Abstract
2,6-Dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone is a natural phytochemical present in fermented wheat
germ. It has been reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antibacterial
activities. However, the anti-adipogenic effects of 2,6-dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone
and the mechanisms responsible have not previously been elucidated. Such findings
may have ramifications for the treatment of obesity. 2,6-Dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone
(5 and 7.5 µM) significantly reduced the expression of various adipogenic transcription
factors, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α as well as adipocyte protein 2 and fatty acid synthase. 2,6-Dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone
upregulated AMP-dependent protein kinase phosphorylation and inhibited the mature
form of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c. Notably, 2,6-dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone
attenuated mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 activity in 3T3-L1 and mouse embryonic
fibroblast cells. These findings highlight a potential role for 2,6-dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone
in the suppression of adipogenesis. Further studies to determine the anti-obesity
effects of 2,6-dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone in animal models appear warranted.
Key words
2,6-dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone (DMBQ) - adipogenesis - AMPK - mTORC1 - obesity