The Effect of Quercetin towards Adipocytes Count in Toxoplasma gondii Profilin - exposed Adipocytes In Vitro

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii is one of the protozoan causes of chronic infection that allegedly causes obese (infectobesity). Some previous studies have showed that profilin Toxoplasma gondii has a role in inflammation by promoting interleukin-12 (IL - 12) which induce adipocyte dysfunction through the hyperplasia and hyperproliferation of adipocyte cells. Those processes lead to metabolic syndrome which increase adipocytes count through reducing insulin receptor’s sensitivity. On the other hand, Toxoplasma gondii, as an obligate intracellular parasite, can also damage the pancreatic beta cells. In response to inflammation, adipocytes produce Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). To scavenge ROS antioxidants are required. Quercetin, an exogenous antioxidant, can be widely found in natural products that might be a promising candidate for development of antioxidant treatment interventions to prevent adipocytopathy. This research aims to explore the effects of quercetin towards Adipocytes Count stimulated from T. gondii profilin-exposed adipocytes. This research using visceral adipocyte rat that was cultured in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM). After 70% confluency, adipocytes were exposed to 20 μΜ T. gondii profilin and treated with four doses of quercetin; 31.25, 62.5, 125, and 250 μΜ that incubated 48 hours. After incubation period, adipocytes were observed using inverted microscope and were captured in high power field magnification using camera. Adipocytes were counted from each captured photo and all groups were analyzed using Analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. The results showed that quercetin significantly reduced adipocyte cell count T. gondii profilin-exposed adipocytes compared to untreated cells (ANOVA p = 0,00). The effective dose to lower adipocyte cell count was 31,25 μΜ. This study implies that quercetin has a potent antioxidant that can prevent toxoplasmosis-mediated adipocytopathy.