Activation of invariant natural killer T cells stimulates adipose tissue remodeling via adipocyte death and birth in obesity

Park, Jeu,Huh, Jin Young,Oh, Jiyoung,Kim, Jong In,Han, Sang Mun,Shin, Kyung Cheul,Jeon, Yong Geun,Choe, Sung Sik,Park, Jiyoung,Kim, Jae Bum Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press 2019 Genes & development Vol. No.

<P>In this study, Park et al. set out to elucidate the mechanism by which adipose-resident invariant natural killer T cells (iNKT) cells impact adipose tissue remodeling in obesity. Using in vitro and ex vivo approaches, the authors found that, in obesity, adipose iNKT cells can kill hypertrophic and pro-inflammatory adipocytes via FasL-Fas-dependent apoptosis, thus providing new insight into the role adipose iNKT cells play in promoting healthy adipose tissue remodeling.</P><P>In obesity, adipose tissue undergoes dynamic remodeling processes such as adipocyte hypertrophy, hypoxia, immune responses, and adipocyte death. However, whether and how invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells contribute to adipose tissue remodeling are elusive. In this study, we demonstrate that iNKT cells remove unhealthy adipocytes and stimulate the differentiation of healthy adipocytes. In obese adipose tissue, iNKT cells were abundantly found nearby dead adipocytes. FasL-positive adipose iNKT cells exerted cytotoxic effects to eliminate hypertrophic and pro-inflammatory Fas-positive adipocytes. Furthermore, in vivo adipocyte-lineage tracing mice model showed that activation of iNKT cells by alpha-galactosylceramide promoted adipocyte turnover, eventually leading to potentiation of the insulin-dependent glucose uptake ability in adipose tissue. Collectively, our data propose a novel role of adipose iNKT cells in the regulation of adipocyte turnover in obesity.</P>

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Spirulina platensis in Macrophages Is Beneficial for Adipocyte Differentiation and Maturation by Inhibiting Nuclear Factor-κB Pathway in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

Tho X. Pham,Ji-Young Lee 한국식품영양과학회 2016 Journal of medicinal food Vol.19 No.6

We previously showed that the organic extract of a blue-green alga, Spirulina platensis (SPE), had potent anti-inflammatory effects in macrophages. As the interplay between macrophages and adipocytes is critical for adipocyte functions, we investigated the contribution of the anti-inflammatory effects of SPE in macrophages to adipogenesis/lipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were treated with 10% conditioned medium from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages (CMC) or LPS-stimulated, but SPE-pretreated, macrophages (CMS) at different stages of adipocyte differentiation. The expression of adipocyte differentiation markers, such as CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, and perilipin, was significantly repressed by CMC when added on day 3, while the repression was attenuated by CMS. Oil Red O staining confirmed that adipocyte maturation in CMS-treated cells, but not in CMC-treated cells, was equivalent to that of control cells. Nuclear translocation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) p65 was decreased by CMS compared to CMC. In lipid-laden adipocytes, CMC promoted the loss of lipid droplets, while CMS had minimal effects. Histone deacetylase 9 mRNA and protein levels were increased during adipocyte maturation, which were decreased by CMC. In conclusion, by cross-talking with adipocytes, the anti-inflammatory effects of SPE in macrophages promoted adipocyte differentiation/maturation, at least in part, by repressing the activation of NF-κB inflammatory pathways, which otherwise can be compromised in inflammatory conditions.

Brown Adipocyte and Splenocyte Co-Culture Maintains Regulatory T Cell Subset in Intermittent Hypobaric Conditions

강태흥,Jung Hwa Park,Donghyeok Shin,Hyungon Choi,Jeenam Kim,이명철 한국조직공학과 재생의학회 2019 조직공학과 재생의학 Vol.16 No.6

BACKGROUND: Brown adipocytes have thermogenic characteristics in neonates and elicit anti-inflammatory responses. We postulated that thermogenic brown adipocytes produce distinctive intercellular effects in a hypobaric state. The purpose of this study is to analyze the correlation between brown adipocyte and regulatory T cell (Treg) expression under intermittent hypobaric conditions. METHODS: Brown and white adipocytes were harvested from the interscapular and flank areas of C57BL6 mice, respectively. Adipocytes were cultured with syngeneic splenocytes after isolation and differentiation. Intermittent hypobaric conditions were generated using cyclic negative pressure application for 48 h in both groups of adipocytes. Expression levels of Tregs (CD4 ? CD25 ? Foxp3 ? T cells), cytokines [tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) and interleukin- 10 (IL-10), and the programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1)] co-inhibitory ligand were examined. RESULTS: Splenocytes, cultured with brown and white adipocytes, exhibited comparable Treg expression in a normobaric state. Under hypobaric conditions, brown adipocytes maintained a subset of Tregs. However, a decrease in Tregs was found in the white adipocyte group. TNF-a levels increased in both groups under hypobaric conditions. In the brown adipocyte group, anti-inflammatory IL-10 expression increased significantly; meanwhile, IL-10 expression decreased in the white adipocyte group. PD-L1 levels increased more significantly in brown adipocytes than in white adipocytes under hypobaric conditions. CONCLUSION: Both brown and white adipocytes support Treg expression when they are cultured with splenocytes. Of note, brown adipocytes maintained Treg expression in intermittent hypobaric conditions. Anti-inflammatory cytokines and co-inhibitory ligands mediate the immunomodulatory effects of brown adipocytes under altered atmospheric conditions. Brown adipocytes showed the feasibility as a source of adjustment in physical stresses.

한우 체지방 감소 쇠고기 생산을 위한 복강 및 피하지방 항체 개발

최창원,김유현,김성진,송만강,권응기,오영균,홍성구,최성호,백경훈,Choi, Chang-Weon,Kim, Yu-Hyun,Kim, Sang-Jin,Song, Man-Kang,Kwon, Eung-Gi,Oh, Young-Kyoon,Hong, Seong-Koo,Choi, Seong-Ho,Baek, Kyung-Hoon 한국축산식품학회 2008 한국축산식품학회지 Vol.28 No.5

This study aimed to develop polyclonal antibodies to regional inedible adipocytes of Korean native cattle (Hanwoo) and investigate cross-reactivity of the antibodies. Patterns in plasma membrane proteins (PMPs) from abdominal and subcutaneous adipocytes of Hanwoo isolated by collagenase digestion were investigated using SDS-PAGE. As antigens, abdominal and subcutaneous adipocyte PMPs of Hanwoo were injected to sheep 3 times at 3 wk intervals for passive immunization, and non-immunized serum and antisera were collected before and after the injections. Titers of the antisera obtained from sheep and their cross-reactivities with heart, kidney, liver, lung, muscle, and spleen of Hanwoo were determined by ELISA. Isolation and culture of abdominal and subcutaneous adipocytes of Hanwoo were performed for analysing LDH concentration. Based on the SDS-PAGE analysis, specific proteins of PMPs in abdominal and subcutaneous adipocytes appeared despite rather similar patterns between both adipocytes. At the level of 1:1,000 dilution, little antibody reactivity appeared in non-immunized serum whereas the antisera had relatively strong reactivity up to the level of 1:128,000 and 1:64,000 dilution. These findings may indicate that strong antibodies against adipocyte PMPs can be developed using an immunological approach. Extremely low reactivities of abdominal and subcutaneous adipocyte antisera were detected with PMPs of the organs. Both antisera strongly reacted with each adipocyte PMPs and showed statistically (p<0.01) higher cross-reactivities compared with non-immunized serum. In conclusion, these results may indicate that the present polyclonal antibodies against regional inedible adipocyte PMPs are well developed and have safety in cross-reactivities with body organs. Further studies on in vivo cross-reactivity and fat reduction of the antibodies against abdominal and subcutaneous adipocytes PMPs of Hanwoo should be required for inedible fat-reduced high quality beef production.

