Yamogenin in fenugreek inhibits lipid accumulation through the suppression of gene expression in fatty acid synthesis in hepatocytes

Abstract

Yamogenin is a diastereomer of diosgenin, which we have identified as the compound responsible for the anti-hyperlipidemic effect of fenugreek. Here, we examined the effects of yamogenin on the accumulation of triacylglyceride (TG) in hepatocytes, because yamogenin is also contained in fenugreek. It was demonstrated that yamogenin also inhibited TG accumulation in HepG2 hepatocytes and suppressed the mRNA expression of fatty acid synthesis-related genes such as fatty acid synthase and sterol response element-binding protein-1c. Indeed, yamogenin also antagonized the activation of the liver X receptor (LXR) in luciferase ligand assay similar to diosgenin. However, yamogenin could not exert such effects in the presence of T0901713, a potent agonist of LXR. These findings indicate that the effects of yamogenin on TG accumulation would be weaker than those of diosgenin, suggesting that the structural difference between yamogenin and diosgenin would be important for the inhibition of LXR activation.

Structural Diversity of Diosgenin Hydrates: Effect of Initial Concentration, Water Volume Fraction, and Solvent on Crystallization

“…Diosgenin [or (22R,25R)-spirost-en-3β-ol) as a steroid sapogenin available from natural sources is widely used for the commercial synthesis of steroid drugs like cortisone and progesterone . Recently, some significant biological activities of diosgenin, such as anticancer, , antiviral, , antihyperlipidemic, , and antimalarial , activities, have been reported. The molecular structure of diosgenin is shown in Scheme .…”

Antidiabetic, cytotoxic, antioxidant and antitrematodal medicinal efficacy of polar and non-polar phytochemicals of Balanites aegyptiaca Del.

“…As well, diosgenin found in fenugreek modulates glucose metabolism by enhancing adipocyte differentiation and suppressing inflammation in fat tissues [34]. While, yamogenin and its diastereomer diosgenin inhibit liver X receptor which is activated in diabetic syndrome [35].…”

Diosgenin and Its Analogs: Potential Protective Agents Against Atherosclerosis

“…However, the activation effect of yamogenin on LXR is lower than that of diosgenin. 94,100,101 Also, LXRs may mediate the regulation of diosgenin on cholesterol homeostasis, yet, further studies are needed to confirm this data.…”