Inhibitory Effects of Hwangryunhaedok-Tang in 3T3-L1 Adipogenesis by Regulation of Raf/MEK1/ERK1/2 Pathway and PDK1/Akt Phosphorylation

The Therapeutic Potential of Wogonin Observed in Preclinical Studies

Wogonin is a flavonoid found in different plants such as roots of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi distributed mainly in Asia and Europe. Dried root extracts of S. baicalensis with high content of wogonin, popularly known as "Huang-Qin" or Chinese or baical skullcap, have been used for long time in traditional Chinese medicine. Several health benefits are attributed to wogonin and derivatives showing anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anticancer, and antioxidant effects and more recently antineurodegenerative properties. Preclinical pharmacological activities of wogonin against diverse types of cancer such as breast, colorectal, and human gastric cancer will be presented in this review. In addition, studies on oxidative stress and bioavailability of wogonin will be discussed together with antineurodegenerative potential with special focus on Alzheimer's disease. Outcomes extracted from the last preclinical studies related to therapeutic applications of wogonin will be commented and updated in this review. The scientific evidence collected in this review aims to encourage transfer of the preclinical evidence of wogonin to new clinical studies.

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.

Herbal Combination of Phyllostachys pubescens and Scutellaria baicalensis Inhibits Adipogenesis and Promotes Browning via AMPK Activation in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

To investigate the anti-obesity effects and underlying mechanism of BS21, a combination of Phyllostachys pubescens leaves and Scutellaria baicalensis roots was used to investigate the effects of BS21 on adipogenesis, lipogenesis, and browning in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The expression of adipocyte-specific genes was observed via Western blot, and the BS21 chemical profile was analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). BS21 treatment inhibited adipocyte differentiation and reduced the expression of the adipogenic proteins peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP-α), and adipocyte protein 2 (aP2), as well as the lipogenic proteins sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c) and fatty-acid synthase (FAS). BS21 enhanced protein levels of the beta-oxidation genes carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT1) and phospho-acetyl-coA carboxylase (p-ACC). BS21 also induced protein expressions of the browning marker genes PR domain containing 16 (PRDM16), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator 1-alpha (PGC1α), and uncoupling protein (UCP) 1, and it induced the expression of the thermogenic gene UCP2. Furthermore, BS21 increased adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation. UPLC analysis showed that BS21 contains active constituents such as chlorogenic acid, orientin, isoorientin, baicalin, wogonoside, baicalein, tricin, wogonin, and chrysin. Our findings demonstrate that BS21 plays a modulatory role in adipocytes by reducing adipogenesis and lipogenesis, increasing fat oxidation, and inducing browning.

Paeonol, an Ingredient of Kamishoyosan, Reduces Intracellular Lipid Accumulation by Inhibiting Glucocorticoid Receptor Activity in 3T3-L1 Cells

Excessive triglyceride accumulation in lipid-metabolizing tissues is associated with an increased risk of a variety of metabolic diseases. Kamishoyosan (KSS) is a Kampo composed of 10 constituent herbs, and contains moutan cortex (MC) and paeonol (PN) as the major ingredient of MC. Here, we demonstrate the molecular mechanism underlying the effect of KSS on the differentiation of mouse preadipocytes (3T3-L1 cells). KSS inhibited the accumulation of triglycerides in a dose-dependent manner in 3T3-L1 cells that were induced to differentiate into adipocytes. We also found that MC and PN were responsible for the anti-adipogenetic effect of KSS and significantly suppressed the expression of CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins-δ (C/EBP-δ) mRNA 3 days after the induction of differentiation. Thus, PN may contribute to the anti-adipogenetic property of MC in 3T3-L1 cells. In addition, PN inhibited dexamethasone (Dex)-induced glucocorticoid receptor (GR) promoter activity. Taken together, these results suggest that PN suppresses C/EBP-δ expression by inhibiting Dex-induced GR promoter activity at the early stage of differentiation and, consequently, delays differentiation into mature adipocytes. Our results suggest that the habitual intake of Kampo-containing PN contributes to the prevention of the onset of metabolic diseases by decreasing the excessive accumulation of triglycerides in lipid-metabolizing tissues.

