Investigating the inhibitory effect of β-Rb1-Lip on lipid droplet accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Abstract

[Objective] β-Sitosterol-modified ginsenoside Rb1 liposomes （β-Rb1-Lip） were prepared to reduce the degradation of Rb1 and enhance the lipid-lowering effects of ginsenoside Rb1. [Methods] β-sitosterol-modified ginsenoside Rb1 liposomes were prepared by the thin-film hydration method. The biosafety of the liposomes was assessed using the MTT assay. The inhibition of lipid droplet accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes by β-Rb1-Lip was investigated using Oil Red O staining and triglyceride （TG） content measurement with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. [Results] The prepared β-Rb1-Lip liposomes had an encapsulation efficiency of 83.74% and an average particle size of 198 nm. The release rate of Rb1 from β-Rb1-Lip was about 80% within 12 hours, demonstrating a good sustained-release effect. Regarding lipid-lowering activity, β-Rb1-Lip at 50 μmol/L showed a significant inhibitory rate of intracellular lipid droplets. Compared to the same concentration of Rb1 monomer, β-Rb1-Lip had a more significant inhibitory effect on the accumulation of lipid droplets in 3T3-L1 cells and did not exhibit cytotoxicity. [Conclusion] β-Rb1-Lip has high encapsulation efficiency, small particle size, and obvious sustained-release characteristics. It can continuously release the active component ginsenoside Rb1, enhance its lipid-lowering efficacy, and reduce the dosage, providing support for the development of Rb1 lipid-lowering products.

Keywords

• ginsenoside rb1
• β-sitosterol
• 3t3-l1 preadipocytes
• lipid droplet accumulation
• liposome