Ginsenoside Rg5: Rk1 Exerts an Anti-obesity Effect on 3T3-L1 Cell Line by the Downregulation of PPARγ and CEBPα

Abstract

Background: Obesity, a global health problem and a chronic disease, is associated with increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and coronary heart diseases. A wide variety of natural remedies have been explored for their obesity treatment potential.<br /> Objective: The anti-adipogenic effect of ginsenoside Rg5:Rk1 (Rg5:Rk1) on 3T3-L1 mature adipocytes was investigated.<br /> Materials and Methods: To elucidate the anti-obesity effect of Rg5:Rk1, a mixture of protopanaxadiol type ginsenosides isolated from <em>Panax ginseng </em>Meyer in a 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In order to determine the anti-obesity effect of Rg5:Rk1, based on oil Red O Staining, triglyceride (TG) content in adipose cells was assessed. Furthermore, to elucidate the possible mechanism of Rg5:RK1 effect on lipid accumulation, mRNA and protein expression analyses of adipocyte markers such as <em>STAT3, PPARγ, CBEPα</em> and <em>ap2</em> were carried out.<br /> Results: Rg5:Rk1 treatment showed an inhibition of lipid droplet accumulation and decrease of TG content. In addition, expression of <em>STAT3, PPARγ, CEBPα</em> and <em>ap2</em> were decreased in a dose dependent manner. Similarly, the Rg5:Rk1 treatment reduced PPARγ and CEBPα protein expression.<br /> Conclusion: Rg5:Rk1 treatment exhibits anti-adipogenic activity by down-regulation of the STAT3/ PPARg/CEBPa<br /> signaling pathway in 3T3-L1 adipocyte cell line.<br />