Palmatine: A review of pharmacological properties and pharmacokinetics

The aim of this review is to collect together the results of the numerous studies over the last two decades on the pharmacological properties of palmatine published in scientific databases like Scopus and PubMed, which are scattered across different publications. Palmatine, an isoquinoline alkaloid from the class of protoberberines, is a yellow compound present in the extracts from different representatives of Berberidaceae, Papaveraceae, Ranunculaceae, and Menispermaceae. It has been extensively used in traditional medicine of Asia in the treatment of jaundice, liver-related diseases, hypertension, inflammation, and dysentery. New findings describe its possible applications in the treatment of civilization diseases like central nervous system-related problems. This review intends to let this alkaloid come out from the shade of a more frequently described alkaloid: berberine. The toxicity, pharmacokinetics, and biological activities of this protoberberine alkaloid will be developed in this work.

LY3009120, a pan-Raf kinase inhibitor, inhibits adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 cells by controlling the expression and phosphorylation of C/EBP-α, PPAR-γ, STAT‑3, FAS, ACC, perilipin A, and AMPK

Excessive preadipocyte differentiation/adipogenesis is closely linked to the development of obesity. LY3009120 is a pan‑Raf kinase inhibitor and is known for its anticancer activities. In the present study, the effect of LY3009120 on 3T3‑L1 cell adipogenesis was investigated. The differentiation of 3T3‑L1 preadipocytes into adipocytes was measured by Oil Red O staining and AdipoRed assay. Changes of cellular protein expression and phosphorylation levels in differentiating 3T3‑L1 preadipocytes in the absence or presence of LY3009120 were determined by western blotting analysis. Cell count assay was used to assess the cytotoxicity of LY3009120 on 3T3‑L1 cells. At 0.3 µM, LY3009120 markedly inhibited lipid accumulation and decreased triglyceride content in differentiating 3T3‑L1 cells. However, it had minimal effect on the elevated expression and phosphorylation of three Raf kinase isoforms (C‑Raf, A‑Raf, and B‑Raf) observed in the cells. LY3009120 reduced not only the expression of CCAAT/enhancer‑binding protein‑α (C/EBP‑α), peroxisome proliferator‑activated receptor‑γ (PPAR‑γ), fatty acid synthase (FAS), acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC), and perilipin A, but also reduced the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription‑3 (STAT‑3) in differentiating 3T3‑L1 cells. LY3009120 also increased the phosphorylation of adenosine 3',5'‑cyclic monophosphate (cAMP)‑activated protein kinase (AMPK), but did not affect the phosphorylation or expression of liver kinase B1 in these cells. In summary, this is the first report, to the best of our knowledge, demonstrating that LY3009120 has an anti‑adipogenic effect on 3T3‑L1 cells, which may be mediated through control of the expression and phosphorylation of C/EBP‑α, PPAR‑γ, STAT‑3, FAS, ACC, perilipin A, and AMPK.

The enhancement of combination of berberine and metformin in inhibition of DNMT1 gene expression through interplay of SP1 and PDPK1

Berberine (BBR), one of active alkaloid found in the rhizome, exhibited anti‐cancer properties. We have showed that BBR inhibited growth of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells through mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK)‐mediated increase in forkhead box O3a (FOXO3a). However, the in‐depth mechanism underlying the anti‐tumor effects still remained to be elucidated. Herein, we further confirmed that BBR not only induced cell cycle arrest, but also reduced migration and invasion of NSCLC cells. Mechanistically, we observed that BBR reduced 3‐phosphoinositide‐dependent protein kinase‐1 (PDPK1) and transcription factor SP1 protein expressions. Exogenously expressed SP1 overcame BBR‐inhibited PDPK1 expression. Moreover, BBR inhibited DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) gene expression and overexpressed DNMT1 resisted BBR‐inhibited cell growth. Intriguingly, overexpressed PDPK1 antagonized BBR‐inhibited SP1 and DNMT1 expressions. Finally, metformin enhanced the effects of BBR both in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, we observe that BBR inhibits proliferation of NSCLC cells through inhibition of SP1 and PDPK1; this results in a reduction of DNMT1 expression. The interplay of PDPK1 and SP1 contributes to the inhibition of DNMT1 in response to BBR. In addition, there is a synergy of BBR and metformin. This study uncovers a new mechanism of BBR in combination with metformin for NSCLC‐associated therapy.

