Low concentrations of α-lipoic acid reduce palmitic acid-induced alterations in murine hypertrophic adipocytes

Abstract

Obesity is a metabolic disorder with excessive body fat accumulation, increasing incidence of chronic metabolic diseases. Hypertrophic obesity is associated with local oxidative stress and inflammation. Herein, we evaluated the in vitro activity of micromolar concentrations of α-lipoic acid (ALA) on palmitic acid (PA)-exposed murine hypertrophic 3T3-L1 adipocytes, focussing on the main molecular pathways involved in adipogenesis, inflammation, and insulin resistance. ALA, starting from 1 µM, decreased adipocytes hypertrophy, reducing PA-triggered intracellular lipid accumulation, PPAR-γ levels, and FABP4 gene expression, and counteracted PA-induced intracellular ROS levels and NF-κB activation. ALA reverted PA-induced insulin resistance, restoring PI3K/Akt axis and inducing GLUT-1 and glucose uptake, showing insulin sensitizing properties since it increased their basal levels. In conclusion, this study supports the potential effects of low micromolar ALA against hypertrophy, inflammation, and insulin resistance in adipose tissue, suggesting its important role as pharmacological supplement in the prevention of conditions linked to obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• α-lipoic acid
• adipocyte hypertrophy
• inflammation
• insulin resistance
• oxidative stress
• palmitic acid
• 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, A.S., upon reasonable request.

Disclosure statement

The authors report there are no competing interests to declare.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.