Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2025
Author Spotlight: Insights into Cardiometabolic Diseases with Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Microvasculature Studies
Published on: April 5, 2024
Effects of Extracts of Two Selected Strains of Haematococcus pluvialis on Adipocyte Function
Ilaria Pappalardo1, Anna Santarsiero1, Rosa Paola Radice1,2
1Department of Science, University of Basilicata, Viale dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy.
Abstract:
Recently, microalgae are arousing considerable interest as a source of countless molecules with potential impacts in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical fields. Haematococcus pluvialis, also named Haematococcus lacustris, is the largest producer of astaxanthin, a carotenoid exhibiting powerful health effects, including anti-lipogenic and anti-diabetic activities. This study was carried out to investigate the properties of two selected strains of H. pluvialis (FBR1 and FBR2) on lipid metabolism, lipolysis and adipogenesis using an in vitro obesity model. FBR1 and FBR2 showed no antiproliferative effect at the lowest concentration in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Treatment with FBR2 extract reduced lipid deposition, detected via Oil Red O staining and the immunocontent of the adipogenic proteins PPARγ, ACLY and AMPK was revealed using Western blot analysis. Extracts from both strains induced lipolysis in vitro and reduced the secretion of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α. Moreover, the FBR1 and FBR2 extracts improved mitochondrial function, reducing the levels of mitochondrial superoxide anion radical and increasing mitochondrial mass compared to untreated adipocytes. These findings suggest that FBR2 extract, more so than FBR1, may represent a promising strategy in overweight and obesity prevention and treatment.
Insights
Microalgae extracts from Haematococcus pluvialis strains FBR1 and FBR2 show potential for obesity treatment. FBR2 extract notably reduced fat deposition and improved mitochondrial function in an in vitro obesity model.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Nutraceuticals
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Microalgae, particularly Haematococcus pluvialis, are rich sources of bioactive compounds like astaxanthin.
- Astaxanthin possesses significant anti-lipogenic and anti-diabetic properties, making it valuable for health applications.
- Investigating specific microalgae strains for targeted health benefits is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of two Haematococcus pluvialis strains (FBR1 and FBR2) on lipid metabolism, lipolysis, and adipogenesis.
- To assess the potential of these microalgae extracts as an in vitro obesity treatment strategy.
- To compare the efficacy of FBR1 and FBR2 extracts in modulating key adipogenic and mitochondrial markers.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an in vitro obesity model using 3T3-L1 adipocytes.
- Assessed antiproliferative effects of microalgae extracts.
- Quantified lipid deposition using Oil Red O staining.
- Analyzed adipogenic protein expression (PPARγ, ACLY, AMPK) via Western blot.
- Measured lipolysis, inflammatory cytokine secretion (IL-6, TNF-α), and mitochondrial function (superoxide radical, mitochondrial mass).
Main Results:
- Neither FBR1 nor FBR2 extracts exhibited antiproliferative effects at the tested concentration.
- FBR2 extract significantly reduced lipid accumulation in adipocytes.
- Both extracts promoted lipolysis and decreased secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α.
- FBR1 and FBR2 extracts enhanced mitochondrial function by reducing superoxide levels and increasing mitochondrial mass.
- FBR2 demonstrated a more pronounced effect on reducing lipid deposition compared to FBR1.
Conclusions:
- Haematococcus pluvialis extracts, particularly FBR2, show promise for preventing and treating overweight and obesity.
- These microalgae extracts modulate key pathways involved in lipid metabolism and adipogenesis.
- Improved mitochondrial function and reduced inflammation contribute to the anti-obesity effects observed.