Protective effect of HwangRyunHaeDok-Tang water extract against chronic obstructive pulmonary disease induced by cigarette smoke and lipopolysaccharide in a mouse model

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Hwangryunhaedok-tang is an oriental herbal formula treated to cure inflammation and gastric disorders in China, Japan, and Korea. We explored the protective effects of Hwangryunhaedok-tang water extract (HRWE) against airway pathophysiological changes caused by cigarette smoke (CS) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in a mouse.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed quantitative analyses of five marker components, namely geniposide, baicalin, coptisine, plamatine, and berberine, using high-performance liquid chromatography. Animals were received CS exposure (1h per day) for 7 days. LPS was administered intranasally on day 4. Mice were received HRWE at dose of 100 or 200mg/kg for 1h before CS exposure.

RESULTS

Treatment with HRWE significantly suppressed the increased inflammatory cell count induced by CS and LPS exposure. In addition, reduction in IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was observed after HRWE treatment. HRWE not only decreased inflammatory cell infiltration in lung, but also decreased the expression of iNOS, NF-κB and matrix metallopeptidase (MMP)-9 in lung tissues.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that HRWE can attenuate respiratory inflammation caused by CS and LPS exposure. Therefore, HRWE has potential for treating airway inflammatory disease.

Rhizoma Coptidis: A Potential Cardiovascular Protective Agent

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in both the developed and developing world. Rhizoma coptidis (RC), known as Huang Lian in China, is the dried rhizome of medicinal plants from the family Ranunculaceae, such as Coptis chinensis Franch, C. deltoidea C.Y. Cheng et Hsiao, and C. teeta Wall which has been used by Chinese medicinal physicians for more than 2000 years. In China, RC is a common component in traditional medicines used to treat CVD associated problems including obesity, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia and disorders of lipid metabolism. In recent years, numerous scientific studies have sought to investigate the biological properties of RC to provide scientific evidence for its traditional medical uses. RC has been found to exert significant beneficial effects on major risk factors for CVDs including anti-atherosclerotic effect, lipid-lowering effect, anti-obesity effect and anti-hepatic steatosis effect. It also has myocardioprotective effect as it provides protection from myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. These properties have been attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds contained in RC such as berberine, coptisine, palmatine, epiberberine, jatrorrhizine, and magnoflorine; all of which have been demonstrated to have cardioprotective effects on the various parameters contributing to the occurrence of CVD through a variety of pathways. The evidence available in the published literature indicates that RC is a herb with tremendous potential to reduce the risks of CVDs, and this review aims to summarize the cardioprotective properties of RC with reference to the published literature which overall indicates that RC is a herb with remarkable potential to reduce the risks and damage caused by CVDs.

Soshiho-Tang Aqueous Extract Exerts Antiobesity Effects in High Fat Diet-Fed Mice and Inhibits Adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

Soshiho-tang (SST; sho-saiko-to in Japanese; xiaochaihu-tang in Chinese) has generally been used to improve liver fibrosis- and cirrhosis-related symptoms in traditional Korean medicine. Although many studies have investigated the pharmacological properties of SST, its antiobesity effect has not been elucidated. Thus, our present study was carried out to evaluate the antiobesity effect of SST using a high fat diet- (HFD) induced obese mouse model and 3T3-L1 adipose cells. C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups (n = 6/group), normal diet (ND), HFD-fed group, and HFD- and SST-fed groups (S200: 200 mg/kg of SST; S600: 600 mg/kg of SST) and given HFD with or without SST extract for 8 weeks. 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were differentiated into adipocytes for 8 days with or without SST. In the HFD-fed obese mice, body weight and fat accumulation in adipose tissue were significantly reduced by SST administration. Compared with control-differentiated adipocytes, SST significantly inhibited lipid accumulation by decreasing the triglyceride (TG) content and leptin concentration in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. SST also decreased the expression of adipogenesis-related genes including lipoprotein lipase (LPL), fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-alpha (C/EBP-α), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ). Our findings suggest that SST has potential as a nontoxic antiobesity medication.

