Black Wheat Extracts (Arriheuk) Regulate Adipogenesis and Lipolysis via Adenosine Monophosphate (AMP) Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK)/Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) Signaling Pathways

Abstract

Polyphenols and other compounds with antioxidant properties are found in plants and are one of the main antioxidants proven to reduce body weight and the risk of insulin resistance. Still, the mechanism behind the protective effects against obesity remains unclear. Thus, the study aims to assess the impact of flavonoid-rich arriheuk extract, a purple wheat extract, on mitochondrial function using 3T3-L1 adipocytes and investigate the molecular mechanism behind its protective effects against adipogenesis and lipolysis. The study findings strongly indicate that arriheuk significantly suppressed triglyceride levels and inhibited the expression of transcription factors like C/EBPα and PPARγ in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Furthermore, treatment with arriheuk suppressed the expression of SREBP1c and FAS proteins linked to lipogenesis. In addition, treatment with arriheuk extract decreased the mRNA levels of adipogenic transcription factors, increased glycerol release, and inhibited adipocyte differentiation. Interestingly, the arriheuk-mediated PGC-1α expression triggered mitochondrial biogenesis by promoting the AMPK phosphorylation and SIRT1 expression in adipocytes. Also, arriheuk suppressed adipogenesis and elicited browning through the AMPK- and SIRT1-associated pathways. Collectively, these findings strongly suggest that arriheuk extract regulates browning in 3T3-L1 white adipocytes by triggering the AMPK/SIRT1 pathway, indicating the prospective applications of arriheuk as a functional food to control obesity.

Rabbit Meat Extract Induces Browning in 3T3−L1 Adipocytes via the AMP−Activated Protein Kinase Pathway

“…Hovenia dulcis branch extract releases lipid droplets via AMPK phosphorylation in 3T3−L1 cells and high−fat−diet−fed obese mice, and upregulates the expression of thermogenic genes such as UCP1 and PGC1 α [30]. In addition, Arriheuk extract reduces the triglyceride levels in 3T3−L1 adipocytes and the expression of proteins related to fat production; it induces mitochondrial biogenesis via the AMPK pathway [14]. Therefore, extracts derived from food sources have demonstrated anti−obesity effects by acting through the AMPK pathway.…”

“…The combination of Panax ginseng and Diospyros kaki leaf has the potential to inhibit adipogenesis and induce the browning process in adipocytes through the activation of AMPK [13]. Black wheat extract and strawberry methanolic extract have regulatory effects of browning in 3T3−L1 adipocytes through the activation of the AMPK pathway [14,15]. The activation of AMPK leads to increased thermogenesis, mitochondrial biogenesis, and fatty acid oxidation in adipocytes.…”

Unsaponifiable Matter from Wheat Bran Cultivated in Korea Inhibits Hepatic Lipogenesis by Activating AMPK Pathway

“…AMPK promotes lipolysis via phosphorylation of adipose triglycerides and hormone-sensitive lipases [51]. A previous study showed that black wheat extracts (Arriheuk) regulate lipolysis by increasing glycerol release and free fatty acids via the AMPK/sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) signaling pathway [53]. Moreover, several phytochemical-rich extracts, such as the Poria cocus wolf extract and Toona sinensis extract, showed cytoprotective effects against hepatic steatosis via AMPK activation [38,40].…”