옥수수수염, 율무, 표고버섯 그리고 사과껍질을 함유한 빵의 항산화 및 3T3-L1 지방 전구세포 분화 억제 활성

이창원(Chang Won Lee),박용일(Yong Il Park),김수현(Soo-Hyun Kim),임희경(Heekyung Lim),정미자(Mi Ja Chung) 한국식품영양과학회 2016 한국식품영양과학회지 Vol.45 No.5

옥수수수염, 율무, 표고버섯 그리고 사과껍질 70% 주정 추출물들(CS, JT, LE, AP)은 항산화 활성이 있었고, 그것 중에 CS가 총폴리페놀 함량, 플라보노이드 함량, DPPH 라디칼 소거작용, ABTS 라디칼 소거작용 그리고 환원력과 같은 항산화 효과가 가장 높았다. 지방분화는 CS, JT, LE, AP 그리고 옥수수수염, 율무, 표고버섯 그리고 사과껍질을 함유한 개발 빵 추출물(DB)을 각각 처리한 3T3-L1 지방세포에서 연구하였다. DB1과 DB2는 지방 전구세포 분화 억제 및 항산화 효과가 있었다. 3T3-L1 지방세포에서 중성지방 축적은 실험한 시료들(CS, JT, LE, AP) 중에서 CS가 분화된 3T3-L1 지방세포에서 TG 축적을 가장 억제하였고 3T3-L1에서 지방분화와 관련된 인자들을 조절하였다. CS는 3T3-L1 세포에서 지방구 형성과 지방세포 분화를 농도 의존적으로 억제하였다. 지방분화 동안 다양한 농도(10, 50, 100 ㎍/mL)에서 CS와 함께 처리한 3T3-L1 세포에서 C/EBPβ, PPARγ 그리고 aP2 mRNA와 단백질 수준에 대한 CS의 영향력을 실험하였고, 3T3-L1 지방세포에 CS 처리는 PPARγ와 aP2 mRNA 발현을 감소시켰다. CS는 역시 지방분화중에 C/EBPβ, PPARγ와 aP2 단백질의 증가를 현저하게 저해하였다. 개발된 빵들은 CS에 의해 지방 전구세포(3T3-L1 preadipocytes) 분화 억제 효과가 있고, CS는 3T3-L1 지방세포에서 C/EBPβ, PPARγ와 aP2 신호전달경로를 저해함으로써 지방 전구세포 분화 억제 효과를 나타내었다. JT, LE와 AP는 지방 전구세포 분화 억제 효과는 없었지만 강한 항산화 효과가 있었다. 이들 결과는 개발된 빵이 비만예방 및 억제뿐만 아니라 산화적 스트레스에 의해 유발되는 질병에 도움을 줄 수 있는 건강빵이라는 것을 제안하였다. Corn silk, Job’s tears, Lentinus edodes, and apple peel 70% ethanol extracts (CS, JT, LE, and AP) were studied for their antioxidant activities. CS among all extracts showed the highest antioxidant activities based on total polyphenol and flavonoid contents, 2,2-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) radical scavenging activity, and reducing power. Adipocyte differentiation was investigated by Oil Red O staining assay using CS, JT, LE, AP, and extract of developed bread containing corn silk, Job’s tears, Lentinus edodes, and apple peel (DB) treated to 3T3-L1 adipocytes. DB1 and DB2 showed anti-adipogenic and antioxidant effects. Triglyceride (TG) accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells was measured, and among the samples tested (CS, JT, LE, and AP), CS was found to have the highest inhibitory activity against TG accumulation of differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes and regulated factors associated with adipogenesis. CS suppressed lipid droplet formation and adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells in a dose-dependent manner. We examined the effects of CS on the levels of CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein β (C/EBPβ), peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ), and adipocyte-specific lipid binding protein (aP2) mRNA as well as protein levels in 3T3-L1 cells treated with CS at various concentrations (0, 10, 50, and 100 ㎍/mL) during adipocyte differentiation and treatment with CS in 3T3-L1 adipocytes down-regulated expression of PPARγ and aP2 mRNA. CS also significantly inhibited up-regulation of C/EBPβ, PPARγ, and aP2 proteins during adipocyte differentiation. These data indicate that DBs have anti-adipogenic activity induced by CS in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, and CS exerts anti-adipogenic activity by inhibiting expression of C/EBPβ, PPARγ, and aP2 signaling pathway in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. JT, LE, and AP had no inhibitory effects on differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes but displayed strong antioxidant effects. These results suggest that the developed bread may be a health beneficial food that can prevent or treat obesity and diseases induced by oxidative stress.

