Humulus japonicus stimulates thermogenesis and ameliorates oxidative stress in mouse adipocytes

Abstract

An aqueous extract of Humulus japonicus (AH) has been documented to ameliorate hypertension and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Here, we investigated the effects of an aqueous extract of AH on thermogenesis and palmitate-induced oxidative stress in adipocytes. To verify the effect of AH on browning, we measured the expression levels of specific markers in 3T3-L1 adipocytes using qPCR and Western blotting, respectively. To assess the role of oxidative stress, cells were stained with DCFDA and observed by fluorescence microscopy. AH increased the expression of brown adipose tissue-specific markers. Additionally, it induced fatty acid oxidation and lipolysis and suppressed both lipogenic markers and lipid accumulation. Furthermore, AH ameliorated hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress. Enhanced expression of these markers contributed to fat browning, fatty acid oxidation and lipolysis of 3T3-L1 adipocytes via the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARδ) signaling pathways. Moreover, AMPK and PPARδ resulting in protective effects of AH against oxidative stress. In sum, AH could promote the browning, lipolysis and thermogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and would suppress the hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress and lipogenesis during differentiation. We therefore suggest that AH could be used as a potential candidate for treating obesity and related metabolic disorders.

Ameliorative Effects of Humulus japonicus Extract and Polysaccharide-Rich Extract of Phragmites rhizoma in Rats with Gastrointestinal Dysfunctions Induced by Water Avoidance Stress

“…Humulus japonicus extract (HJE) had been previously reported to possess potent antioxidative, antimycobacterial, anticancer, antibacterial, antimutagenic, and anti-inflammatory properties [12]. It has been documented that HJE ameliorated hydrogen peroxideinduced oxidative stress in mouse adipocytes [13]. e plant has been used as traditional medicine in Korea to treat dysentery, chronic colitis, pulmonary tuberculosis, and hypertension [14].…”