Modulation of Lipid Metabolism by Trans-Anethole in Hepatocytes

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is caused by excessive lipid accumulation in hepatocytes. Although trans-anethole (TAO) affects hypoglycemia and has anti-immune activity and anti-obesity effects, its role in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of TAO on cellular senescence, lipid metabolism, and reinforcement of microenvironments in HepG2 cells. To analyze the lipid metabolic activity of TAO, PCR analysis, flow-cytometry, and Oil Red O staining were performed, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and cellular senescence kits were used for assessing the suppression of cellular senescence. At 2000 μg/mL TAO, the cellular viability was approximately 99%, and cell senescence decreased dose-dependently. In the results for MMP, activity increased with concentration. The levels of lipolytic genes, CPT2, ACADS, and HSL, strongly increased over 3 days and the levels of lipogenic genes, ACC1 and GPAT, were downregulated on the first day at 1000 μg/mL TAO. Consequently, it was found that TAO affects the suppression of cellular senescence, activation of lipid metabolism, and reinforcement of the microenvironment in HepG2 cells, and can be added as a useful component to functional foods to prevent fatty liver disease and cellular senescence, as well as increase the immunoactivity of the liver.

Chemo-enzymatic synthesis and biological activity evaluation of propenylbenzene derivatives

“…The results obtained by us for starting propenylbenzenes 1-5a are in agreement with the available literature. Anethol ( 3a ), safrole and eugenol (isomers of compounds 1a and 5a ) inhibited the growth of human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells ( Yoo et al, 2005 ; Song et al, 2014 , 2020 ). Whereas, isosafrole ( 1a ) and eugenol induced apoptosis in human colon carcinoma Caco-2 cell line ( Lea et al, 2016 ; Padhy et al, 2022 ).…”

Effect of Trans-Anethole on Gene Expression of Steroidogenic Enzymes in the Ovary of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Model Rate

“…Trans-anethole (1-methoxy-4-[1-propenyl] benzene), an aromatic organic substance, is a colorless, minorly volatile liquid with a characteristic smell. In nature, trans-anethole is found in large amounts in plants such as Foeniculum vulgare, Pimpinella anisum L., and Illicium verum [9]. Also, trans-anethole has various pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-diabetic, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and estrogenic activities [10].…”