SLC3A2 and SLC7A2 Mediate the Exogenous Putrescine-Induced Adipocyte Differentiation

Jin Eom,Juhyun Choi,Sung-Suk Suh,Jong Bae Seo 한국분자세포생물학회 2022 Molecules and cells Vol.45 No.12

Exogenous polyamines are able to induce life span and improve glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity. However, the effects of exogenous polyamines on adipocyte differentiation and which polyamine transporters mediate them have not been elucidated yet. Here, we identified for the first time that exogenous polyamines can clearly stimulate adipocyte differentiation through polyamine transporters, solute carrier family 3 member A2 (SLC3A2) and SLC7A1. Exogenous polyamines markedly promote 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation by increasing the intracellular lipid accumulation and the expression of both adipogenic and lipogenic genes in a concentration-dependent manner. In particular, exogenous putrescine mainly regulates adipocyte differentiation in the early and intermediate stages. Moreover, we have assessed the expression of polyamine transporter genes in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and adipocytes. Interestingly, the putrescine-induced adipocyte differentiation was found to be significantly suppressed in response to a treatment with a polyamine transporter inhibitor (AMXT-1501). Furthermore, knockdown experiments using siRNA that specifically targeted SLC3A2 or SLC7A2, revealed that both SLC3A2 and SLC7A2 act as important transporters in the cellular importing of exogenous putrescine. Thus, the exogenous putrescine entering the adipocytes via cellular transporters is involved in adipogenesis through a modulation of both the mitotic clonal expansion and the expression of master transcription factors. Taken together, these results suggest that exogenous polyamines (such as putrescine) entering the adipocytes through polyamine transporters, can stimulate adipogenesis.

SLC3A2 and SLC7A2 Mediate the Exogenous Putrescine-Induced Adipocyte Differentiation

Jin Eom,Juhyun Choi,Sung-Suk Suh,Jong Bae Seo 한국분자세포생물학회 2022 Molecules and cells Vol.45 No.12

Exogenous polyamines are able to induce life span and improve glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity. However, the effects of exogenous polyamines on adipocyte differentiation and which polyamine transporters mediate them have not been elucidated yet. Here, we identified for the first time that exogenous polyamines can clearly stimulate adipocyte differentiation through polyamine transporters, solute carrier family 3 member A2 (SLC3A2) and SLC7A1. Exogenous polyamines markedly promote 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation by increasing the intracellular lipid accumulation and the expression of both adipogenic and lipogenic genes in a concentration-dependent manner. In particular, exogenous putrescine mainly regulates adipocyte differentiation in the early and intermediate stages. Moreover, we have assessed the expression of polyamine transporter genes in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and adipocytes. Interestingly, the putrescine-induced adipocyte differentiation was found to be significantly suppressed in response to a treatment with a polyamine transporter inhibitor (AMXT-1501). Furthermore, knockdown experiments using siRNA that specifically targeted SLC3A2 or SLC7A2, revealed that both SLC3A2 and SLC7A2 act as important transporters in the cellular importing of exogenous putrescine. Thus, the exogenous putrescine entering the adipocytes via cellular transporters is involved in adipogenesis through a modulation of both the mitotic clonal expansion and the expression of master transcription factors. Taken together, these results suggest that exogenous polyamines (such as putrescine) entering the adipocytes through polyamine transporters, can stimulate adipogenesis.

Inhibitory Effect of Vitamin U (S-Methylmethionine Sulfonium Chloride) on Differentiation in 3T3-L1 Pre-adipocyte Cell Lines

( Na Young Lee ),( Kui Young Park ),( Hye Jung Min ),( Kye Yong Song ),( Yun Young Lim ),( Ju Hee Park ),( Beom Joon Kim ),( Myeung Nam Kim ) 대한피부과학회 2012 Annals of Dermatology Vol.24 No.1

