Target molecules in 3T3 L1 adipocytes differentiation are regulated by maslinic acid, a natural triterpene from Olea europaea.
BACKGROUND Metabolic syndrome is a set of pathologies among which stand out the obesity, which is related to the lipid droplet accumulation and changes to cellular morphology regulated by several molecules and transcription factors. Maslinic acid (MA) is a natural product with demonstrated pharmacological functions including anti inflammation, anti tumor and anti oxidation, among others. PURPOSE Here we report the effects of MA on the adipogenesis process in 3T3 L1 cells. METHODS Cell viability, glucose uptake, cytoplasmic triglyceride droplets, triglycerides quantification, gene transcription factors such as peroxisome proliferator activated receptor g (PPARg) and adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (aP2) and intracellular Ca2+ levels were determined in pre adipocytes and adipocytes of 3T3 L1 cells. RESULTS MA increased glucose uptake. MA also decreased lipid droplets and triglyceride levels, which is in concordance with the down regulation of PPARg and aP2. Finally, MA increased the intracellular Ca2+ concentration, which could also be involved in the demonstrated antiadipogenic effect of this triterpene. CONCLUSION MA has been demonstrated as potential antiadipogenic compound in 3T3 L1 cells.
Phytomedicine international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology