Tocotrienol modulates crucial lipid metabolism-related genes in differentiated 3T3-L1 preadipocytes

Abstract

Obesity and other lipid metabolism-related diseases have become more prevalent in recent years due to drastic lifestyle changes and dietary patterns. Unsaturated vitamin E, tocotrienol (T3), represents one of the most fascinating naturally occurring compounds that has the potential to influence a broad range of mechanisms underlying abnormal lipid metabolism processes. However, its efficacy and mechanism have been uncertain due to scarcity of data concerning the effect of T3 on lipid metabolism. In this study, we report a series of fascinating experimental findings on how T3 affects lipid metabolism in differentiated 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Treatment with T3 (25 μM), especially δ and γ isomers, inhibited the accumulation of triglyceride and lipid droplets in differentiated 3T3-L1 cells. This manifestation was supported by mRNA and protein expression of crucial lipid metabolism-related genes. The present study provides a novel set of data pertaining to the possibility of T3 as an anti-metabolic disorder agent.