Background: S-methylmethionine sulfonium chloride was originally called vitamin U because of its inhibition of ulceration in the digestive system. Vitamin U is ubiquitously expressed in the tissues of flowering plants, and while there have been reports on its hypolipidemic effect, its precise function remains unknown. Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the anti-obesity effect of vitamin U in 3T3-L1 pre-adipocyte cell lines. Methods: We cultured the pre-adipocyte cell line 3T3L1 to overconfluency and then added fat differentiation-inducing media (dexamethasone, IBMX [isobutylmethylxanthine], insulin, indomethacin) and different concentrations (10, 50, 70, 90, 100 mM) of vitamin U. Then, we evaluated changes in the levels of triglycerides (TGs), glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PDH), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), adipocyte-specific markers (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ [PPAR-γ], CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α [C/EBP-α], adipocyte differentiation and determination factor 1 [ADD-1], adipsin, fatty acid synthase, lipoprotein lipase) and apoptosis-related signals (Bcl-2, Bax). Results: There was a gradual decrease in the level of TGs, C/EBP-α, PPAR-γ, adipsin, ADD-1 and GPDH activity with increasing concentrations of vitamin U. In contrast, we observed a significant increase in AMPK activity with increasing levels of vitamin U. The decrease in bcl-2 and increase in Bax observed with increasing concentrations of vitamin U in the media were not statistically significant. Conclusion: This study suggests that vitamin U inhibits adipocyte differentiation via down- regulation of adipogenic factors and up-regulation of AMPK activity. (Ann Dermatol 24(1) 39∼44, 2012)

Platyphylloside Isolated From <i>Betula platyphylla</i> Inhibit Adipocyte Differentiation and Induce Lipolysis Via Regulating Adipokines Including PPARγ in 3T3-L1 Cells

Lee, Mina,Sung, Sang Hyun Medknow PublicationsMedia Pvt Ltd 2016 Pharmacognosy magazine Vol.12 No.48

<P><B>Background:</B></P><P>Obesity causes or aggravates many health problems, both independently and in association with several pathological disorders, including Type II diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and cancer. Therefore, we screened small compounds isolated from natural products for the development of anti-obesity drugs.</P><P><B>Objective:</B></P><P>The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-adipogenic activities of platyphylloside, diarylheptanoid isolated from <I>Betula platyphylla</I>, which was selected based on the screening using 3T3-L1 cells.</P><P><B>Materials and Methods:</B></P><P>To evaluate the inhibition of adipocyte differentiation and lipolysis, lipid contents of BPP on were measured using Oil Red O staining in 3T3-L1 cells. The mRNA and protein expression levels of various adipokines were measured by Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting analysis, respectively.</P><P><B>Results:</B></P><P>Platyphylloside showed significant inhibitory activity on adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells and suppressed adipocyte differentiation even in the presence of troglitazone, a PPARγ agonist. Platyphylloside might suppress adipocyte differentiation through PPARγ, C/EBPα, and SREBP1-induced adipogenesis, which is synergistically associated with downstream adipocyte-specific gene promoters such as aP2, FAS, SCD-1, LPL, and Adiponectin. In addition, platyphylloside affected lipolysis by down-regulating perilipin and HSL and up-regulating TNFα.</P><P><B>Conclusion:</B></P><P>Taken together, the results reveal that platyphylloside has anti-adipogenic activity and highlight its potential in the prevention and treatment of obesity.</P><P><B>SUMMARY</B></P><P><P>The extract of B. <I>platyphylla</I> bark and its isolate, BPP, had anti-adipogenic activity in 3T3-L1 cells via suppression of adipocyte differentiation from preadipocytes.</P><P>Treatment with BPP significantly down-regulated the expression of PPARγ, C/EBP, C/EBPβ, C/EBPδ, SREBP1c, SCD-1, FAS, aP2 and LPL.</P><P>BPP induced a lipolytic response in mature adipocytes via up-regulation krof TNFá and down-regulation of HSL, perilipin, PPARγ, PDE3B, and Gia1.</P><P>BPP is a novel potential agent in the prevention and treatment of obesity through its anti-adipogenic activities and lipolysis.</P></P> >[FIG OMISSION]</BR><P><B>Abbreviations used:</B> DMEM: Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium, FBS: fetal bovine serum, ORO: Oil Red O, PBS: phosphate buffered saline, RT: room temperature, PPAR: peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor, C/EBP: CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein, SREBP1: sterol regulatory element binding protein 1, SCD-1: steroyl-coenzyme A desaturase 1, LPL: lipoprotein lipase, aP2: adipocyte fatty acid binding protein, FAS: fatty acid synthase, HSL: hormone sensitive lipase, Giα<SUB>1</SUB>: GPT binding protein, PDE3B: phosphodiesterase 3B, TNFα: tumor necrosis factor α, GAPDH: glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, SD: standard deviation, EGCG: epigallocatechin-3-gallate, TZD: thiazolidinediones</P>

