• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.486-493
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• 2014

Adipocytes are endocrine cells that release bioactive mediators called adipokines. In condition of obesity characterized by low-grade chronic inflammation, adipocytes release inflammatory adipokines, which is related to insulin resistance. Bojungchiseub-tang (BJCST) has been used in symptoms and signs of edema, dampness-phlegm, kidney failure, and so on in Korean medicine. BJCST is also expected to have anti-obesity activities. In the present study, we examined whether BJCST modulate the production of inflammatory adipokines and the activations of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathway related to induce adipocyte inflammation to elucidate the effects and its mechanism of BJCST on lowering the content of inflammatory adipokines in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. As a result, BJCST suppressed the production of proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) $-{\alpha}$, interleukin (IL) $-1{\beta}$, IL-6, interferon (IFN) -${\gamma}$, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and the production of other inflammatory mediators, prostaglandin $E_2(PGE_2)$ and nitric oxide(NO)viadownregulationofcyclooxygenase-2(COX-2)andinducible NO synthase (iNOS) gene expressions. In addition, BJCST decreased the phosphorylation of MAPK that promotes the production of inflammatory adipokines in 3T3-L1 mature adipocytes. In conclusion, BJCST could regulate the production of inflammatory adipokines and MAPK signaling pathway related to induction of adipose inflammation.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.270-274
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• 2010

Obesity is caused from an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure, which may lead to pathologic growth of adipocytes and accumulation of fat in tissue. We examined the inhibitory effects of Eriobotrya japonica leaf and seed extracts on lipid absorption in vitro and fat accumulation during the differentiation of 3T3-L1 to adipocytes. 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were stimulated with DMEM media containing 10% FBS, 0.5 mM 3-isobuthyl-1-methyxanthine (IBMX), $5\;{\mu}g/ml$ insulin, and $1\;{\mu}g/ml$ dexamethasone for differentiation to adipocytes. E. japonica leaf extract at concentration of 0.5 or 1 mg/ml inhibited pancreatic lipase activity. The cell viability of 3T3-L1 adipocytes slightly reduced about 3% by treatment of E. Japonica leaf and seed extracts. The leaf and seed extracts of E. japonica effectively inhibited the accumulations of lipid droplet and expression of $C/EBP{\alpha}$ promoting adipogenesis. Thus, this data suggest that E. japonica leaf and seed extracts inhibit fat accumulation through regulation of $C/EBP{\alpha}$, and leaf extract is more effective in lipid absorption and adipogenesis than seed extract.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.10 no.5
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• pp.487-493
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• 2016

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) has been reported to have many biological functions including anti-obesity. Leptin, peptide hormone produced by adipocytes and its concentration is increased in proportion to the amount of the adipocytes. In the present study, we examined the effects of Korean turmeric on the regulation of adiposity and leptin levels in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and rats fed a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet. MATERIALS/METHODS: Leptin secretion, free fatty acid and glycerol contents in 3T3-L1 adipocytes were measured after incubation of cells with turmeric for 24 hours. Rats were divided into four experimental groups: a normal diet group (N), a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet group (HF), a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet group supplemented with 2.5% turmeric extracts (TPA group) and a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet group supplemented with 5% turmeric extracts (TPB group). Serum samples were used for the measurement of leptin concentration. RESULTS: Contents of free fatty acid and glycerol showed concentration dependent increase in response to turmeric extracts. Effects of turmeric extracts on reduction of lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells were examined by Oil Red O staining. Treatment with turmeric extracts resulted in increased expression levels of adipose triglyceride lipase and hormone-sensitive lipase mRNA. The concentration of leptin from 3T3-L1 adipocytes was significantly decreased by turmeric. Proportional abdominal and epididymal fats weights of the turmeric 5% supplemented group, TPB has significantly decreased compared to the HF group. The serum levels of leptin in the TPA and TPB groups were significantly lower than those of the HF group. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these results, we suggested that Korean turmeric may contribute to the decreasing of body fat and regulating leptin secretion.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.192-197
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• 2011

The dietary intake of whole grains is known to reduce the incidence of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. To investigate whether there are anti-adipogenic activities in various Korean cereals, we assessed water extracts of nine cereals. The results showed that treatment of 3T3-L1 adipocytes with Sorghum bicolor L. Moench, Setaria italica Beauvois, or Panicum miliaceum L. extract significantly inhibited adipocyte differentiation, as determined by measuring oil red-O staining, triglyceride accumulation, and glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity. Among the nine cereals, P. miliaceum L. showed the highest anti-adipogenic activity. The effects of P. miliaceum L. on mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-${\gamma}$, sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1, and the CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-${\alpha}$ were evaluated revealing that the extract significantly decreased the expression of these genes in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, P. miliaceum L. extract changed the ratio of monounsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids in adipocytes, which is related to biological activity and cell characteristics. These results suggest that some cereals efficiently suppress adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In particular, the effect of P. miliaceum L. on adipocyte differentiation is associated with the downregulation of adipogenic genes and fatty acid accumulation in adipocytes.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.63-73
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• 2008

