Investigation of the possible effects of quercetin onlipolytic mechanisms in 3T3-L1 adipocyte cells

Obesity disrupts the homeostasis of adipose tissue, causing an increase in the number and size of adipocytes. Using polyphenols with lipolytic properties has been recognized as an approach for treating obesity. In addition, researchers are increasingly interested in cell-based treatment approaches for the treatment of obesity, which is increasing all over the world. The aim of this study was to determine the possible effects of quercetin polyphenol on lipid accumulation and adiponectin levels in mature and hypertrophic adipocytes. Furthermore, the objective was to examine the potential role of the β3-AR signaling pathway in this result. For this purpose, 3T3-L1 adipocytes, which were first differentiated and then made mature and hypertrophic, were incubated with treatment agents (quercetin and/or β3-receptor antagonist). Then, lipid levels were observed via the Oil-red-O staining method. Lipid accumulation and adiponectin levels were measured using ELISA. In mature adipocytes; quercetin application reduced lipid accumulation and increased adiponectin levels (p<0.05). The combined use of quercetin with a β3-receptor antagonist diminished the elevation in adiponectin levels (p<0.05). In hypertrophic adipocytes; quercetin application decreased adiponectin level (p<0.05). The application of quercetin together with β3-receptor antagonist increased this decrease in adiponectin level (p<0.05). At this point, we predict that quercetin may be insufficient to eliminate the negative effects of quercetin on these adipocyte cells due to the changing metabolic processes in hypertrophic adipocytes. The results of our study show that quercetin polyphenol has protective effects on health in the early stages of obesity, but its effectiveness remains limited in the later stages of obesity.