What is it about?
Obesity has a significant impact on endocrine function, which leads to metabolic diseases including diabetes, insulin resistance, and other complications associated with obesity. Development of effective and safe anti-obesity drugs is imperative and necessary. Equisetin (EQST), a tetramate-containing marine fungal product, was reported to inhibit bacterial fatty acid synthesis and affect mitochondrial metabolism. It is tempting to speculate that EQST might have anti-obesity effects. This study was designed to explore anti-obesity effects and underlying mechanism of EQST on 3T3-L1 adipocytes differentiated from 3T3-L1 cells. Oil Red O staining showed that EQST reduced lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis revealed that EQST significantly inhibited expression of adipogenesis/lipogenesis-related genes C/ebp-α, Ppar-γ, Srebp1c, Fas, and reduced protein levels. There was also increased expression of key genes and protein levels involved in lipolysis (Perilipin, Atgl, Hsl), brown adipocyte differentiation (Prdm16, Ucp1), mitochondrial biogenesis (Pgc1α, Tfam) and β-oxidation Acsl1, Cpt1. Moreover, mitochondrial content, their membrane potential ΔΨM, and respiratory chain genes Mt-Co1, Cox7a1, Cox8b, and Cox4 (and protein) exhibited a marked increase in expression upon EQST treatment, along with increased protein levels. Importantly, EQST induced expression and activation of AMPK, which was compromised by the AMPK inhibitor dorsomorphin, leading to the rescue of EQST-downregulated Fas expression and a reduction of the EQST-increased expression of Pgc1α, Ucp1, and Cox4. Together, EQST robustly promotes fat clearance through the AMPK pathway, these results supporting EQST as a strong candidate for the development into an anti-obesity therapeutic agent.
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Why is it important?
This study is important as it provides valuable insights into the potential anti-obesity effects of EQST and its underlying mechanisms, contributing to the development of new therapeutic strategies for obesity.
Perspectives
The perspective of the study is to explore the potential of Equisetin, a natural compound, as an inhibitor of adiposity. The study investigates how Equisetin influences brown adipocyte differentiation and its effects on obesity by activating AMPK, a key energy sensor in cells. The findings suggest that Equisetin could be a promising therapeutic agent for obesity management through its role in promoting brown fat development and function.
Dr. Md. Alamin
Southern University of Science and Technology
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Equisetin inhibits adiposity through AMPK-dependent regulation of brown adipocyte differentiation, Heliyon, February 2024, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25458.
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