265: Mechanistic Evaluation of Curry Leaf (Murraya Koenigii) Extracts in Modulation of Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Apoptotic Pathways in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes for Potential in Anti-Obesity Applications

Introduction

Obesity is closely associated with chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and hypertrophy of adipocytes, contributing to metabolic disorders. Natural plant extracts, derived from curry leaves (Murraya koenigii), are recognized for their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making them promising agents in obesity management. This study investigates the effects of curry leaf extract on 3T3-L1 adipocytes, examining its influence on cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptotic pathways to understand its potential as an anti-obesity agent.

Methods

3T3-L1 preadipocytes were cultured and differentiated into adipocytes which includes Induction phase (Day 0), intermediate differentiation (4-7days) and mature adipocyte differentiation (7-10 days), then treated with dried curry leaf extracts at various concentrations (125, 250, 500, 1000, 2000 µg/ml). Cytotoxicity was assessed via lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by measuring superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were measured using ELISA to assess inflammation. Apoptotic effects were analysed using caspase activity assay, and morphological changes were observed under fluorescence microscopy (Standard kits from Invitrogen and Abcam)

Results

Curry leaves resulted in higher LDH release (%) with increasing concentration in both the differentiation (35-64%) and maintenance stages (28-52%). Cell viability (MTT%) decreased with increasing concentrations, suggesting cell death by apoptosis/necrosis (72-43%) in differentiation stage vs (51-23%) in maintenance stages. Catalase activity (17-13 µm) and glutathione levels (3.16-2.47 µm) did not differ at different concentrations tested.

Significance

This study provides insight into the potential of curry leaf extract as an anti-obesity agent and supports further investigation into its application in obesity-related health issues. This study focuses on understanding curry leaf extract as a valuable natural intervention in obesity treatment by mitigating adipocyte inflammation, increasing cellular antioxidant defences, and promoting apoptosis in hypertrophic adipocytes.

Authors: K. Medabalimi*, H. Singh, N. Montgomery, J. Boateng, R. Kaur, M. Verghese