The inhibitory effect of resveratrol on leptin secretion from rat adipocytes

Resveratrol was found to alleviate consequences of some metabolic disturbances which may be due to inappropriate dietary habits. It decreases mortality, increases insulin sensitivity and improves motor functions; these effects are accompanied by reduced plasma leptin and insulin. Leptin plays a significant role in the regulation of food intake and energy expenditure - elevated level in blood is one of the reasons of leptin-resistance and obesity. In this study, the direct effect of resveratrol on leptin secretion from isolated adipocytes was investigated.

Isolated rat adipocytes were incubated with resveratrol (62.5, 125 or 250 microM) and its effects on leptin secretion were studied. Cells were incubated with resveratrol in the presence of glucose (5 and 20 mM) and insulin (10 nM); glucose and nicotinic acid (1 mM); glucose and insulin in the presence of an inhibitor of protein kinase A (H-89, 50 microM) or alanine (10 mM) and insulin. The glucose uptake, glycerol release to the incubation medium, lactate and ATP produced by the cells were also measured.

Resveratrol inhibited leptin secretion in all experimental designs in a dose-dependent manner. The effect was not accompanied by changes in glycerol release and glucose uptake. Adipocyte exposure to resveratrol enhanced the lactate formation. It was found that resveratrol dramatically reduced ATP in adipocytes.

The obtained results revealed the direct ability of resveratrol to reduce leptin secretion from isolated rat adipocytes. Resveratrol is therefore a compound affecting the endocrine function of adipocytes.