Inhibitory Effects of Thymol Isolated from Curcuma longa L. on Adipogenesis in HepG2 Cells

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a disease associated with metabolic syndromes such as diabetes and obesity, regardless of alcohol consumption, and refers to the accumulation of triacylglycerols in the liver. Thymol (THY) is a vegetable essential oil that is naturally contained in the Zingiberaceae and Lamiaceae families. THY was isolated from Curcuma longa L. The rhizomes of Curcuma longa L. were dried, sliced and extracted with 50% ethanol and then isolated through repeated column chromatography. This study was conducted to investigate the inhibitory effect of THY, even in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, in relation to the inhibiting hyperlipidemia effect of THY, which was demonstrated in previous studies. Hepatocytes were treated with oleate (OA) containing THY to observe lipid accumulation by Oil Red O staining (ORO). We also tested the effect of THY on triacylglycerols (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) in HepG2 cells. Western blot and real-time RT-PCR using sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), fatty acid synthase (FAS), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP), proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), and adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) expressions were carried out. Consequently, inhibition of lipogenesis by THY (100 μM or 200 μM) in NAFLD treated with OA in HepG2 cells was confirmed. The results of TG and TC experiments confirmed a decrease in the degree of fat accumulation in the liver. Furthermore, inhibition of the SREBP-1c, FAS, ACC, C/EBP and PPARγ expressions that mediated fat accumulation and increased AMPK phosphorylation was observed. Taken together, THY is proposed as a potential natural constituent for the treatment of NAFLD.

Suppressive Effects of Turmeric Extract on Muscle Atrophy in Dexamethasone-Treated Mice and Myotubes

“…However, ρ-cymene and thymol are known to have suppressive effects against several physiological disorders, such as oxidative stress and inflammation [ 28 , 29 ], which are closely linked to sarcopenia [ 30 ]. Given that these two molecules are present in the essential oil of C. longa [ 31 , 32 ], they may be responsible for the suppressive effects of TE on muscle weight loss and FBXO32 and MuRF1 expression. Nevertheless, further studies are required to identify the bioactive compound in turmeric that improves muscle atrophy.…”

Turmeric and Curcumin—Health-Promoting Properties in Humans versus Dogs

“…THY, a type of monoterpene, has been reported to have various biological activities, including antiinflammatory, antihyperlipidemic, and antioxidant activity [92,93]. Moreover, it is widely used as a preservation agent in cosmetics [94].…”

Transcriptomics Reveals the Effect of Thymol on the Growth and Toxin Production of Fusarium graminearum

“…This is because acetyl-CoA is a key component in the glycolysis process and a crucial substrate and raw material in the production of DON. Thymol can inhibit the expression of acetyl-CoA carboxylase and fatty acid synthase [54] and affect the utilization of farnesyl pyrophosphate FPP (the precursor of DON synthesis) [43]. Acetyl-CoA and Tri5 work together.…”