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Curcumin induces apoptosis of 3T3-L1 adipocytes and affects
molecular signals of adiponectin, AMPK and PKA
Ebtesam A. Al- Suhaimi
Biology Department, College of Sciences, University of Dammam, Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
*e-mail:
An. Real Acad. Farm. Vol. 80, Nº 4 (2014), pag. 720-734
ABSTRACT
Apoptosis is an important cellular physiological function to continually balance
the cell proliferation with cell death to maintain the healthy internal milieu. This
study assessed the ability of Curcumin to inhibit 3T3-L1 adipocytes viability and
its effects on apoptosis to identify a potential molecular approach for preventing
adipocytes growth. To optimize the growth inhibitory concentration, 3T3-L1
adipocytes treated with different concentrations of Curcumin (5, 10, 20,
40, 60, and 80 μM) for 24 hours, and were analyzed by MTT and found 40 μM as
an optimal dose. Cell cycle was analysed by FACS using the optimal dose for
different periods (4-24h). Western blot was carried out using antibodies to detect
protein expression and Phosphorylation of Adiponectin, AMPK, CREB, PKA
catalytic subunit, and Akt. PKA relative activity and ROS generation was also
assessed by DCFHDA fluorescence. The findings of the study revealed that
Curcumin has successfully arrested 3T3L1 adipocytes cycle and exerted apoptotic
action on the cells in a concentration- time dependent manner; increased
Adiponectin expression; activated phosphorylated AMPK (p-AMPK) and inhibited
PKA activation. Curcumin prevented the production of ROS generation. Results
indicate that Curcumin exerts a very potent apoptotic action on 3T3L1 adipocytes
and modulates adiponectin expression and AMPK and PKA signalling. These
findings lead us to further investigate and support the potential use of Curcumin
therapy in obesity resistance.
Keywords:
Apoptosis; 3T3L1; Curcumin; Adiponectin; AMPK; PKA.
ARTÍCULO
