Schisandrin C isolated from Schisandra chinensis fruits inhibits lipid accumulation by regulating adipogenesis and lipolysis through AMPK signaling in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

In this study, lignans of Schisandra chinensis fruits (SCF) were profiled using HPLC-MS/MS, and the inhibitory effects of nine of these lignans were evaluated on triglyceride (TG) accumulation. We then examined the effects and molecular mechanisms on adipogenesis and lipolysis of schisandrin C (SC), which most inhibited TG levels during adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 cells. Treatment of 3T3-L1 cells with SC markedly decreased adipocyte differentiation but did not influence cell proliferation. During adipogenesis, SC significantly reduced total lipid and TG contents and down-regulated the mRNA expressions of C/EBP alpha, PPAR gamma, SREBP1c, aP2, and FAS. In addition, SC significantly increased p-AMPK, and this activation regulated the protein levels of major adipogenic transcription factors (PPAR gamma and C/EBP alpha). Furthermore, SC lowered the mRNA expressions of HSL and perilipin and inhibited pancreatic lipase levels, which are both related to lipolysis. Practical applications Our results indicate that SC regulates lipogenesis and lipolysis by increasing AMPK phosphorylation and suggest that it may be beneficial for preventing obesity and related metabolic diseases. Thus, this study proposes a mechanical basis for developing SC-containing foods as a beneficial dietary strategy.

Automated summary

In this study, the lignans of Schisandra chinensis fruits were analyzed and evaluated for their inhibitory effects on triglyceride accumulation. The compound schisandrin C showed the strongest inhibition on TG levels during adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 cells. It decreased adipocyte differentiation and total lipid and TG contents, while down-regulating the expressions of adipogenic transcription factors. Additionally, schisandrin C increased AMPK phosphorylation and inhibited lipolysis-related genes, suggesting its potential for preventing obesity and metabolic diseases.