Objectives The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of Crataegi Fructus Pharmacopuncture(CFP) on the adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells, lipolysis in rat epididymal adipocytes and histological changes in porcine adipose tissue. Methods Inhibiton of preadipocyte differentiation and/or stimulation of lipolysis play important roles in reducing obesity. 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were differentiated with adipogenic reagents by incubating for 3days in the absence or presence of CFP ranging from 0.01 to 1mg/mL. The effect of CFP on adipogenesis was examined by measuring GPDH activity and by Oil Red O staining. Mature adipocytes from rat epididymal fat pad was incubated with CFP ranging from 0.01 to 1mg/mL for 3 hrs. The effect of CFP on lipolysis was examined by measuring free glycerol released. Fat tissue from pig skin was injected with CFP ranging from 0.1 to 10mg/mL to examine the effect of CFP on histological changes under light microscopy. Results The following results were obtained from present study on adipogenesis of preadipocytes, lipolysis of adipocytes and histological changes in fat tissue. 1. Crataegi Fructus Pharmacopuncture inhibited adipogenic differentiation at the concentration of 1.0mg/mL. 2. Crataegi Fructus Pharmacopuncture decreased the activity of glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase(GPDH) at the concentration of 0.1mg/mL. 3. Crataegi Fructus Pharmacopuncture ok. lipolysis at the concentration of 0.1mg/ml. 4. Crataegi Fructus Pharmacopuncture ranging 0.1 to 10mg/mL failed to exert lysis of cell membrane in porcine fat tissue. Conclusions These results suggest that Crataegi Fructus Pharmacopuncture at relatively high concentration inhibited adipogenesis and increased lipolysis of adipocytes. However, Crataegi Fructus Pharmacopuncture didn't exert any effect on lysis of cell membrane in fat tissue.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.116-132
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• 2008

Objective: This study investigated the effects of Bimanbang-1 (肥滿1號方: here in after referred to BMB-1) on the obese gene and obese inhibitory. Methods: C57BL/6 mice were induced by high fat diet. Mice were divided into three groups (normal, high fat diet with control, high fat diet with BMB-1 extract) and fed for 15 weeks. Items of this experimental study are as follows: body weight change, final body weight, the weight change of the adipocytes in body, the level change of LFT, NEFA and creatinine, the expression of ${\beta}3AR$ and leptin gene in primary adipocytes, the production change of leptin in primary adipocytes, the expression of ${\beta}3AR$, leptin and $TNF-{\alpha}$ in adipocytes tissue. Result: 1. All experimental groups showedthat the weight change decreased considerably and the high density group showedthat the final weight decreased considerably. 2. The high density group showed that the amount of the adipocyte in weight decreased considerably. 3. All experimental groups showedthat the amount of ALT decreased considerably, and AST decreased in the high density group. However, the amount of creatinine and glucose did not increase considerably. 4. All experimental groups showed that the amount of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, and NEFA decreased, and HDL-cholesterol increased considerably. 5. The high density groups showedthat the amount of leptin decreased considerably. 6. All experimental groups showed that the revelation of ${\beta}3AR$ in primary adipose cell and 3T3-L1 cell increased considerably, and that the revelation of leptin and $TNF-{\alpha}$ in primary adipose cellsand 3T3-L1 cells decreased considerably. 7. All experimental groups showed that the size of adipocyte in adipocytes tissue decreased. 8. All experimental groups showed that the adipose vacuoles in liver tissue decreased considerably. Conclusion: The findings suggest that Bimanbang-1 causes weight loss and histological change, thus it may be effective to treat obesity.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.383-388
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• 2020

Elephant garlic (Allium ampeloprasum L.) has been reported to have several pharmacological effects. However, its anti-adipogenic effect and the possible molecular mechanisms have not yet been reported. In this study, we demonstrate that elephant garlic extracts suppress adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Raw and steamed elephant garlic extracts (REG and SEG, respectively) suppressed the differentiation of adipocytes and cellular lipid accumulation. Of note, the anti-differentiation effect of REG treatment on 3T3-L1 cells resulted in cytotoxicity, whereas SEG-treated cells displayed no such cytotoxicity. Additionally, SEG treatment significantly reduced the adipogenesis-related gene expression of PPAR γ, C/EBPα, adiponectin, Ap2, and LPL. To our knowledge, these results are the first evidence of the anti-adipogenic effects of elephant garlic extracts on 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.33-39
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• 2014

