Target molecules in 3T3-L1 adipocytes differentiation are regulated by maslinic acid, a natural triterpene from Olea europaea

BackgroundMetabolic 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.PurposeHere we report the effects of MA on the adipogenesis process in 3T3-L1 cells.MethodsCell viability, glucose uptake, cytoplasmic triglyceride droplets, triglycerides quantification, gene transcription factors such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (aP2) and intracellular Ca2+ levels were determined in pre-adipocytes and adipocytes of 3T3-L1 cells.ResultsMA increased glucose uptake. MA also decreased lipid droplets and triglyceride levels, which is in concordance with the down-regulation of PPARγ and aP2. Finally, MA increased the intracellular Ca2+ concentration, which could also be involved in the demonstrated antiadipogenic effect of this triterpene.ConclusionMA has been demonstrated as potential antiadipogenic compound in 3T3-L1 cells

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