Stimulation of Apolipoprotein A-IV expression in Caco-2/TC7 enterocytes and reduction of triglyceride formation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes by potential anti-obesity Chinese herbal medicines.
BACKGROUND
Chinese medicine has been proposed as a novel strategy for the prevention of metabolic disorders such as obesity. The present study tested 17 Chinese medicinal herbs were tested for their potential anti-obesity effects.


METHODS
The herbs were evaluated in terms of their abilities to stimulate the transcription of Apolipoprotein A-IV (ApoA-IV) in cultured Caco-2/TC7 enterocytes. The herbs that showed stimulating effects on ApoA-IV transcription were further evaluated in terms of their abilities to reduce the formation of triglyceride in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes.


RESULTS
ApoA-IV transcription was stimulated by Rhizoma Alismatis and Radix Angelica Sinensis in a dose- and time-dependent manner in cultured Caco-2/TC7 cells. Moreover, these two herbs reduced the amount of triglyceride in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that Rhizoma Alistmatis and Radix Angelica Sinensis may have potential anti-obesity effects as they stimulate ApoA-IV transcription and reduce triglyceride formation.
Guo
Ava Jiangyang
AJ
Department of Biology, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR, PR China. avaguo@ust.hk
Choi
Roy Chi-yan
RC
Cheung
Anna Wing-han
AW
Li
Jun
J
Chen
Ivy Xiaoying
IX
Dong
Tina Tingxia
TT
Tsim
Karl Wah-keung
KW
Lau
Brad Wing-chuen
BW