Modulating effects of steviol and steviol glycosides on adipogenesis, lipogenesis, glucose uptake and insulin resistance in 3T3-L1 adipocyte model

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni is famous for sweetness due to the content of steviol glycosides (SG). This study aimed to determine the effect of SG (stevioside, rebaudioside A) and steviol on adipogenesis and lipogenesis in the 3T3 -L1 model. Test compounds were also analysed for their ability to affect glucose uptake in hypertrophied insulin-resistant 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The most active compound in modulating adipogenesis, lipogenesis and insulin resistance was steviol, SG metabolism product. Steviol (10 mu M, 100 mu M) significantly down-regulated the expression of adipogenic transcription factors (PPAR gamma, C/EBP alpha, SREBP1) and lipogenic genes (FAS, aP2, LPL), which caused decreased lipid accumulation and triglyceride content in adipocytes. Treatment of insulin-resistant adipocytes with steviol (1 mu M) and stevioside (1 mu M, 10 mu M) increased GLUT-4 transcript level and improved glucose uptake. Steviol also lowered resistin gene expression, which may mitigate insulin resistance in hyper-trophied adipocytes. This study promotes SG as potential health-promoting ingredients in low-calorie functional foods.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates the inhibitory effect of stevioside and steviol on adipogenesis and lipogenesis, leading to decreased lipid accumulation. Additionally, they can enhance glucose uptake in insulin-resistant cells and alleviate symptoms of insulin resistance.