Pulsatilla koreana nakai downregulates C/EBPs/PPARγ and suppresses fatty acid synthase via activation of AMPKα in 3T3-L1 cells

Pulsatilla koreana Nakai, or pasque flower has been used as a medicinal plant for the treatment of amoebic dysentery, malaria, and internal haemorrhoids. The extract of Pulsatilla koreana Nakai, itself, has not been yet investigated for potential antiobesity effects. In this study, the antiobesity effect was evaluated on preadipocyte differentiation of Pulsatilla koreana Nakai extracted by 70 % ethanol in 3T3-L1 cells. Pulsatilla koreana Nakai ethanol extract at doses of 20 μg/ml significantly decreased lipid droplet accumulation, the expression of transcription factors, including CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α, β, δ, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and mRNA levels of fatty acid synthase. Moreover, Pulsatilla koreana Nakai ethanol extract also activated the phosphorylation of 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase α. In conclusion, Pulsatilla koreana Nakai ethanol extract suppressed preadipocyte differentiation via down-regulation of CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, and fatty acid synthase by phosphorylation of 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase α in adipocytes. This data suggested that Pulsatilla koreana Nakai ethanol extract be further explored as a new preventive and therapeutic agent against obesity.