<i>Inula britannica</i> Inhibits Adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes via Modulation of Mitotic Clonal Expansion Involving ERK 1/2 and Akt Signaling Pathways

• Main Authors: Hyung-Seok Yu, Won-Ju Kim, Won-Young Bae, Na-Kyoung Lee, Hyun-Dong Paik
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-10-01
• Series: Nutrients
• Subjects: <i>Inula britannica</i>; anti-obesity; adipogenesis; lipogenesis; mitotic clonal expansion; ERK 1/2 signaling pathways
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/10/3037

The flower of <i>Inula britannica</i> contains various phenolic compounds with prophylactic properties. This study aimed to determine the anti-adipogenic effect of an <i>I. britannica</i> flower aqueous extract (IAE) and its underlying mechanisms in the 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and to identify the phenolic compounds in the extract. Treatment with IAE inhibited the adipogenesis by showing a dose-dependent suppressed intracellular lipid accumulation and mitigated expression levels of lipogenesis- and adipogenesis-associated biomarkers including transcription factors. IAE exerted an anti-adipogenic effect through the modulation of the early phases of adipogenesis including mitotic clonal expansion (MCE). Treatment with IAE inhibited MCE by arresting the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase and suppressing the activation of MCE-related transcription factors. Furthermore, IAE inhibited adipogenesis by regulating the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and Akt signaling pathways. Protocatechuic acid, chlorogenic acid, kaempferol-3-<i>O</i>-glucoside, and 6-methoxyluteolin, which are reported to exhibit anti-adipogenic properties, were detected in IAE. Therefore, modulation of early phases of adipogenesis, especially MCE, is a key mechanism underlying the anti-adipogenic activity of IAE. In summary, the anti-obesity effects of IAE can be attributed to its phenolic compounds, and hence, IAE can be used for the development of anti-obesity products.