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Anti-adipogenic effect of Malva parviflora on 3T3-L1 adipocytes
Marisol Méndez-Martínez1,2, Alejandro Zamilpa3, Miguel A Zavala-Sánchez1
1División de Ciencias Biológicas y de la Salud, Departamento de Sistemas Biológicos, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City, Mexico.
Abstract:
Malva parviflora has shown anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, antihyperlipidemic, and hypoglycemic effects. This study is aimed to evaluate the anti-adipogenic effect of M. parviflora on 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Fibroblast differentiation was induced either in the absence or presence of M. parviflora fractions (F3, F4, F7, F12, F13, F17, F18 and F19) for 4 days; F17 and 18 were the most effective fractions in reducing intracellular lipid accumulation (by 25.6% and 23.1%, respectively). EC50 of F17 and F18 (14 μg/mL and 17 μg/mL, respectively) were used to evaluate their anti adipogenic effect. After 10 days of inducing differentiation in the absence or presence of the extracts at the EC50 of F17 and F18, lipid accumulation, the concentration of interleukin 6 (IL-6) were measured in the culture medium; the presence of PPAR-γ, AKT, and p-AKT was also determined. In differentiated adipocytes (C2), F17 maintained intracellular lipid concentration at levels comparable to metformin, while decreasing PPAR-γ and increasing p-AKT presence; it also prevented IL-6 expression. F17 consists of alanine, valine, phenylalanine, and proline. On the other hand, F18 reduced intracellular lipid concentrations, prevented the increase of PPAR-γ and p-AKT, and maintained IL-6 expression at similar levels as metformin. F18 is mainly constituted by alanine, valine, proline, and sucrose. In conclusion, M. parviflora fractions (F17 and F18) control the process of adipogenesis, lipogenesis, and cellular dysfunction.
Insights
Malva parviflora fractions F17 and F18 demonstrate significant anti-adipogenic effects by reducing lipid accumulation and controlling cellular dysfunction in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Cell Biology
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- Malva parviflora exhibits known anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, antihyperlipidemic, and hypoglycemic properties.
- Obesity involves complex cellular processes including adipogenesis and lipogenesis.
- Understanding natural compounds' effects on adipocyte differentiation is crucial for metabolic disease research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-adipogenic potential of Malva parviflora fractions on 3T3-L1 adipocytes.
- To identify specific fractions and their mechanisms in modulating adipogenesis.
- To compare the effects of M. parviflora fractions with metformin.
Main Methods:
- 3T3-L1 fibroblasts were differentiated into adipocytes in the presence of various M. parviflora fractions (F3, F4, F7, F12, F13, F17, F18, F19).
- Lipid accumulation was quantified, and effective fractions (F17, F18) were tested at their EC50 concentrations.
- Analysis included measuring intracellular lipid, interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentration, and the expression of PPAR-γ, AKT, and p-AKT.
Main Results:
- Fractions F17 and F18 significantly reduced intracellular lipid accumulation in differentiating adipocytes.
- F17 maintained lipid levels similar to metformin, decreased PPAR-γ, increased p-AKT, and prevented IL-6 expression.
- F18 reduced lipid levels, prevented PPAR-γ and p-AKT increases, and maintained IL-6 levels comparable to metformin.
Conclusions:
- Malva parviflora fractions F17 and F18 effectively control adipogenesis and lipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.
- These fractions modulate key molecular markers involved in adipocyte differentiation and function.
- M. parviflora presents a potential natural therapeutic strategy for managing obesity and related cellular dysfunction.
