Withaferin A induces apoptosis and inhibits adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.
Withaferin A (WA), a highly oxygenated steroidal lactone that is found in the medicinal plant Withania somnifera (also called ashwagandha) has been reported to have anti-tumor, anti-angiogenesis, and pro-apoptotic activity. We investigated the effects of WA on viability, apoptosis and adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Pre- and post-confluent preadipocytes and mature adipocytes were treated with WA (1-25 microM) up to 24 hrs. Viability and apoptosis were measured by CellTiter-Blue Cell Viability Assay and single strand DNA ELISA Assay, respectively. WA decreased viability and induced apoptosis in all stages of cells. Induction of apoptosis by WA in mature adipocytes was mediated by increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation and altered Bax and Bcl2 protein expression. The effect of WA on adipogenesis was examined by AdipoRed Assay after treating with WA (0.1-1 microM) during the differentiation period. WA decreased lipid accumulation in a dose-dependent manner and decreased the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha and adipocyte fatty acid binding protein. The effects on apoptosis and lipid accumulation were also confirmed with Hoechst staining and Oil Red O staining, respectively. These results show that WA acts on adipocytes to reduce cell viability and adipogenesis and also induce apoptosis.
Department of Animal & Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
Hea Jin
HJ
Park
Srujana
S
Rayalam
Mary Anne
MA
Della-Fera
Suresh
S
Ambati
Jeong-Yeh
JY
Yang
Clifton A
CA
Baile
D041721:3T3-L1 Cells; D017667:Adipocytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D050156:Adipogenesis; D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D022763:CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Protein-alpha / Q000378:metabolism; D002470:Cell Survival; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004875:Ergosterol / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology; D051379:Mice; D019950:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 / Q000378:metabolism; D048052:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3 / Q000378:metabolism; D047495:PPAR gamma / Q000378:metabolism; D010766:Phosphorylation; D013997:Time Factors; D054358:Withanolides
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D022763:CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Protein-alpha; D047495:PPAR gamma; D054358:Withanolides; D019950:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1; D048052:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3; C009684:withaferin A; D004875:Ergosterol