Amber Extract Reduces Lipid Content in Mature 3T3-L1 Adipocytes by Activating the Lipolysis Pathway

Abstract

Amber—the fossilized resin of trees—is rich in terpenoids and rosin acids. The physiological effects, such as antipyretic, sedative, and anti-inflammatory, were used in traditional medicine. This study aims to clarify the physiological effects of amber extract on lipid metabolism in mouse 3T3-L1 cells. Mature adipocytes are used to evaluate the effect of amber extract on lipolysis by measuring the triglyceride content, glucose uptake, glycerol release, and lipolysis-related gene expression. Our results show that the amount of triacylglycerol, which is stored in lipid droplets in mature adipocytes, decreases following 96 h of treatment with different concentrations of amber extract. Amber extract treatment also decreases glucose uptake and increases the release of glycerol from the cells. Moreover, amber extract increases the expression of lipolysis-related genes encoding perilipin and hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) and promotes the activity of HSL (by increasing HSL phosphorylation). Amber extract treatment also regulates the expression of other adipocytokines in mature adipocytes, such as adiponectin and leptin. Overall, our results indicate that amber extract increases the expression of lipolysis-related genes to induce lipolysis in 3T3-L1 cells, highlighting its potential for treating various obesity-related diseases.

Protective Effect of Amber Extract on Human Dopaminergic Cells against 6-Hydroxydopamine-Induced Neurotoxicity

“…In previous studies, many effects of amber—such as anti-allergic effects [ 17 ], promotion of collagen production, and suppression of melanin production [ 19 ]—have been investigated. In our previous studies, we found that amber extract also has anti-inflammatory effect [ 18 ], the ability to reduce fat accumulation [ 20 ], and can protect cells from amyloid-β1-42-induced cytotoxicity [ 21 ].…”

“…In Russia, amber is commonly used in folk medicine [ 16 ]. In recent years, the effects of amber on allergy [ 17 ], anti-inflammation [ 18 ], suppression of melanin production, promotion of collagen production [ 19 ], and reduction in fat accumulation [ 20 ] have been identified. A previous study by our group found that amber extract has a protective effect against amyloid-β-induced neuronal cell death [ 21 ].…”

Stress Buffering and Longevity Effects of Amber Extract on Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans)

“…In this study, Nile red assay was employed to give an idea of the general lipid reducing ability of AE in C. elegans. Extensive research has already been conducted by Sogo et al, 2021 (from our laboratory) on the lipolytic effect of AE on 3T3-L1 adipocytes where Oil Red O (recommended by O'Rourke et al, 2009) was employed [12].…”

“…Amber is a brownish gum-like tree resin from the Sciadopityaceae family that has fossilized over time. It contains succinic acid [11] and many phytochemicals including terpenoids [12,13]. Terpenoids have been highlighted to possess an antioxidant ability and offer protection against oxidative stress-induced diseases such as cancers, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases and many others [14].…”

“…First, Tian et al, 2021, discovered that AE possessed anti-inflammatory properties [19] whilst Luo et al, 2021, reported that AE may be potent in managing Alzheimer's disease [20]. Additionally, Sogo et al, 2021, discovered that AE could reduce fat accumulation [12]. These cell-based studies together have shown that amber contains potent phytochemicals with various health benefits worth investigating.…”