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The Effect of Epigallocatechin (ECGC) on Adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 Cells

As the prevalence of obesity continues to increase in the United States, it is important to understand the mechanisms responsible for fat accumulation and to find treatments that inhibit the process. Research shows chronic caloric overconsumption leads to the development of fat cells, or adipogenesis. Antioxidants, such as Epigallocatechin (EGCG), have a role in prevention of disease, and also inhibit adipogenesis. We used the 3T3-L1 cell line as our model system because they easily undergo adipogenesis and accumulate lipid rapidly. We determined the effect of 50 uM, 100 uM, or 200 uM of EGCG on 3T3-L1 adipogenesis, and measured lipid accumulation using Oil Red-O staining. We expect EGCG to inhibit adipogenesis in a concentration-dependent manner based inhibition rates found with Vitamin C, which combats fat accumulation, and previous studies using EGCG. These findings may be used in the development of antioxidant-induced obesity treatments.