Fucoidan from the sporophyll of Undaria pinnatifida suppresses adipocyte differentiation by inhibition of inflammation-related cytokines in 3T3-L1 cells

Obesity is a metabolic disorder, associated with cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Recent studies suggest that seaweed extracts are a significant source of bioactive compounds that are similar to dietary phytochemicals. Fucoidan, which is extracted from brown seaweeds, has a number of physiological functions. However, it is still unclear whether fucoidan would be beneficial in adipogenesis. In this study, we hypothesized that fucoidan extracted from the sporophyll of U pinnatifida exerts anti-obesity effects via inhibition of inflammatory-related cytokines. Thus, to test our hypothesis, we determined the obesity-specific therapeutic action of fucoidan in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Herein, we showed that proliferator-activated receptor γ, CCAAR/enhancer-binding protein α, and adipocyte protein 2 were significantly suppressed in the presence of fucoidan, which decreased expression of the inflammation-related genes during adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Moreover, fucoidan also reduced the accumulation of lipids and reactive oxygen species production in adipocytes. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that fucoidan from the sporophyll of U pinnatifida suppresses adipogenesis through the inhibition of major markers and inflammation-related cytokines in adipocytes. Hence, these findings indicate that fucoidan may afford some potential to control or reduce obesity.