Iris bungei Maxim. extract promotes brown adipocyte differentiation.

Abstract

BACKGROUND : Iris bungei Maxim., a plant native to the desert grasslands of the Inner Mongolian Plateau and traditionally used in Mongolian medicine, has been shown to influence adipocyte differentiation in white adipose tissue. However, its effects on brown adipocyte differentiation have not been previously explored.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of Iris bungei Maxim. (IB) extract on brown adipocyte differentiation, focusing on lipid accumulation, gene expression, mitochondrial biogenesis, and functionality.

Methods: Immortalized murine brown preadipocytes were treated with IB extract during differentiation. Lipid accumulation, expression of brown adipocyte-specific genes, and mitochondrial biogenesis (MitoTracker Red staining, mitochondrial DNA content, oxidative phosphorylation protein levels) were evaluated. Additionally, mitochondrial respiration and isoproterenol-induced UCP-1 expression were analyzed to assess functional effects. Bioactive compounds in the IB extract were identified using feature-based molecular networking (FBMN) with the Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking (GNPS).

Results: The IB extract significantly enhanced brown adipocyte differentiation, as evidenced by increased lipid accumulation and upregulation of brown adipocyte-specific genes, such as UCP-1, PGC-1α, and PRDM16. Moreover, mitochondrial biogenesis was notably elevated, as indicated by enhanced MitoTracker Red staining, increased mitochondrial DNA content, and upregulated oxidative phosphorylation protein expression. The extract also improved mitochondrial respiration, suggesting enhanced mitochondrial functionality. Furthermore, the IB extract amplified isoproterenol-induced UCP-1 expression, indicating its potential role in thermogenesis regulation. Additionally, FBMN-GNPS analysis identified the chemical constituents in the IB extract by mass replication in the spectral matching to those in online databanks.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that the methanol extract of IB could be a promising agent for promoting brown adipocyte differentiation and enhancing mitochondrial activity, with potential applications in managing obesity and metabolic disorders.