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The apoptotic effect of green tea (-)-epigallocatechin gallate on 3T3-L1 preadipocytes depends on the Cdk2 pathway.

Wu BT, Hung PF, Chen HC, Huang RN, Chang HH, Kao YH

Department of Life Science, College of Science, National Central University, Chung-Li City, Taoyuan, Taiwan 32054.

This study was designed to investigate the effect of green tea catechins, especially (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), on the apoptosis of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Preadipocyte apoptosis as indicated by formation of DNA fragments was induced by EGCG in dose-dependent manners. While EGCG was demonstrated to decrease Cdk2 expression and activity and increase caspase-3 activity, overexpression of Cdk2 and treatment with the caspase-3 inhibitor respectively prevented preadipocytes from induction of DNA fragmentation and caspase-3 activity by doses of 100-400 muM of EGCG. This suggests the Cdk2- and caspase-3-dependent apoptotic effects of EGCG. Moreover, EGCG was more effective than EC, ECG, and EGC in changing the apoptotic signals. Results of this study may relate to the mechanism by which EGCG modulates body weight.

Published 6 July 2005 in J Agric Food Chem, 53(14): 5695-701.
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