Inhibitory effects of Fucoidan in 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation

Fucoidan is a group of sulfated fucose-containing polysaccharides that derived from non-mammalian origin such as marine brown algae, the jelly coat from sea urchin eggs, and the sea cucumber body wall. However, potential biological activities against obesity from fucoidan were not reported in the literature. The objective of this study was to evaluate protective effect of fucoidan in 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation. Preadipocyte 3T3-L1 was treated with 100 and 200 microg/ml fucoidan during adipogenesis. Adipogenesis was determined through Oil Red O staining method and the expression of adipogenic genes aP2, ACC, and PPARgamma. Adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 treated with 100 and 200 microg/ml fucoidan were significantly inhibited at 32.8% and 39.7% using Oil Red O staining method, respectively (P < 0.05). Treating the 3T3-L1 cells with 100 and 200 microg/ml fucoidan significantly decreased the expression of aP2 gene by 6.2% and 27.2%, respectively, of ACC gene by 22.2% and 38.2%, respectively, and of PPARgamma gene by 44.2% and 69.4%, respectively, compared to adipocyte controls (P < 0.05). The results suggest that fucoidan could be used for inhibiting fat accumulation, which is mediated by decreasing aP2, ACC, and PPARgamma gene expression.