Downregulation of adipogenic genes in 3T3-L1 Pre adipocytes- a possible mechanism of anti-obesity activity of herbal decoction Varanadi Kashayam

Adipocyte differentiation involves the expression of PPAR-γ2 and C/EBP-α genes, which in turn regulates the expression of other adipogenic genes. Molecules capable of decreasing expression of adipogenic genes can be a potent treatment for obesity-associated metabolic disorders. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of herbal decoction Varanadi kashayam on genes involved in adipocyte differentiation and lipid synthesis in 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes. The mechanism of action of Varanadi kashayam on adipogenesis was investigated on 3T3-L1 cells using quantitative real-time PCR. Intracellular lipid staining Oil red O and fluorescent Nile red was carried out to quantify lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells. Treatment of pre-adipocyte with Varanadi kashayam reduced the differentiation of pre-adipocytes and lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells. Real time-PCR analysis showed that Varanadi kashayam could down-regulate the expression of key adipogenic genes such as PPAR-γ2, C/EBP-α, FAS, GLUT-4, AP2, and LPL. Overall these results suggest that Varanadi kashayam is capable of suppressing adipogenesis and lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells, suggesting that Varanadi kashayam is a powerful Ayurvedic decoction that could be used for control of obesity and hence possibly obesity-associated metabolic disorders.