Methotrexate enhances 3T3-L1 adipocytes hypertrophy

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Metabolism
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Methotrexate (MTX) is a common treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
• Metabolic syndrome (MeS) is prevalent in RA patients.
• Adipose tissue plays a key role in metabolic complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of MTX on preadipocyte proliferation.
• To assess MTX's impact on adipogenesis (fat cell differentiation).
• To determine MTX's influence on glucose uptake by adipocytes.

Main Methods:

• Used 3T3-L1 preadipocytes.
• Assessed proliferation via sulforhodamine B staining and (3H)-thymidine incorporation.
• Evaluated adipogenesis by Oil Red O staining for lipid accumulation.
• Measured glucose uptake using (3H)-deoxyglucose ((3H)-DG) uptake assays.

Main Results:

• MTX reduced preadipocyte proliferation and protein content in a dose-dependent manner.
• Low-dose MTX (0.1 μM) enhanced lipid accumulation and basal glucose uptake in adipocytes.
• MTX-treated adipocytes showed impaired insulin-stimulated glucose uptake.

Conclusions:

• Methotrexate interferes with adipocyte proliferation and promotes hypertrophic growth.
• MTX alters adipocyte function, affecting lipid accumulation and glucose metabolism.
• These findings suggest potential implications for the metabolic profile of RA patients undergoing MTX treatment.