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Updated: Jul 3, 2026
Mechanism of Regulation of Adipocyte Numbers in Adult Organisms Through Differentiation and Apoptosis Homeostasis
Published on: June 3, 2016
Resveratrol induces apoptosis and inhibits adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes
Srujana Rayalam1, Jeong-Yeh Yang, Suresh Ambati
1Department of Animal & Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-2771, USA.
Abstract:
Resveratrol, a phytoallexin, has recently been reported to slow aging by acting as a sirtuin activator. Resveratrol also has a wide range of pharmacological effects on adipocytes. In this study, we investigated the effects of resveratrol on adipogenesis and apoptosis using 3T3-L1 cells. In mature adipocytes, 100 and 200 microM resveratrol decreased cell viability dose-dependently by 23 +/- 2.7%, and 75.3 +/- 2.8% (p < 0.0001), respectively, after 48 h treatment, and 100 microM resveratrol increased apoptosis by 76 +/- 8.7% (p < 0.0001). Resveratrol at 25 and 50 microM decreased lipid accumulation in maturing preadipocytes significantly by 43 +/- 1.27% and 94.3 +/- 0.3% (p < 0.0001) and decreased cell viability by 25 +/- 1.3% and 70.4 +/- 1.6% (p < 0.0001), respectively. In order to understand the anti-adipogenic effects of resveratrol, maturing 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were treated with 25 microM resveratrol and the change in the expression of several adipogenic transcription factors and enzymes was investigated using real-time RT-PCR. Resveratrol down-regulated the expression of PPAR gamma, C/EBP alpha, SREBP-1c, FAS, HSL, LPL and up-regulated the expression of genes regulating mitochondrial activity (SIRT3, UCP1 and Mfn2). These results indicate that resveratrol may alter fat mass by directly affecting cell viability and adipogenesis in maturing preadipocytes and inducing apoptosis in adipocytes and thus may have applications for the treatment of obesity.
Insights
Resveratrol, a compound found in grapes, reduces fat cell formation and increases fat cell death. This suggests potential applications for resveratrol in managing obesity.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Resveratrol is a phytoalexin known for its anti-aging properties via sirtuin activation.
- Resveratrol exhibits diverse pharmacological effects on adipocytes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of resveratrol on adipogenesis and apoptosis in 3T3-L1 cells.
- To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying resveratrol's anti-adipogenic actions.
Main Methods:
- 3T3-L1 cells (preadipocytes and mature adipocytes) were treated with varying concentrations of resveratrol.
- Cell viability, lipid accumulation, and apoptosis were assessed.
- Real-time RT-PCR was used to analyze the expression of key adipogenic and mitochondrial genes.
Main Results:
- Resveratrol significantly decreased adipocyte viability and induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner.
- Resveratrol inhibited lipid accumulation in differentiating preadipocytes.
- Resveratrol modulated the expression of adipogenic transcription factors (PPARγ, C/EBPα, SREBP-1c) and related enzymes, while upregulating mitochondrial genes (SIRT3, UCP1, Mfn2).
Conclusions:
- Resveratrol impacts fat mass by directly influencing preadipocyte viability and adipogenesis.
- Resveratrol induces apoptosis in mature adipocytes.
- These findings suggest resveratrol's potential therapeutic utility in obesity treatment.
