The apoptotic effect of green tea (-)-epigallocatechin gallate on 3T3-L1 preadipocytes depends on the Cdk2 pathway

J Agric Food Chem. 2005 Jul 13;53(14):5695-701. doi: 10.1021/jf050045p.

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the effect of green tea catechins, especially (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), on the apoptosis of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Preadipocyte apoptosis as indicated by formation of DNA fragments was induced by EGCG in dose-dependent manners. While EGCG was demonstrated to decrease Cdk2 expression and activity and increase caspase-3 activity, overexpression of Cdk2 and treatment with the caspase-3 inhibitor respectively prevented preadipocytes from induction of DNA fragmentation and caspase-3 activity by doses of 100-400 muM of EGCG. This suggests the Cdk2- and caspase-3-dependent apoptotic effects of EGCG. Moreover, EGCG was more effective than EC, ECG, and EGC in changing the apoptotic signals. Results of this study may relate to the mechanism by which EGCG modulates body weight.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 3T3 Cells
  • Adipocytes / cytology
  • Adipocytes / drug effects*
  • Animals
  • Apoptosis / drug effects*
  • CDC2-CDC28 Kinases / genetics
  • CDC2-CDC28 Kinases / metabolism*
  • Camellia sinensis / chemistry*
  • Caspase 3
  • Caspases / metabolism
  • Catechin / analogs & derivatives*
  • Catechin / pharmacology*
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 2
  • DNA Fragmentation
  • Gene Expression
  • Mice
  • Stem Cells / cytology
  • Stem Cells / drug effects
  • Transfection

Substances

  • Catechin
  • epigallocatechin gallate
  • CDC2-CDC28 Kinases
  • Cdk2 protein, mouse
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 2
  • Casp3 protein, mouse
  • Caspase 3
  • Caspases