The Herbal Medicine KBH-1 Inhibits Fat Accumulation in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes and Reduces High Fat Diet-Induced Obesity through Regulation of the AMPK Pathway

The aim of this study was to investigate whether a novel formulation of an herbal extract, KBH-1, has an inhibitory effect on obesity. To determine its anti-obesity effects and its underlying mechanism, we performed anti-obesity-related experiments in vitro and in vivo. 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were analyzed for lipid accumulation as well as the protein and gene expression of molecular targets involved in fatty acid synthesis. To determine whether KBH-1 oral administration results in a reduction in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity, we examined five groups (n = 9) of C57BL/6 mice as follows: 10% kcal fat diet-fed mice (ND), 60% kcal fat diet-fed mice (HFD), HFD-fed mice treated with orlistat (tetrahydrolipstatin, marketed under the trade name Xenical), HFD-fed mice treated with 150 mg/kg KBH-1 (KBH-1 150) and HFD-fed mice treated with 300 mg/kg KBH-1 (KBH-1 300). During adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 cells in vitro, KBH-1 significantly reduced lipid accumulation and down-regulated the expression of master adipogenic transcription factors, including CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) β, C/EBP α and peroxisome proliferation-activity receptor (PPAR) γ, which led to the suppression of the expression of several adipocyte-specific genes and proteins. KBH-1 also markedly phosphorylated the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC). In addition, KBH-1-induced the inhibition effect on lipid accumulation and AMPK-mediated signal activation were decreased by blocking AMPK phosphorylation using AMPK siRNA. Furthermore, daily oral administration of KBH-1 resulted in dose-dependent decreases in body weight, fat pad mass and fat tissue size without systemic toxicity. These results suggest that KBH-1 inhibits lipid accumulation by down-regulating the major transcription factors of the adipogenesis pathway by regulating the AMPK pathway in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and in mice with HFD-induced obesity. These results implicate KBH-1, a safe herbal extract, as a potential anti-obesity therapeutic agent.

Traditional medicine yanggyuksanhwa-tang inhibits adipogenesis and suppresses proliferator-activated receptor-gamma expression in 3T3-L1 cells

Background:

Yanggyuksanhwa-tang (YGSHT) is a specific traditional Korean herbal formula for Soyangin according to Sasang constitutional philosophy. Although its biological activities against inflammation and cerebral infarction have been reporting, there is no information about the adipogenic activity of YGSHT. In the present study, we investigated the anti-adipogenic activity of YGSHT to evaluate effects of YGSHT on adipogenesis in vitro.

Materials and Methods:

Using 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, we induced the cellular differentiation into adipocytes by adding insulin. Anti-adipogenic activity of YGSHT was measured by oil red O staining, triglyceride assay, glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) activity test, and leptin assay.

Results:

YGSHT extract had no significant cytotoxicity in preadipocytes or differentiated adipocytes. YGSHT reduced the number of lipid droplets and content of triglyceride in adipose cells. YGSHT also significantly inhibited GPDH activity and decreased leptin production compared with control adipocytes. Down-regulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ) expression at the messenger RNA level was observed in YGSHT-treated adipocytes.

Conclusion:

Taken together, our data suggest that YGSHT has potential as an anti-obesity drug candidate.

Novel cancer chemotherapy hits by molecular topology: dual Akt and Beta-catenin inhibitors

Background and Purpose

Colorectal and prostate cancers are two of the most common types and cause of a high rate of deaths worldwide. Therefore, any strategy to stop or at least slacken the development and progression of malignant cells is an important therapeutic choice. The aim of the present work is the identification of novel cancer chemotherapy agents. Nowadays, many different drug discovery approaches are available, but this paper focuses on Molecular Topology, which has already demonstrated its extraordinary efficacy in this field, particularly in the identification of new hit and lead compounds against cancer. This methodology uses the graph theoretical formalism to numerically characterize molecular structures through the so called topological indices. Once obtained a specific framework, it allows the construction of complex mathematical models that can be used to predict physical, chemical or biological properties of compounds. In addition, Molecular Topology is highly efficient in selecting and designing new hit and lead drugs. According to the aforementioned, Molecular Topology has been applied here for the construction of specific Akt/mTOR and β-catenin inhibition mathematical models in order to identify and select novel antitumor agents.

