Abstract: Objective · To explore the effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on oxidative stress and inflammation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, and provide a theoretical basis for EGCG to prevent obesity and related chronic diseases. Methods · 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were differentiated to mature adipocytesin vitro cell culture. The cells were divided into blank control group, and 1, 10 and 50 μg/mL EGCG groups. After 24 hour treatment, intracellular oxidative stress indicators glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the cells were measured. The levels of inflammatory indexes interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) were testedELISA and realtime PCR, while the of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) was testedrealtime PCR. Results · Compared with the control group, GSH and SOD levels in 3T3-L1 adipocytes increased in a dose-dependent manner after treatment of EGCG (both P<0.05), while MDA level in 3T3-L1 adipocytes decreased dose-dependently after treatment of EGCG (P<0.05). IL-6, MCP-1 and TNF-α levels in 3T3L1 adipocytes supernatant declined significantly in a dose-dependent manner after treatment of 1, 10 and 50 μg/mL EGCG (all P<0.05). The levels of IL-6, MCP-1 and TNF-α in 3T3-L1 adipocytes were decreased in a dose-dependent manner after 24 h treatment of different concentrations of EGCG. Nrf2 and HO-1 mRNA levels in 3T3-L1 adipocytes increased significantly in a dose-dependent manner after treatment of 10 and 50 μg/mL EGCG (both P<0.05). Conclusion · EGCG plays an antioxidation and anti-inflammatory effects in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, which may be related to up-regulation of Nrf2/HO-1.

Key words: epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), obesity, adipocytes, oxidative stress, inflammation