Epimedium koreanum Nakai and its main constituent icariin suppress lipid accumulation during adipocyte differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes.
Obesity is associated with a number of metabolic abnormalities such as type 2 diabetes and has become a major health problem worldwide. In the present study, we investigated the effects of Epimedium koreanum Nakai (Herba Epimedii, HE) and its main constituent icariin on the adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. HE extract and icariin significantly reduced lipid accumulation and suppressed the expressions of PPARγ, C/EBPα, and SREBP-1c in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. They also inhibited fatty acid synthase (FAS), acyl-Co A synthase (ACS1), and perilipin. Moreover, HE extract and icariin markedly increased the phosphorylation of AMPK. These results indicated that HE extract and icariin can inhibit the adipocyte differentiation through downregulation of the adipogenic transcription factors, suggesting that HE containing icariin may be used as a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment and prevention of obesity.
Korean Medicine R&D Center, College of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Gyeongju 38066, Republic of Korea.
Yunk-Yung
YY
Han
Korean Medicine R&D Center, College of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Gyeongju 38066, Republic of Korea; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Gyeongju 38066, Republic of Korea.
Mi-Young
MY
Song
Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, College of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Gyeongju 38066, Republic of Korea.
Min-Sub
MS
Hwang
Korean Medicine R&D Center, College of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Gyeongju 38066, Republic of Korea.
Ji-Hye
JH
Hwang
Korean Medicine R&D Center, College of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Gyeongju 38066, Republic of Korea; Department of Herbology, College of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Gyeongju 38066, Republic of Korea.
Yong-Ki
YK
Park
Korean Medicine R&D Center, College of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Gyeongju 38066, Republic of Korea; Department of Herbology, College of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Gyeongju 38066, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: tenzing2@hanmail.net.
Hyo-Won
HW
Jung
D041721:3T3-L1 Cells; D017667:Adipocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D050156:Adipogenesis / Q000187:drug effects*; D000818:Animals; D022763:CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Protein-alpha / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D034181:Epimedium / Q000737:chemistry*; D005419:Flavonoids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D050356:Lipid Metabolism / Q000187:drug effects*; D051379:Mice; D047495:PPAR gamma / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051780:Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein 1 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
D022763:CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Protein-alpha; D005419:Flavonoids; D047495:PPAR gamma; D010936:Plant Extracts; D051780:Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein 1; C056599:icariin
3T3-L1 cells; Epimedium koreanum Nakai; Herba Epimedii; Icariin; Obesity