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Updated: Feb 28, 2026

Measuring the Rate of Lipolysis in Ex Vivo Murine Adipose Tissue and Primary Preadipocytes Differentiated In Vitro
Published on: March 17, 2023
Heme oxygenase-1 mediates anti-adipogenesis effect of raspberry ketone in 3T3-L1 cells
Yung-Chieh Tsai1, Bo-Cheng Yang2, Wen-Huang Peng2
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan; Department of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei; Department of Sport Management, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan, Taiwan.
Background:
Obesity is caused by excessive accumulation of body fat and is closely related to complex metabolic diseases. Raspberry ketone (RK), a major aromatic compound in red raspberry, was recently reported to possess anti-obesity effects. However, its mechanisms are unclear.
Aim:
Adipogenesis plays a critical role in obesity and, therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanisms of action of RK on adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes.
Materials And Methods:
3T3-L1 preadipocytes were differentiated in medium containing insulin, dexamethasone, and 1-methyl-3-isobutylxanthine. Adipocyte lipid contents were determined using oil-red O staining while adipogenic transcription factor and lipogenic protein expressions were determined using western blotting.
Results:
RK (300-400µM) strongly inhibited lipid accumulation during 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation into adipocytes. RK reduced the CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-α (C/EBP-α), peroxisome proliferation-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) expressions and increased heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), Wnt10b, and β-catenin expressions in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Additionally, RK inhibited lipid accumulation, and adipogenic transcription factor and lipogenic protein expressions were all decreased by inhibiting HO-1 or β-catenin using tin protoporphyrin (SnPP) or β-catenin short-interfering RNA (siRNA), respectively. Furthermore, Wnt10b and β-catenin expressions were negatively regulation by SnPP.
Conclusion:
RK may exert anti-adipogenic effects through modulation of the HO-1/Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway.
Insights
Raspberry ketone (RK) inhibits fat cell formation by affecting key proteins and signaling pathways. This study reveals RK
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Metabolic Research
Background:
- Obesity, characterized by excessive body fat accumulation, is linked to metabolic diseases.
- Raspberry ketone (RK), a natural compound, shows potential anti-obesity effects, but its mechanisms require elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of RK on adipogenesis (fat cell formation) in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes.
- To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of RK's action on adipogenesis.
Main Methods:
- 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were induced to differentiate into adipocytes.
- Lipid accumulation was quantified using oil-red O staining.
- Protein and gene expression of adipogenic factors were analyzed via Western blotting and other methods.
Main Results:
- RK significantly inhibited lipid accumulation in differentiating adipocytes.
- RK modulated the expression of key adipogenic factors, including C/EBP-α, PPAR-γ, FAS, and FABP4.
- RK influenced the heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, impacting adipogenesis.
Conclusions:
- RK demonstrates anti-adipogenic properties by regulating the HO-1/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
- These findings suggest RK as a potential therapeutic agent for obesity management.
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