Effects of Kampo Formulas on Differentiation and Proinflammatory Cytokines Expression of 3T3-L1 Cells

Abstract

Effects of Kampo formulas which have been long
used clinically for obese patients remain unclear at
the cellular level. The objective of this study is to
investigate the effects of 8 commonly-used Kampos
on the differentiation and proinflammatory cytokines
expression of 3T3-L1 cells. 3T3-L1 preadipocytes
were induced differentiation being treated with test
8 Kampos through the induction period. Oil red O
staining and mRNAs expressions of peroxisome proliferator-
active receptor-γ （PPARγ） and adiponectin
were examined to evaluate effects of the Kampos
on the differentiation. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha
（TNF-α）, interleukin-6, and monocyte chemoattractant
protein-1 （MCP-1） mRNAs were examined to
investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of the Kampos.
PPARγ and/or adiponectin, as well as MCP-1
and/or TNF-α mRNAs were significantly decreased
by Boiogito and a few other Kampos when compared
with the control. These results at the cellular
level are compatible with the clinical beneficial effects
of these Kampos.