties using cell culture.

Methods: In steroid-free conditions, 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes were induced to differentiate in the presence of EDs, singularly or in mixtures, for 2 days. DNA and triglyceride (TG) levels were measured on days 0, 2 and 8 of differentiation. Leptin secretion was measured only on the eighth day.

Results: We show that low doses of G (25 µM) and V (0.1 µM) inhibit pre-adipocytes differentiation. This inhibition has been represented by a decreasing in DNA content (µg/well) and decreasing in TG accumulation (mg/mL) in 3T3-L1 cells. Nevertheless, V increased the anti-adipogenic properties of G.

Conclusion: This study confirms that EDs singularly or in mixtures, introduced during early stages of life, could affect the differentiation and the endocrine activity of adipocytes, and can act as potential factors for obesity.

Purple corn silk: A potential anti-obesity agent with inhibition on adipogenesis and induction on lipolysis and apoptosis in adipocytes

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Corn silk or the stigma of Zea mays L. has traditionally been used in weight loss stimulation and treatment of cystitis, urinary infections and obesity. Purple corn silk, rich of polyphenolic substances, was reported on anti-diabetic and anti-obesity effect in animal studies. However, scientific evidence on mechanisms and targets of action of purple corn silk related to adipocyte life cycle has been limited.

AIM OF STUDY

To determine phytochemical compositions and investigate anti-obesity potential of the purple corn silk focusing on interruption of adipocyte life cycle; effect on pre-adipocyte proliferation, adipogenesis, adipocyte lipolysis, and apoptosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The ethanolic purple corn silk extract (PCS) was prepared and investigated for phytochemical compositions by LC/MS/MS technique and anti-obesity potential using murine 3T3-L1 cell line. Using methyl thiazole tetrazolium (MTT) assay, the effects on pre-adipocytes and adipocyte viability and on pre-adipocytes proliferation at 24-, 48-, and 72-h incubation period were evaluated. In addition, anti-adipogenesis via inhibition on adipocyte differentiation and reduction of total lipid accumulation was evaluated using Oil Red O staining and spectrophotometric methods, respectively. The lipolysis effect was determined by measurement of glycerol released content using glycerol test kit after 48-h treatment of PCS to adipocytes. Apoptosis inductive effect was done by using 2-(4-Amidinophenyl)-6-indolecarbamidine dihydrochloride (DAPI) staining method.

RESULTS

The polyphenols including anthocyanins, quercetin and phenolic acids and derivatives were found as the major chemical compositions of the PCS. With multiple-stages interruption on the adipocyte life cycle, anti-obesity effect of PCS was interestingly demonstrated. When compared to the control, the PCS at concentration range between 250-1000 μg/mL showed anti-adipogenesis effect as expressing of significant inhibition on pre-adipocyte proliferation at all incubation period (43.52±5.28 - 75.51±9.09%) and significant decreasing of total lipid accumulation at concentration of 500μg/mL (80.22±6.58%) and 1000μg/mL (69.62±5.42%). Moreover, the PCS exhibited lipolysis and apoptosis inductive effect with dose dependent manner and significance at concentration of 1000μg/mL by increase of released glycerol content (173.88±6.13% of the control) and of nuclei condensing and apoptotic bodies (with relative apoptosis induction as 131.74±1.64% of the control).

CONCLUSION

Our data has evidenced the anti-obesity potential of PCS related interruption at multiple stages of adipocyte life cycle. Its potency was attributed to inhibition on adipocyte proliferation and adipogenesis as well as induction on lipolysis and apoptosis at high concentration. However, further in vivo investigation should be considered to insist the possibility in applications of PCS in prevention and treatment of obesity.

Insulin regulates Bbs4 during adipogenesis

Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a pleiotropic autosomal recessive disorder associated with marked obesity, increased susceptibility to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. However, it is unknown whether the link between BBS and diabetes is indirect or direct. Adipogenesis and adipocyte function are regulated by hormonal stimuli, with insulin and insulin growth factor (IGF) playing an important role both in normal and impaired conditions. We have previously shown augmented transcript levels of BBS genes upon induction of adipogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of insulin in BBS. Through in vitro studies in adipocytes in which Bbs4 expression was either silenced (SiBbs4) or overexpressed (OEBbs4), we showed that insulin and IGF dose- and time-dependently decrease transcription and protein expression of BBS genes during adipogenesis. Silencing of Bbs4 expression in adipocytes significantly impaired and reduced glucose uptake. This effect was reversed by Bbs4 overexpression. Inhibition of PI 3-kinase resulted in upregulation of Bbs transcripts, suggesting that the PI3K pathway is involved in the regulation of these genes. In conclusion, we showed that insulin is a direct regulator of Bbs1, 2, 4 and 6. This hormonal regulation might indicate a metabolic link of these genes to obesity and metabolic syndrome. © 2017 IUBMB Life, 69(7):489-499, 2017.

