SAPONINS AS MODULATORS OF ADIPOGENESIS

Background: Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-adipogenic effects of natural compounds is essential in the context of combating obesity. The 3T3-L1 cell line is a widely recognized model for studying various mechanism associated with adipogenesis and diabetes. Saponins are bioactive compounds found in various medicinal plants, and have exhibited potential in regulating adipocyte differentiation. The pathways through which different saponins modulate adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cell line are presented in this paper. Material and methods: A literature search of electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) was performed, using combinations of the following keywords: ,,3T3-L1'', ,,saponins'', ,,adipogenesis''. Only papers published in the last ten years were chosen. Results: Out of the 64 articles included in the present study, 23 studies were focusedon the effects of saponins extracted from different Panax species, and unique mechanisms of action in the 3T3-L1 cell line were noticed (inhibition of the NFκB signaling pathway, stimulation of glucose-uptake, inhibition of adipogenesis via the AMP-activated protein kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways, modulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma expression). Other triterpenoids extracted from different herbal drugs, exhibited similar actions, triterpenoids being able to modulate adipogenesis at early stages in the differentiations process as well as the mature adipocyte formation. Interestingly, out of the selected papers, only three studies evaluated the effects of sterolic saponins, the majority of the studies being focused on triterpenoid saponins. Conclusions: Saponins extracted from different herbal products can modulate the adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells. These compounds present promising avenues for further investigation and development of interventions against obesity andits associated complications. Also, this review suggests that data regarding the effects of steroidal saponins on adipogenesis is scarce, and more research is needed in order to fully understand these effects.