Sargahydroquinoic Acid in Sargassum Serratifolium Activates Lipid Catabolic Pathways in 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes by Inducing White Adipocyte Browning (P06-108-19)

Abstract

ObjectivesSargassum serratifolium, a marine brown alga consumed in Asian countries, has shown anti-obesity effect by stimulating white adipose tissue browning. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate lipid catabolic effects of sargahydroquinoic acid (SHQA), which is one of the major bioactive compounds of S. serratifolium by white adipocyte browning effect. MethodsIsolated and purified SHQA from S. serratifolium was used to treat 3T3-L1 preadipocytes to see the effects of lipid catabolism and white adipocyte browning. Glycerol concentration measurement, Oil Red O lipid staining, and triglyceride quantification were conducted to examine the lipid catabolism by SHQA in the 3T3-L1 cells. In addition, real-time PCR and Western Blot assays were used to examine the expressions of genes related with lipid catabolic pathway, mitochondria biogenesis and white adipocyte browning. ResultsSHQA significantly upregulated non-shivering thermogenic gene expressions in 3T3-L1 cells including uncoupling protein 1, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ and PR domain containing 16. SHQA also notably reduced cellular lipid accumulation. Interestingly, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ, which is involved in lipid uptake and adipogenesis was upregulated by SHQA treatment. However, Western Blotting and protein-ligand docking simulation revealed that SHQA activates not only PPARγ but also PPARα and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) α, which are lipid-catabolic proteins. In addition, SHQA treatment markedly elevated lipolysis and the amounts of mitochondria in 3T3-L1 cells. ConclusionsOur results indicate that SHQA may combat obesity and associated metabolic syndromes through lipid catabolic pathways, mitochondria biogenesis and adipocyte browning by activating PPARγ, PPARα, and AMPKα pathways. Funding SourcesThis study was a part of the project, “Development of functional food products with natural materials derived from marine resources” funded by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Republic of Korea.