AMP-activated Kinase Regulates Adipocyte Differentiation Process in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes Treated with Selenium

Song Yi Park(박송이),Jin-Taek Hwang(황진택),Yun-Kyoung Lee(이윤경),Young-Min Kim(김영민),Ock Jin Park(박옥진) 한국생명과학회 2009 생명과학회지 Vol.19 No.4

셀레늄은 필수미네랄로 항산화작용 등의 체내 주요 작용을 수행한다고 알려져 있다. 만성질환 등의 예방과 치료 등의 바람직한 효능을 기대하여 섭취가 늘고 있어서 주목을 받고 있다. 셀레늄은 암의 억제나 혈중포도당조절 및 지방억제 등의 목적으로도 이용되고 있다. 이러한 다양한 연구에도 불구하고 지방세포를 이용한 지방세포분화나 지방세포사멸 촉진에 미치는 영향은 아직 연구되어 있지 않다. 셀레늄의 지방세포조절을 통한 분자기전에 대한 연구는 늘어가고 있는 비만이나 비만관련대사질환의 조절에 학문적 근거를 제공할 수 있다. 본 연구에서는 셀레늄이 AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)를 중심으로 지방 미분화세포인 3T3-L1 지방세포의 분화억제 및 분화된 세포의 사멸작용의 기전을 밝히고자 하였다. AMPK는 세포 내 에너지상태의 센서로 작용하는데 실제적으로 운동의 지방대사 촉진기능이 이 단백질에 기인한다는 사실이 밝혀지면서 각광을 받고 있다. 또한 시상하부에서 AMPK는 호르몬이나 영양소 등의 생리적인 인자들을 통합하고 식욕이나 신체에너지 대사를 총괄하는 물질로 대두되고 있다. 셀레늄을 지방세포의 분화과정에 처리하였을 때에 현저한 지방세포로의 분화가 억제되었고 이미 다 분화된 성숙된 지방세포에 처리하였을 때는 세포사멸(apoptosis)을 유도하는 것을 발견하였으며 이와 동시에 AMPK의 활성화 촉진 및 AMPK의 지질인 acetyl-CoA carboxylase의 serine??를 인산화하는 것으로 나타났다. 또한 이러한 셀레늄의 지방세포분화 억제 능력은 AMPK의 활성화 합성물질인 AICAR나 포도의 폴리페놀인 레스베라트롤의 능력과 같은 정도의 억제능을 보여주었다. 또한 AMPK의 항 지방축적작용에서의 필수성을 알아보기 위하여 지방세포에 AMPK 활성화 물질인 AICAR와 억제물질인 Compound C를 사용하여 AMPK활성화를 측정하여 본 결과 지방세포분화와 지방축적의 억제과정에 있어서 AMPK가 필수적임을 밝혀내었다. Selenium was investigated using human origin preadipocytes to see whether it possesses preventive or therapeutic effects for obesity. Unveiling the potential of selenium in the reduction of adipogenesis can help predict the therapeutic capabilities of selenium in obesity. In the present study, the molecular mechanism of the inhibition of adipogenesis by selenium was explored to unravel the involvement of the AMP-activated protein kinase. There is emerging evidence that AMPK, a sensor of cellular energy status, is a possible molecular target of controlling adipocyte differentiation on the basis of discovery that AMPK is responsible for the major metabolic responses to exercise, and integration of nutritional and hormonal signals to modulate feeding behavior or energy expenditure in the hypothalamus. Treatment of selenium resulted in inhibition of the adipocyte differentiation process and induction of mature apoptosis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. We hypothesized that selenium may exert anti-adipogenic potential though modulating AMPK. We have found that selenium significantly activated AMPK and phosphorylated its substrate acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC-serine??) during the inhibitory process of adipocytes. Also, the inhibition process of adipocyte differentiation by selenium was comparable to either reveratrol or a synthetic AMPK activator, AICAR (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribofuranoside). To evaluate the involvement of AMPK in anti-lipogensis, we applied AICAR and Compound C, an AMPK inhibitor, to 3T3-L1-adipocytes and found that AMPK is required for the adipocyte differentiation blocking process. These results suggest that selenium has a potential to control adipogenesis and that this effect is mediated by AMPK, an essential kinase for both inhibition of adipocyte differentiation and apoptosis of mature adipocytes.