Abstract

Phytochemicals such as soy isoflavone genistein have been reported to possess therapeutic effects for obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. In the present study, the molecular basis of selective phytochemicals with emphasis on their ability to control intracellular signaling cascades of AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) responsible for the inhibition of adipogenesis was investigated. Recently, the evolutionarily conserved serine/threonine kinase, AMPK, emerges as a possible target molecule of anti-obesity. Hypothalamic AMPK was found to integrate nutritional and hormonal signals modulating feeding behavior and energy expenditure. We have investigated the effects of genistein, EGCG, and capsaicin on adipocyte differentiation in relation to AMPK activation in 3T3-L1 cells. Genistein (20–200 μM) significantly inhibited the process of adipocyte differentiation and led to apoptosis of mature adipocytes. Genistein, EGCG, and capsaicin stimulated the intracellular ROS release, which activated AMPK rapidly. We suggest that AMPK is a novel and critical component of both inhibition of adipocyte differentiation and apoptosis of mature adipocytes by genistein or EGCG or capsaicin further implying AMPK as a prime target of obesity control.

“When you dive into the details of this study, you’ll find that EGCG, a naturally occurring molecule, activates AMPK.  What does all of this mean?  AMPK plays an important role in energy production and more specifically in burning fat as a fuel source, particularly during exercise.  Getting the proper amount of EGCG from green tea will provide this benefit.  30 minutes before your workout you want something to tip the scales in the direction of burning fat more directly.  Consuming naturally occurring molecules, like EGCG, can begin to target mechanisms in your body to turn your fat burning switch to ‘on’!”  – Josh Smith