The Korean traditional medicine Gyeongshingangjeehwan inhibits adipocyte hypertrophy and visceral adipose tissue accumulation by activating PPARα actions in rat white adipose tissues

Abstract

Aim of the study Gyeongshingangjeehwan (GGEx), which is a polyherbal drug composed of four medicinal plants, has traditionally been used as anti-obesity drug in Korean local clinics. Thus, we investigated the effects of GGEx on visceral adiposity and examined whether adipose peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) activation is involved in this process. Materials and methods After Obese Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats and differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes were treated with GGEx, we studied the effects of GGEx on not only visceral white adipose tissue (WAT) mass and adipocyte size, but also the expression of adipocyte marker and PPARα target genes. Results Administration of GGEx to obese rats for 8 weeks decreased visceral WAT weight by 30% and the size of adipocytes in mesenteric WAT by 31% without weight changes of other organs. Concomitantly, GGEx increased mRNA levels of PPARα target genes responsible for fatty acid β-oxidation in mesenteric WAT whereas decreased mRNA expression of adipocyte markers, such as PPARγ, aP2 and leptin. Serological studies demonstrated that plasma levels of free fatty acids and triglycerides as well as insulin and glucose were decreased following GGEx treatment. Consistent with the in vivo data, GGEx increased PPARα reporter gene activity and induced the mRNA expression of PPARα target genes involved in mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation in 3T3-L1 cells. GGEx also inhibited triglyceride accumulation in these cells. Conclusion These results suggest that GGEx promotes the reductions in visceral fat mass and adipocyte size in obese animals, and that this event may be mediated by adipose PPARα activation.