285: Anti-Obesity Potential of Dates in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes: Mechanisms of Lipid Metabolism and Inflammation

Introduction

The global obesity epidemic is associated with increased risk of chronic diseases, prompting the search for natural compounds that can modulate lipid metabolism and inflammation (Kariagina & Doseff., 2022). This study investigates the anti-obesity potential of dates (Phoenix dactylifera) in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, focusing on lipid accumulation, cell viability, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Methods

Date fruit extracts were prepared and characterized for bioactive compounds. 3T3-L1 adipocytes were treated with extracts at concentrations of 125, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 µg/ml during differentiation (Day 4) and maintenance (Day 6) stages. Apoptosis Assay (Caspase-3) conducted to evaluate cell death, Oil Red O Staining to assess lipid accumulation, measurements of Triglyceride Content and Glycerol-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Activity to determine lipid metabolism, and Lipolysis Assay to evaluate fat breakdown. Additionally, anti-inflammatory markers, COX-2 and IL-6, were measured, alongside antioxidant assays assessing Glutathione (GSH), and Catalase (CAT) activities.

Results

Date fruit extracts resulted in higher LDH (%) release in differentiation stage (31-60%) compared to maintenance stage (mature cells) (13-40%) with increasing concentration (125-1000µg/ml), cell viability (MTT%) decreased from 78-40% in differentiation stage and 86-58% in mature cells. Consumption of dates may be effective during differentiation stage suggesting anti-adipogenesis effect. Date extracts were also effective in damage (lipolysis) of mature adipocyte cells (13-40% LDH release). Apoptosis assay indicated an increase in apoptotic activity correlating with reduced cell viability at higher concentrations. Treatment led to decreased expression of COX-2 and IL-6, suggesting anti-inflammatory effects. Antioxidant assays revealed increased Glutathione levels and Catalase activity at differentiation stage, indicating a protective role against oxidative stress. Catalase activity decreased with increasing concentration of date extracts, from 137.09 µM to 101.96 µM at differentiation stage, and from 30.54 µM to 18.51 µM at maintenance stage. Glutathione levels showed little variation across different concentrations, with values ranging from 18.18 µM to 15.09 µM at differentiation stage and 4.21 µM to 3.74 µM at maintenance stage.

Significance

Findings demonstrate that dates exhibit anti-obesity potential by promoting lipolysis, reducing lipid accumulation, and modulating inflammatory responses in adipocytes and underscore potential of dates in obesity management and highlight importance of further investigation into their active constituents utilizing in vivo models.

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