[#2010-25] Reishi Shimojo, Yosuke et al Effect of Ganoderma lucidum Extract on Adipocyte Differentiation and Adiponectin Gene Expression in the Murine Pre-adipocyte Cell Line, 3T3-L1

Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been used for the treatment of various
diseases including cancer and atherosclerosis. In this study, the positive effect of G. lucidum on metabolic
syndrome was investigated in more detail by the use of 3T3-L1 pre-adipocyte cells. Treatment of 3T3-L1 cells
with G. lucidum extract (GE) significantly promoted adipocyte differentiation and adiponectin production in a
dose-dependent manner, as assessed by Oil-Red O staining, quantitative RT-PCR and ELISA. Treatment with
GW9662, an inhibitor for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma), significantly
attenuated GE-dependent adipocyte differentiation and adiponectin gene expression, suggesting the involvement
of PPARgamma. Moreover, a reporter gene assay using GAL4-PPAR fusion proteins revealed that GE
enhances GAL4-PPARgamma and GAL4-PPARalpha activities. These results indicate the presence of natural
compounds possessing PPARgamma and PPARalpha activating properties in G. lucidum.