Monascus ruber-Fermented Buckwheat (Red Yeast Buckwheat) Suppresses Adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 Cells

Although various treatments have been used for weight loss to date, obese people rarely have safe and effective treatment options. Therefore, the antiobesity effects of several natural compounds are being actively investigated. This study was conducted to investigate the antiadipogenic effects of Monascus ruber-fermented Fagopyrum esculentum (red yeast buckwheat, RYB) in 3T3-L1 cells. We assessed the intracellular lipid content and adipocyte differentiation by oil red O staining and the expression of genes and proteins associated with adipocyte differentiation by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting in 3T3-L1 cells. RYB dose dependently inhibited 3T3-L1 cell differentiation at concentrations of 50-800 μg/mL, without cytotoxic effects. It also suppressed the expression of adipogenic transcription factors, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α, and adipocyte-specific genes, such as adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (aP2), fatty acid synthase, and leptin, during preadipocyte differentiation into adipocytes. Furthermore, RYB reduced cyclin-dependent kinase 2 and cyclin expression and increased p21 and p27 expression, thus causing cell cycle arrest at the G1/S phase. Collectively, these results suggest that RYB may be an effective nutraceutical for weight loss as indicated by its ability to suppress adipogenesis-specific gene expression and cause cell cycle arrest at the G1/S interphase.

Activation of cardiac renin-angiotensin system and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 gene expressions in oral contraceptive-induced cardiometabolic disorder

CONTEXT

Clinical studies have shown that combined oral contraceptive (COC) use is associated with cardiometabolic disturbances. Elevated renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) have also been implicated in the development of cardiometabolic events.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of COC treatment on cardiac RAS and PAI-1 gene expressions, and whether the effect is circulating aldosterone or corticosterone dependent.

METHODS

Female rats were treated (p.o.) with olive oil (vehicle) or COC (1.0 µg ethinylestradiol and 10.0 µg norgestrel) daily for six weeks.

RESULTS

COC treatment led to increases in blood pressure, HOMA-IR, Ace1 mRNA, Atr1 mRNA, Pai1 mRNA, cardiac PAI-1, plasma PAI-1, C-reactive protein, uric acid, insulin and corticosterone. COC treatment also led to dyslipidemia, decreased glucose tolerance and plasma 17β-estradiol.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrates that hypertension and insulin resistance induced by COC is associated with increased cardiac RAS and PAI-1 gene expression, which is likely to be through corticosterone-dependent but not aldosterone-dependent mechanism.

Vanadium(IV)-chlorodipicolinate inhibits 3T3-L1 preadipocyte adipogenesis by activating LKB1/AMPK signaling pathway

Our previous studies demonstrated that vanadium(IV) complex with 4-chlorodipicolinic acid (VOdipic-Cl) alleviates lipid abnormalities in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. However, the molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. In the present study, the effect of VOdipic-Cl on adipogenesis and mechanisms of action in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were investigated. The 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were induced to differentiate in the presence or absence of VOdipic-Cl for 8days. The cells were determined for proliferation, differentiation, lipid accumulation as well as the protein expressions of molecular targets that are involved in fatty acid synthesis. The results demonstrated that VOdipic-Cl at concentrations ranging from 2.5μM to 10μM reduced the intracellular lipid content by 10%, 22% and 30% compared to control. VOdipic-Cl down-regulated the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARγ), CCAAT element binding protein a (C/EBPα), sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c), fatty acid synthase (FAS) and fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) and activated the phosphorylation of acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC), adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and liver kinase B1 (LKB1) in a dose-dependent manner. Further studies showed that AMPK small interfering RNA (siRNA) markedly up-regulated PPARγ, C/EBPα, FAS and FABP4 expression in the presence of VOdipic-Cl, respectively. When LKB1 was silenced with siRNA, the effect of VOdipic-Cl on AMPK phosphorylation was diminished. Taken together, these results suggested that VOdipic-Cl can inhibit 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis through activating the LKB1/AMPK-dependent signaling pathway. These findings raise the possibility that VOdipic-Cl may be a promising therapy in treatment of obesity.