Effects of capsaicin on the lipid metabolism and gene regulation in differentiated 3T3‐L1 adipocytes

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the effects of capsaicin on the lipid metabolism and gene expression in differentiated 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. Capsaicin did not show any effect on the 3T3‐L1 cell proliferation and cytotoxicity. Intracellular lipid accumulation was significantly decreased by the addition of capsaicin. Glycerol and free fatty acids release into the medium significantly increased by the addition of capsaicin. The expression of PPAR‐γ, CEBP‐α and aP2 genes, which are involved in adipogenesis, was significantly down‐regulated by capsaicin treatment. However, mRNA levels of HSL, CPTI‐α and UCP2 genes involved in lipid oxidation, were significantly increased by capsaicin treatment. These results suggested that capsaicin may enhance lipolytic activity through modulation of gene expression involved in lipolysis and thermogenesis in 3T3‐L1 cells. "This work supported by the Food Nanotechnology Development Project (2007) and KOSEF (No. M10510130005‐08N1013‐00510)."