Resveratrol analog 4-[2-(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)vinyl]pyridine reduces differentiation of the 3T3-L1 adipocyte.

BACKGROUND

Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene) is a phytoalexin synthesized by plants, most notably grapes, against microbial invasion or ultraviolet stimulation, and is known to exert antioxidant, anticancer, and antiobesity effects.

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to find resveratrol derivatives with higher anti-obesity activity compared to resveratrol and to verify their mechanism of action.

METHODS

The inhibitory effect of resveratrol and its derivatives on adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells was studied using Oil Red O staining, and the effects on the intracellular expression of fatty acid synthase (FAS) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) were measured via Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

A derivative of resveratrol, 4-[2-(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)vinyl]pyridine (DPVP), exerted inhibitory effects against 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation (IC(50) = 13.5 µM) and FAS expression. Notably, it displayed higher activity at concentrations lower than 25 µM compared to resveratrol.

CONCLUSIONS

DPVP is considered to have greater potential as an anti-obesity substance, as it exhibits excellent activity at low concentrations compared to resveratrol.