Effect of lutein on adipogenesis in 3T3L1 cell line - An in vitro study

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Obesity is one of the greatest public health problems and major risk factor for serious metabolic diseases and significantly increases the risk of premature death. Excess fat is accumulated in adipocytes as triglycerides results in elevated triglyceride content in plasma and tissues such as liver and muscle, which leads to pathological dysfunction of these tissues. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of lutein on adipogenesis in 3T3L1 cell line. Materials and Methods: The effect of lutein on triglyceride accumulation during pre – adipocyte/adipocyte differentiation in vitro was determined. 3T3L1 pre - adipocytes were obtained from NCCS, Pune. To study the effect of lutein on differentiation, cells were incubated with lutein in different concentration such as 10, 20, 40, 80 and 100 µg/mL from day 0 to day 7. Pioglitazone was used as reference standard. Oil Red O staining was performed, and photomicroscope evaluation was done to observe the triglyceride accumulation. The stain was further quantified using multi plate reader at 490nm. Results: Cells treated with different concentrations of lutein exhibited dose – dependent inhibition of triglyceride accumulation (P < 0.001) compared to that of control group. Majority of control cells accumulated triglycerides showed lipid droplets. Standard pioglitazone demonstrated significant (P < 0.001) decrease in triglyceride accumulation. Conclusion: This study shows that lutein has significant inhibitory effect on adipogenesis in 3T3L1 cell line. Hence it may be used to reduce weight gain in obese individuals.