Rutin is a flavonoid, which is found in many plants. It has been shown to reduce blood glucose and increase insulin levels in diabetic rats. In the present study, the authors aimed to elucidate the molecular basis for the observed antidiabetic activity using murine 3T3-L1 preadipocyte cultures. The treatment of differentiating 3T3-L1 cells with rutin at concentrations of 3, 10, 30 and 100 μM significantly increased lipid accumulation and mRNA expression of transcription factors, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha, and adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein. Furthermore, rutin at concentrations of 10, 30 and 100 μM increased adiponectin mRNA expression together with stimulating the secretion of adiponectin in differentiating 3T3-L1 cells. These results indicate that the stimulatory effect of rutin on adipocyte differentiation likely occurs through up-regulation of adipogenic transcription factors and downstream adipocytespecific gene expression. Such effects of rutin on adiponectin secretion and adipocyte activity may account for, at least in part, the antidiabetic effects of consumption of food containing rutin.

Keywords: Rutin, Adipogenesis, Adiponectin, 3T3-L1 adipocytes