Euglena extract suppresses adipocyte-differentiation in human adipose-derived stem cells

PLoS One. 2018 Feb 15;13(2):e0192404. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0192404. eCollection 2018.

Abstract

Euglena gracilis Z (Euglena) is a unicellular, photosynthesizing, microscopic green alga. It contains several nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and unsaturated fatty acids. In this study, to verify the potential role of Euglena consumption on human health and obesity, we evaluated the effect of Euglena on human adipose-derived stem cells. We prepared a Euglena extract and evaluated its effect on cell growth and lipid accumulation, and found that cell growth was promoted by the addition of the Euglena extract. Interestingly, intracellular lipid accumulation was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis and western blotting analysis indicated that the Euglena extract suppressed adipocyte differentiation by inhibiting the gene expression of the master regulators peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) and one of three CCAAT-enhancer-binding proteins (C/EBPα). Further Oil Red O staining experiments indicated that the Euglena extract inhibited the early stage of adipocyte-differentiation. Consistent with these results, we observed that down-regulation of gene expression was involved in the early stage of adipogenesis represented by the sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 c (SREBP1c), two of three CCAAT-enhancer-binding proteins (C/EBPβ, C/EBPδ), and the cAMP regulatory element-binding protein (CREB). Taken together, these data suggest that Euglena extract is a promising candidate for the development of a new therapeutic treatment for obesity.

MeSH terms

  • Adipocytes / cytology*
  • Adipocytes / metabolism
  • CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Protein-alpha / genetics
  • Cell Differentiation*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Euglena*
  • Humans
  • Lipid Metabolism
  • PPAR gamma / genetics
  • Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein 1 / genetics

Substances

  • CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Protein-alpha
  • PPAR gamma
  • Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein 1

Associated data

  • figshare/b5719689d4975233db78

Grants and funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. But, we are employed by euglena Co., Ltd., and we apologize for inadequate description. To be exact, the funder provided support in the form of salaries for authors RS, NO, KA, YM, OI, AN, KS, but did not have any additional role in the study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.