Permethrin, a pyrethroid insecticide, potentiates adipogenesis in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes

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Permethrin belongs to a family of pyrethroids, naturally occurring insecticides, originating from Chrisanthemum flower heads. It is believed that pyrethroid insecticides have a relatively low toxicity due to limited absorption and fast metabolism, however, the potential link between prolonged exposure to environmental chemicals including pyrethroid insecticides and increased incidence of obesity has been suggested. Thus, the purpose of this study is to determine the effects of permethrin on adipogenesis using 3T3‐L1 adipocyte model. 3T3‐L1 cells were differentiated into adipocytes with 0, 10, and 20 μM permethrin for 6 days. Permethrin treatment at 10 and 20 μM dramatically increased triglyceride deposition compared to control. Expressions of major adipogenic genes, CAATT element binding protein‐α, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ, and fatty acid synthase, and expression of adipose triglyceride lipase were increased by permethrin. However, leptin mRNA expression was not changed by permethrin treatments. These data indicate permethrin could attribute to increased adiposity and potentially impair leptin signaling.