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Withaferin A induces apoptosis and inhibits adipogenesis in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes
Author(s) -
Park Hea Jin,
Rayalam Srujana,
DellaFera Mary Anne,
Ambati Suresh,
Yang JeongYeh,
Baile Clifton A.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
biofactors
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.204
H-Index - 94
eISSN - 1872-8081
pISSN - 0951-6433
DOI - 10.1002/biof.5520330206
Subject(s) - withaferin a , adipogenesis , viability assay , withania somnifera , apoptosis , 3t3 l1 , adipocyte , oil red o , chemistry , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , biochemistry , adipose tissue , medicine , alternative medicine , pathology
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 μM) 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 Adipo Red Assay after treating with WA (0.1–1 μM) during the differentiation period. WA decreased lipid accumulation in a dose‐dependent manner and decreased the expression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α 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.