Genistein promotes a gene expression profile characteristic of brown rather than white adipocytes and increases Sirt1 expression in mouse NIH3T3‐L1 cells (372.7)

Various possible benefits have been attributed to the dietary isoflavone genistein. In common with resveratrol, which may act via sirtuin 1 (Sirt1), these benefits include protection from diet‐induced obesity. We thus aimed to determine if genistein affected adipogenesis and/or Sirt1 expression using a cell culture model. NIH3T3‐L1 cells were differentiated into adipocytes (from 48 h post‐confluence, taken as day 0) in the presence or absence of genistein. Gene expression was measured by RT‐qPCR. A low concentration of genistein (10 µM) and/or shorter exposure (days 0‐12) promoted differentiation to white adipocytes, indicated by large fat droplets and increased expression of adipocyte marker genes ( Acaca (acetyl Co‐A carboxylase‐α) , Fasn (fatty acid synthase) , Fabp4 (fatty acid binding protein 4) , Lipe (hormone sensitive lipase), Retn (resistin), Rarres2 (chemerin)). However, at higher concentrations of genistein (50‐100 µM) and/or after longer exposure (days 0‐12) cells had smaller fat droplets and lower expression of these genes, coupled with increased expression of Sirt1 and of genes characteristic of brown adipocytes ( Ucp1 (uncoupling protein 1) and Cebpb (CCAAT/enhancer binding protein‐β)). Dietary genistein may thus protect against obesity by encouraging the development of brown, rather than white, adipose tissue, possibly through a mechanism involving Sirt1. Grant Funding Source : Kurdistan Regional Government