Chlorin e6-mediated photodynamic therapy modulates adipocyte differentiation and lipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells

Chlorin e6-mediated photodynamic therapy (Ce6-mediated PDT) is a therapeutic modality that consists of a photosensitizer, source of light at a suitable wavelength, and molecular oxygen. PDT has been widely used for the treatment of cancers and non-neoplastic disorders. However, information on the inhibitory activity of Ce6-mediated PDT on adipogenesis and lipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells is not available to date. MTT assay, Oil Red O staining, and Nile red staining were used to investigate lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells to clarify adipocyte differentiation. The expression levels of various molecular signals associated with adipogenesis and lipogenesis were examined by RT-PCR and western blot analysis. Adipocyte differentiation and lipid accumulation were reduced by Ce6-mediated PDT in 3T3-L1 cells. Inhibition of the expression of PPAR-γ, C/EBPα, β, δ, SREBP-1, FAS, and LPL and the activation of AMPK, revealed concise modulation of adipogenic and lipogenic molecules by Ce6-mediated PDT. The anti-adipogenic effect of Ce6-mediated PDT was reversed by AMPKα siRNA. Ce6-mediated PDT inhibits adipocyte differentiation and lipogenesis via regulating AMPK. Ce6-mediated PDT might serve as a potential therapy for the treatment of obesity and obesity-associated diseases.