Phenylacetic acid induce the gene expression of uncoupling protein 1 in 3T3-L1 cells in vitro

Obesity leads to an increase in chronic non-communicable diseases. Adipose tissue transdifferentiation opens a treatment possibility against obesity through white adipose tissue (WAT) browning related with uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). Some foods have a browning effect, which is characterized by their high amounts of polyphenols. Polyphenol-rich fruit extracts have been shown potential browning-inducing effects on WAT. Different food matrixes have been used as treatment for obesity without success in characterizing a particular compound responsible for these effects. The aim of this study is to determine that phenylacetic acid (PAA) has browning activity in mature adipocytes. 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were differentiated and stimulated for 24 h with PAA and later thermogenic genes were evaluated. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) was used as a positive control. PAA was able to induce an increase in UCP1 gene expression levels. New studies are needed to evaluate the timing of PAA treatment in mature adipocytes to elucidate if there are different thermogenesis stimulation pathways.