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Inhibition of Adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells by the Anti-inflammatory Agents 6-gingerol and Retinoic Acid

Obesity has been characterized as a chronic, metabolic inflammatory state. Since the inflammatory response is activated in obesity, the ability of anti-inflammatory compounds to repress the inflammatory response through the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway has been studied. Anti-inflammatory compounds inhibit adipogenesis by upregulating beta-catenin, resulting in the inhibition of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor PPARγ. We investigated the effects of two anti-inflammatory compounds, 6-gingerol and retinoic acid, on adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells. Following treatment with 6-gingerol and retinoic acid in differentiation medium for 8 days, cells were stained with Oil-Red-O to detect lipid droplets. Results demonstrate inhibition of adipogenesis by both 6-gingerol and retinoic acid. Future studies will utilize Western blot analysis to determine levels of PPARγ. It is hypothesized that these compounds inhibit adipogenesis through varying degrees of beta-catenin upregulation, leading to the inhibition of PPARγ. Through this research, we hope to contribute to the understanding of the anti-adipogenic mechanisms of anti-inflammatory compounds.