Inhibitory effect of (E)-1,2-di(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)ethene on 3T3-L1 adiopocyte differentiation

Resveratrol (trans-3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene) is a phytoalexin found in diverse plant species, including grapes and peanuts. The antioxidant, anticancer, and cardioprotective properties of resveratrol have been well-characterized. The anti-obesity effect of resveratrol has also been demonstrated in previous studies. In this study, we evaluated the effects of a resveratrol analogue, (E)-1,2-di(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)ethene, on adipocyte differentiation using 3T3-L1 cells. According to our results, the tested analogue potently inhibits the differentiation of 3T3-L1 adipocyte to a greater degree than resveratrol. Moreover, (E)-1,2-di(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)ethene strongly downregulated the expression of fatty acid metabolism-related proteins such as fatty acid synthase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase. These results point to the potential of (E)-1,2-di(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)ethene as an obesity prevention agent.