Effects of Chrysoeriol on Adipogenesis and Lipolysis in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

Two Triterpenoids, ARM-2 and RA-5, From Protorhus longifolia Exhibit the Potential to Modulate Lipolysis and Lipogenesis in Cultured 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

Triterpenoids have been identified as potential novel lipid-lowering drugs for the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia. This study investigated the potential antilipogenic and/or antilipolytic effects of two triterpenoids (ARM-2 and RA-5) isolated from the stem bark of Protorhus longifolia (Benrh.) Engl. Employing a combination of in silico predictions and in vitro assays, the interactions between these triterpenoids and key proteins involved in lipogenesis and lipolysis were investigated. In silico molecular docking analysis predicted a favourable binding affinity of both triterpenoids to PPARγ, SREBP-1, and AMPK, with lower binding affinity to C/EBPα, pancreatic lipase, and hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL). Both triterpenoids exhibited in vitro inhibition of pancreatic lipase with Ki and IC50 values ranging from 28.7 to 52.9 μM and 27.6 to 35.8 μM, respectively. Total and neutral lipid accumulation in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes and the oleic acid-induced HepG2 cell model was inhibited, with ARM-2 showing better inhibition than RA-5. In the HepG2 model, the inhibitory activity of the two triterpenoids (at 25 and 100 μM) was comparable to 50 μM lovastatin, although the latter was cytotoxic, whereas both ARM-2 and RA-2 lacked cytotoxicity. Associated gene expression was similar to the effect of simvastatin where the expression of SREBP-1, PPARγ, C/EBPα, and HSL was reduced and that of AMPK was unchanged. In vitro studies confirmed that ARM-2 and RA-5 also inhibited adipocyte lipolysis, where the reduction in glycerol release by 25 and 100 μM was similar to 50 μM lovastatin and simvastatin. This study identifies that the triterpenoids, ARM-2 and RA-5, have the potential to modulate lipogenesis and lipolysis.

Suppression of Inflammation in Adipocyte-Macrophage Coculture by Passion Fruit Seed Extract: Insights into the p38 and NF-ҡB Pathway

Obesity, which is characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation, involves the infiltration of immune cells into adipose tissue, leading to the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and subsequent inflammation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the potential of passion fruit seed extract (PSEE) in mitigating lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in a coculture system comprising macrophages and adipocytes. PSEE demonstrated significant reductions in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) levels, primarily achieved through the downregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein expression in LPS-induced adipocyte-macrophage cocultures. Furthermore, PSEE effectively suppressed the secretion of TNF-α and IL-1β by attenuating the gene expression of these cytokines, as well as other inflammation-related genes such as MMP-2, IL-6, and MCP-1. Notably, PSEE exhibited potent inhibitory effects on the p38 and NF-κB signaling pathways, thus alleviating inflammation in the LPS-induced adipocyte-macrophage cocultures. Additionally, PSEE led to a decrease in the expression of ACC, HSL, and FaSN, while aP2 and ATGL showed increased expression in LPS-induced cocultured macrophages and adipocytes. These findings suggest that passion fruit seed extract effectively combats inflammation by suppressing the p38 and NF-κB signaling pathways, resulting in reduced levels of proinflammatory cytokines, NO, and ROS production.

Chrysoeriol Improves the Early Development Potential of Porcine Oocytes by Maintaining Lipid Homeostasis and Improving Mitochondrial Function

Our previous study established that chrysoeriol (CHE) can reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, apoptosis, and autophagy in vitro culture (IVC) of porcine embryos. However, the role of CHE in oocyte maturation and lipid homeostasis is unclear. Herein, we aimed to elucidate the effect of CHE on porcine oocyte competence in vitro maturation (IVM) and subsequent embryo development. The study chooses parthenogenetic activated porcine oocytes as the research model. The study revealed that the cumulus expansion index and related gene expressions are significantly elevated after supplementing 1 μM CHE. Although there were no significant differences in nuclear maturation and cleavage rates, the blastocyst formation rate and total cell numbers were significantly increased in the 1 μM CHE group. In addition, CHE improved the expression of genes related to oocyte and embryo development. ROS was significantly downregulated in all CHE treatment groups, and intracellular GSH (glutathione) was significantly upregulated in 0.01, 0.1, and 1 μM CHE groups. The immunofluorescence results indicated that mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and lipid droplet (LD), fatty acid (FA), ATP, and functional mitochondria contents significantly increased with 1 μM CHE compared to the control. Furthermore, CHE increased the expression of genes related to lipid metabolism, mitochondrial biogenesis, and β-oxidation.