Abstract:

Objective: To investigate the effect of apigenin on proliferation and differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Methods: 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were used as target cells to explore the effect of apigenin on their proliferation measured by MTT assay. Besides, cell differentiation using differentiation cocktail, oil red O staining and spectrometric determination were carried out for investigating the effect of apigenin on the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Results: Apigenin at 30μg/mL and 50μg/mL concentrations could inhibit the proliferation and differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes in comparison with the blank group and the positive control group (established using Dulbecco s modified Eagle s medium containing 0.5 mmol/L IBXM, 1μmol/L dexamethasone and 10μmol/L insulin). Conclusion: Apigenin appear to have potential for the prevention of obesity.

Key words: apigenin, 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, proliferation, differentiation, obesity