Sangyod rice extract inhibits adipocyte growth and differentiation via mTOR, Akt, and AMPK pathways

This study aimed to evaluate Sangyod rice extract (SRE) in two aspects: its effect on 3T3-L1 cell proliferation during early adipocyte differentiation and its anti-adipogenic properties. Initially, SRE reduced 3T3-L1 preadipocyte proliferation by downregulating mTOR and Akt expression. In later stages, it significantly inhibited adipogenesis, lowering lipid accumulation and triglyceride levels. SRE achieved these effects by suppressing key adipogenic transcription factors (PPAR-γ, C/EBPα, C/EBPβ, SREBP-1c, SREBP-2) and lipogenic genes (perilipin, aP2, ACC, FasN, LPL, HSL, ATGL), as well as adipokine genes (leptin, resistin, AdipoQ, AdipoQ-R1, AdipoQ-R2). AMPK activation played a crucial role in SRE's mechanism, hindering adipogenesis. Moreover, SRE was found to decrease glucose uptake by suppressing the gene expression of glucose transporter 4 (Glut4) and the insulin receptor (IsnR). This research highlights the potential of SRE as an anti-obesity agent, particularly in alleviating insulin resistance and obesity. This suggests that SRE could be formulated into a functional food product with these advantageous properties