Pulicaria jaubertii E. Gamal-Eldin reduces triacylglyceride content and modifies cellular antioxidant pathways in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Authors: AL-NAQEB, GHANYA - University Of Sanaa; ROUSOVA, JANA - University Of North Dakota; KUBATOVA, ALENA - University Of North Dakota; Picklo, Matthew

Submitted to: Chemico Biological Interactions
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/5/2016
Publication Date: 6/1/2016
Publication URL: https://handle.nal.usda.gov/10113/62953
Citation: Al-Naqeb, G., Rousova, J., Kubatova, A., Picklo, M.J. 2016. Pulicaria jaubertii E. Gamal-Eldin reduces triacylglyceride content and modifies cellular antioxidant pathways in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Chemico-Biological Interactions. 253:48-59.

Interpretive Summary: Currently, levels of obesity in Middle Eastern countries are increasing. Phytochemicals have anti-obesogenic properties as evidenced by preventing formation of adipose cells or blocking the accumulation of fat in adipose cells. In Yemen, Pulicaria jaubertii E.Gamal-Eldin (PJ) is a food additive and a traditional medicine. We evaluated the ability of extracts derived from PJ to block the formation of adipose cells in culture. The methanolic extract of PJ prevented the accumulation of fat in adipocytes but not formation of the adipocytes. Furthermore, PJ extract increased the content of multiple anti-oxidant genes in adipocytes. Chemical fractionation and chemical characterization of the methanol extract indicate that catechin-like moieties are partially responsible for the bioactivity of PJ to block lipid accumulation in adipose cells.

Technical Abstract: Currently, levels of obesity in Middle Eastern countries are increasing. Phytochemicals have anti-obesogenic properties as evidenced by prevention of adipocyte differentiation. In Yemen, Pulicaria jaubertii E.Gamal-Eldin (PJ) is a food additive and a traditional medicine. We evaluated the ability of extracts derived from PJ to inhibit the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Methanolic extracts of PJ blocked triglyceride accumulation but not expression of fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4). Previous data demonstrate that elevation of NADPH:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) blocks triglyceride accumulation. Treatment of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes increased NQO1 content in part as a response to glutathione (GSH) depletion. Further fractionation of the methanolic PJ extract with hexane and dichloromethane (DCM) demonstrated that activity towards triglyceride inhibition and elevated expression of NQO1 and other antioxidant genes (glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic unit, glutathione disulfide reductase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) 4) resided in the DCM fraction. In contrast, GSH depletion and elevated catalase GPx3 expression activity were found in the DCM and hexane fractions. Gas chromatography and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry demonstrated the presence of catechin-like moieties in the DCM and methanolic fractions suggesting that these components were partially responsible for bioactivity. The a,ß-unsaturated ketone, carvotanacetone, was present in the methanol, hexane, and DCM fractions, and likely contributed to GSH depletion. In summary, our data indicate that fractions derived PJ exhibit anti-adipogenic properties in part through the presence of catechin-like compounds.