Obesity induced
metabolic syndrome is increasing worldwide at an alarming rate. It is characterized by excessive expansion of white adipose tissue which leads to
hypoxia and impairs normal metabolism. Recent studies reveal that
hypoxia could be one of the factors for
inflammation,
insulin resistance and other
obesity related complications. There is a high demand for anti-obese phytoceuticals to control and manage the complications resulting from
obesity. In this study, we investigated how
hypoxia affect the physiological functions of 3T3-L1 adipocytes emphasizing on oxidative stress,
inflammation, and mitochondrial functions. We also evaluated the protective role of various doses of
curcumin, a well-known dietary
antioxidant, on
hypoxia induced alterations. The results revealed that
hypoxia significantly altered the vital parameters of adipocyte biology like HIF 1α expression (103.47% ↑),
lactate, and
glycerol release (184.34% and 69.1% ↑, respectively),
reactive oxygen species production (432.53% ↑),
lipid and
protein oxidation (376.6% and 566.6% ↑, respectively), reduction in
antioxidant enzymes (
superoxide dismutase and
catalase) status, secretion of inflammatory markers (TNF α, IL 6, IL 1β, and IFN γ), and mitochondrial functions (mitochondrial mass, membrane potential, permeability transition pore integrity, and
superoxide generation).
Curcumin substantially protected adipocytes from toxic effects of
hypoxia in a dose dependent manner by protecting mitochondria and down regulating
inflammation.
Acriflavine is used as a positive control. A detailed investigation is required for the development of
curcumin as an effective nutraceutical against
obesity.