Obesity occurs when a person's calorie intake exceeds the amount of energy burns, which may lead to pathologic growth of adipocytes and the accumulation of fat in the tissues. In this study, the effect and mechanism of pear pomace extracts on 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation and apoptosis of mature adipocytes were investigated. The effects of pear pomace extract on cell viability and the anti-adipogenic and proapoptotic effects were investigated via MTT assay, Oil red O staining, western blot analysis and apoptosis assay. 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were stimulated with DMEM containing 10% FBS, 0.5 mM 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), $5{\mu}g/ml$ insulin and $1{\mu}M$ dexamethasone for differentiation to adipocytes. 3T3-L1 cells were cultured with PBS or water extract of pear pomace. Water extract of pear pomace effectively inhibited lipid accumulations and expressions of PPAR-${\gamma}$ and $C/EBP{\alpha}$ in 3T3-L1 cells. It also increased expression of p-AMPK and decreased the expression of SREBP-1c and FAS in 3T3-L1 cells. The induction of apoptosis was observed in 3T3-L1 cells treated with pear pomace. These results indicate that pear pomace water extract inhibits adipogenesis and induces apoptosis of adipocytes and thus can be used as a potential therapeutic substance as part of prevention or treatment strategy for obesity.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.30-46
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• 2010

Objectives: This study was performed to investigate the anti-obesity effects of Gambi-bang 4 (GBB4) on obesity-induced mice. Methods: C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups (normal, high fat diet with control, high fat diet with Reductil, high fat diet with GBB4 extract) and fed for 8 weeks. We observed body weight change, the weight change of the adipocytes in body, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides, serum leptin level, expression of ${\beta}3AR$ and leptin genes in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and adipose tissue, and histological changes of adipose tissue and liver cells. Results: 1. Compared with the control group, the GBB4 group was significantly lower in body weight, weight of adipocytes, and amount of glucose. 2. The GBB4 group was significantly lower in the amount of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides, and HDL-cholesterol compared with the control. 3. Compared with the control group, the GBB4 group was significantly lower in the amount of serum leptin. 4. The GBB4 group was significantly higher in the revelation of ${\beta}3AR$ and leptin in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and primary adipose cells compared with the control. 5. Compared with the control group, the GBB4 group was smaller in the size of adipocytes in adipose tissue and the adipose vacuoles in liver tissue were decreased. Conclusions: These results suggested that GBB4 has inhibitory effects on obesity. GBB4 might be applied in treatment of obesity, so further studies analyzing its effects are needed.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.80-89
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• 2008

Objectives : This study was carried out to investigate the effects of Ephedrae Herba pharmacopuncture (EHP) on the adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells, lipolysis in rat epididymal adipocytes and histological changes in porcine adipose tissue. Methods : Inhibition of preadipocyte differentiation and/or stimulation of lipolysis play important roles in reducing obesity. 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were differentiated with adipogenic reagents by incubating for 3 days in the absence or presence of EHP ranging from 0.01 to 1.0 $mg/m{\ell}$. The effect of EHP on adipogenesis was examined by measuring glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) activity and by oil red O staining. Mature adipocytes from rat epididymal fat pad were incubated with EHP ranging from 0.01 to 1.0 $mg/m{\ell}$ for 3 days. The effect of EHP on lipolysis was examined by measuring free glycerol released. Fat tissue from porcine skin was injected with EHP ranging from 0.1 to 10.0 $mg/m{\ell}$ to examine the effect of EHP on histological changes under light microscopy. Results : The following results were obtained from present study on adipogenesis of preadipocytes, lipolysis of adipocytes and histological changes in fat tissue. Proliferation of preadipocytes was significantly inhibited by EHP at the concentration of 1.0 $mg/m{\ell}$. Lipolysis of adipocytes was increased by EHP at the concentration of 0.1, 1.0 $mg/m{\ell}$. Porcine fat tissues were widely injured by EHP at the concentration of 10.0 $mg/m{\ell}$. Conclusions : From the above results, EHP efficiently induces inhibition of preadipocytes proliferation, lipolysis of adipocytes and histologic injury in fat tissues. Therefore, EHP may be useful to treat localized obesity.