Xanthohumol decreases adipocyte differentiation

Abstract

Lately, some phytochemicals have been demonstrated to possess anti-obesity properties. In this regard we investigated the effect of xanthohumol (XN), a flavonoid from hops (Humulus lupulus L.) in preadipocyte differentiation. For this, we tested the effect of XN on 3T3-L1 cells in lipid accumulation in several periods of preadipocyte differentiation, PPARγ expression and NFκB activation. Differentiation was measured using oil red O incorporation or PPARγ expression and NFκB activation was assessed by ELISA. XN reduced culture lipid content and this effect was more pronounced when the compound was present before (46% of control) or during differentiation induction (47% of control). Supporting these results, PPARγ transcription was also reduced by treatment with 10 μM XN, corroborating an inhibitory effect of the flavonoid in adipocyte differentiation. NFκB activation was detected in preadipocytes which may account for part of the effects on differentiation, although it was unaltered in adipocytes. These results suggest that XN is able to reduce adipocyte differentiation which may contribute to increase adipocyte size. Since adipocyte hypertrophy may result in obesity-related inflammatory events, XN may not improve the metabolic profile associated with obesity.

Supported by FCT (POCI, FEDER, Programa Comunitário de Apoio, SFRH/BPD/40110/2007) and Instituto de Bebidas e Saúde (iBeSa).