Anti-adipogenic effect of a turmeric extract-loaded nanoemulsion in 3t3-lpreadipocytes and high fat diet-fed mice

We investigated the effects of a turmeric extract-loaded nanoemulsion (TENE) on lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and in mice fed a high fat diet (HFD). The accumulation of intracellular lipid in 3T3-L1 adipocytes was significantly inhibited by TENE, according to Oil red O and Nile Red staining. This inhibitory effect of TENE on adipocyte differentiation was associated with lower expression levels of the adipocyte-specific genes, PPARγ, aP2, and C/EBPα. In HepG2 hepatocytes, TENE attenuated palmitate-induced intracellular accumulation of lipid and ROS. In mice fed a HFD, TENE significantly reduced the serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL and increased HDL levels. These effects of TENE were accompanied by reductions in the expression of PPARγ, aP2, and C/EBPα in adipose tissue and smaller epididymal adipocytes. These results suggest that TENE inhibits adipogenesis by reducing expression of adipogenic transcription factors, thereby substantiating the potential to ameliorate metabolic disorders related to obesity.