Euglena extract suppresses adipocyte-differentiation in human adipose-derived stem cells

Abstract

Euglena gracilis Z (Euglena) is a unicellular, photosynthesizing, microscopic green alga. It contains several nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and unsaturated fatty acids. In this study, to verify the potential role of Euglena consumption on human health and obesity, we evaluated the effect of Euglena on human adipose-derived stem cells. We prepared a Euglena extract and evaluated its effect on cell growth and lipid accumulation, and found that cell growth was promoted by the addition of the Euglena extract. Interestingly, intracellular lipid accumulation was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis and western blotting analysis indicated that the Euglena extract suppressed adipocyte differentiation by inhibiting the gene expression of the master regulators peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) and one of three CCAAT-enhancer-binding proteins (C/EBPα). Further Oil Red O staining experiments indicated that the Euglena extract inhibited the early stage of adipocyte-differentiation. Consistent with these results, we observed that down-regulation of gene expression was involved in the early stage of adipogenesis represented by the sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 c (SREBP1c), two of three CCAAT-enhancer-binding proteins (C/EBPβ, C/EBPδ), and the cAMP regulatory element-binding protein (CREB). Taken together, these data suggest that Euglena extract is a promising candidate for the development of a new therapeutic treatment for obesity.

Euglena Gracilis and β-Glucan Paramylon Induce Ca2+ Signaling in Intestinal Tract Epithelial, Immune, and Neural Cells

“…Although paramylon has various bioactive functionalities [21], other bioactive components of water-soluble fraction seem to activate the neurons. Indeed, the water extract partially purified from Euglena also contains bioactive materials, as this is crucial for preventing lung carcinoma growth and intracellular lipid accumulation [19,49]. The sensory innervation of the small intestine is due to spinal and vagus nerves, which have cell bodies in the DRG and nodose ganglion, respectively [50].…”

“…The storage polysaccharide paramylon is an insoluble dietary fiber unique to Euglena that has a triple-helical polymer structure composed of straight-chain β-1,3-glucans. Like other β-1,3-glucans, paramylon has various beneficial effects on health, such as modulating immune function [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ] and suppressing visceral fat accumulation, likely by improving the intestinal environment [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ]. In addition, paramylon can bind to and stimulate Dectin-1, the primary receptor on epithelial cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells (DCs) to exert immunomodulatory effects [ 20 , 21 , 22 ].…”

The alga Euglena gracilis stimulates Faecalibacterium in the gut and contributes to increased defecation

“…Euglena gracilis ( E. gracilis ) is a candidate fast-proliferating microalga, besides Chlorella and Spirulina , and research into its commercial cultivation is ongoing 3 . E. gracilis is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, unsaturated fatty acids, and a crystalline β-1,3-glucan polysaccharide called paramylon, which is considered a functional dietary fibre 4 , 5 . E. gracilis is often used as a dietary supplement.…”

Anti-Obesity Effects of Microalgae

“…All these genes were downregulated when Euglena extract was present in the medium, showing that its inhibitory effect on adipocyte-differentiation was caused by repressing the early stage of adipocyte-differentiation. These observations were confirmed when adipogenesis was evaluated by determining Oil Red O from cells treated with 20% of extract during adipocyte-differentiation (days 0-7) and from those cells treated during adipocyte maturation (days [8][9][10][11][12][13][14]. Constant supplementation (day 0-14) with Euglena extract inhibited lipid accumulation by approximately 50% as compared to the control cells.…”

“…Sugimoto et al [8] used an aqueous extract of Euglena gracilis Z (Euglena), unicellular photosynthesizing green algae. Euglena contains vitamins, minerals, unsaturated fatty acids, and accumulates crystalline β-1,3-glucan, a polysaccharide also known as paramylon, which is considered a functional dietary fiber.…”