Effects of homocysteine on adipocyte differentiation and CD36 gene expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of homocysteine (Hcy), a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, stroke and obesity, on expression of CD36 that regulates uptake of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) by adipocytes and differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells to adipocytes. Cell viability was determined using MTT assay, and density of triglycerides were measured with Oil Red O staining. The expression levels of CD36 were analyzed using SYBR green assay by quantitative RT-PCR. Our results showed that the addition of Hcy inhibited differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes in a dose-dependent manner without a significant cell toxicity (p < 0.05). Percentage CD36 gene expression increased in the Hcy treatment groups, but not statistically significantly (p > 0.05) compared to differentiated adipocytes. Hcy reduced adipocyte differentiation, but had no effect on the expression level of CD36 in vitro conditions. The effect of Hcy on uptake and clearance of Ox-LDL by adipose tissue now needs to be investigated in vivo.