Adipogenesis inhibitory effect of Mastoparan B peptide on 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Abstract

Mastoparan B (MP-B) is a cationic tetradecapeptide isolated from the venom of the Taiwan hornet Vespa basalis. MP-B exhibits a variety of biofunctional effects such as cardiovascular effect, local edema, antibacterial activity. In this study, we examined the anti-obesity effect of Mastoparan B and its mechanism of action in 3T3-L1 preadipocyte cells. We measured MP-B inhibited adipocyte differentiation by oil red O staining. MP-B decreased the expression of the key adipogenic transcription factors such as CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-alpha (C/EBPα), nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1). These factors are expressed during the late phase of MDI induced differentiation. Moreover MP-B regulated phosphorylation of Akt, glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β) which play role in adipocyte differentiation in which insulin and certain growth factors stimulate adipogenesis. The results indicate that MP-B inhibits adipocyte differentiation and accumulation of lipid droplets in 3T3-L1 cell and may have effect for the treatment of obesity.