N-Caffeoyltryptophan enhances adipogenic differentiation in preadipocytes and improves glucose tolerance in mice

Coffee consumption has been shown to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in humans; however, the exact mechanism is not completely understood. Here, we demonstrate that N-caffeoyltryptophan (CTP), an ingredient of coffee, enhances adipogenic differentiation and promotes glucose uptake into adipocytes. CTP increased lipid accumulation and adipogenic markers (PPARγ, C/EBPα, and FABP4) expression in mouse 3T3-L1 preadipocyte cell lines and primary preadipocytes. In addition, CTP promoted glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 cells. In the oral glucose tolerance test, daily administration of CTP (30 mg/kg/day, i.p.) for a week reduced blood glucose levels in mice. In 3T3-L1 cells, adipogenic differentiation and increased adipogenic markers expression induced by CTP were inhibited by U0126, a selective MEK1/2 inhibitor. Furthermore, mRNA induction of Pparg by CTP was abrogated in SIRT1 siRNA-transfected 3T3-L1 cells. These results suggest the involvement of the MEK/ERK signaling and SIRT1 in the mechanism of adipogenic function of CTP. Taken together, CTP might contribute to the reduction in postprandial glycemia and a subsequent reduction in onset risk for T2DM.