In vitro effects of vitamins C and E on adipocyte function and redox status in obesity

Background

Obesity is associated with a chronic inflammatory state and evident oxidative stress. Antioxidant supplementation may have beneficial effects on adipocyte function and on oxidative stress. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the in vitro effects of vitamins C, E on redox and metabolic parameters in adipocytes of control and obese Wistar rats.

Methods

Adipocytes were isolated from abdominal adipose tissue and were cultured in RPMI medium for 24 h, in the presence or the absence of vitamins (C, E at 50 µM). Glucose consumption, lactate and glycerol release, ATP and triglyceride contents, redox balance were investigated with biochemical methods.

Results

The results showed altered glucose consumption and lactate and glycerol efflux, high triglycerides, low ATP contents (P < 0.01), associated to an intracellular oxidative stress in adipocytes of obese rats. Vitamins C and E restored adipocyte function in obesity. Vitamin E increased lipolysis in adipocytes during obesity (P < 0.01). Redox balance was also modulated by antioxidants, including a reduction in intracellular hydroperoxides and carbonyl proteins levels and an increase in catalase and SOD activities and glutathione contents in adipocytes of obese rats.

Conclusion

Treatments with vitamins had beneficial effects on adipocyte function, and should be considered in therapeutic approaches for normalizing adipose function in obesity.