Experimental Approach

Based on the results obtained by the selected mathematical models, six novel potential inhibitors of the Akt/mTOR and β-catenin pathways were identified. These compounds were then tested in vitro to confirm their biological activity.

Conclusion and Implications

Five of the selected compounds, CAS n° 256378-54-8 (Inhibitor n°1), 663203-38-1 (Inhibitor n°2), 247079-73-8 (Inhibitor n°3), 689769-86-6 (Inhibitor n°4) and 431925-096 (Inhibitor n°6) gave positive responses and resulted to be active for Akt/mTOR and/or β-catenin inhibition. This study confirms once again the Molecular Topology’s reliability and efficacy to find out novel drugs in the field of cancer.

Traditional Herbal Formula Oyaksungi-San Inhibits Adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

Background. Oyaksungi-san (OYSGS) is a herbal formula that has been used for treating cardiovascular diseases in traditional Asian medicine. Here, we investigated the antiadipogenic effect of OYSGS extract in 3T3-L1 adipose cells. Methods. 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were differentiated into adipocytes with or without OYSGS. After differentiation, we measured Oil Red O staining, glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) activity, leptin production, mRNA, and protein levels of adipogenesis-related factors. Results. OYSGS extract dramatically inhibited intracellular lipid accumulation in the differentiated adipocytes. It also significantly suppressed the (GPDH) activity, triglyceride (TG) content, and leptin production by reducing the expression of adipogenesis-related genes including lipoprotein lipase, fatty acid binding protein 4, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-alpha (C/EBP-α), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ). Furthermore, OYSGS clearly enhanced phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) as well as its substrate acetyl CoA (ACC) carboxylase. Conclusions. Our results demonstrate that OYSGS negatively controls TG accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. We suggest antiadipogenic activity of OYSGS and its potential benefit in preventing obesity.

The effect and mechanism of tamoxifen-induced hepatocyte steatosis in vitro

The aim of this study was to determine the effect and mechanism of tamoxifen (TAM)-induced steatosis in vitro. HepG 2 (Human hepatocellular liver carcinoma cell line) cells were treated with different concentrations of TAM for 72 h. Steatosis of hepatocytes was determined after Oil Red O staining and measurement of triglyceride (TG) concentration. The expressions of genes in the TG homeostasis pathway, including sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα), fatty acid synthase (FAS), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD), carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1) and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP), were examined using quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. Cell proliferation was examined using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. We found that hepatocytes treated with TAM had: (1) induced hepatocyte steatosis and increased hepatocyte TG; (2) upregulation of SREBP-1c, FAS, ACC, SCD and MTP mRNA expressions (300%, 600%, 70%, 130% and 160%, respectively); (3) corresponding upregulation of protein expression; and (4) no difference in HepG 2 cell proliferation. Our results suggest that TAM can induce hepatocyte steatosis in vitro and that the enhancement of fatty acid synthesis through the upregulations of SREBP-1c and its downstream target genes (FAS, ACC and SCD) may be the key mechanism of TAM-induced hepatocyte steatosis.

Plant natural products as an anti-lipid droplets accumulation agent

Recently people often suffer from unhealthy energy metabolism balance as they tend to take more energy than required. Normally, excess energy taken in is converted into triglyceride and stored in adipocyte as lipid droplets. Recent studies have suggested that irregular accumulation of triglyceride in adipocyte might be a cause of many metabolic diseases. Thus, the awareness of the detrimental effects on health of excessive lipid droplets accumulation (LDA) has urged the development or finding of drugs to counter this effect, including those from botanical origins. This review summarized recent progress in this field from the viewpoint of crude drug studies with references to their anti-LDA activity. Possible mechanisms involved in their anti-LDA effect and isolations of the relevant bioactive compounds were also discussed.