Oleanolic acid induces lipolysis and antioxidative activity in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Oleanolic acid (OA), a natural triterpenoid found in various edible plants possessing anti-adiposity and antioxidative activities, could be exploited against obesity, a serious global public health problem. To confirm these properties of OA and understand the underlying mechanisms, this study investigated its effects on lipolysis and antioxidative activities in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The results demonstrated that OA stimulated lipolysis and phosphorylation of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, which was blunted by a PKA inhibitor H-89. In addition, OA induced the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and reduced intracellular oxidative stress. HO-1 inhibitor treatment suppressed the antioxidative effect of OA but did not affect its lipolytic activity. These results indicate that OA exerts lipolytic activity through the PKA pathway and possesses antioxidative properties. These findings suggest the potential of OA as a useful candidate for the treatment of obesity and its related oxidative stress.