Suppressive Effect of Neoxanthin on the Differentiation of 3T3-L1 Adipose Cells

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the suppressive effects of 13 naturally occurring carotenoids on the adipocyte differentiation of 3T3-L1. The relationship between carotenoid structure and suppressive effects was also examined. Treatment with neoxanthin significantly reduced lipid accumulation, as well as glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity. This suppressive effect on adipose cell differentiation was not observed in the other 12 carotenoids used in this study. Neoxanthin treatment also decreased expression of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) mRNAs. An examination of structure and function suggested that carotenoids containing an allene bond and an additional hydroxyl substituent on the side group may show suppressive effects on adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells.