Increased Oxidative Stress in Cultured 3T3-L1 Cells was Attenuated by Berberine Treatment

Nat Prod Commun. 2015 Jun;10(6):895-7.

Abstract

The 3T3-L1 cell line is one of the most well-characterized and reliable models for studying adipocytes. Increased oxidative stress in accumulated fat was found in 3T3-L1 cells. Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid, could suppress fat deposition in 3T3-L1 cells; however, whether berberine suppresses increased oxidative stress is not well known. In this study, we observed the effect of berberine on increased oxidative stress in 3T3-L1 cells. 3T3-L1 cells were cultured and treated with berberine (5-20 μM) from day 3 to day 8. We confirmed that berberine markedly inhibited fat accumulation and lipid droplets in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and decreased triglyceride content. Berberine inhibited increased oxidative stress in 3T3-L1 cells by suppressing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and increased glutathione peroxidase (GPx) gene expression and GPx activity. Berberine also markedly reduced adipokines secreted by adipocytes, including leptin and resistin.

MeSH terms

  • 3T3-L1 Cells
  • Adipocytes / drug effects*
  • Adipocytes / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Berberine / pharmacology*
  • Insulin / metabolism
  • Leptin / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects*
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism
  • Triglycerides / metabolism

Substances

  • Insulin
  • Leptin
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Triglycerides
  • Berberine