Lutein attenuates oxidative stress and inhibits lipid accumulation in free fatty acids-induced HepG2 cells by activating the AMPK pathway

Abstract

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the lipid lowering effects of lutein and explore the specific regulatory mechanism of lutein in HepG2 cells. The experimental results showed that compared with free fatty acids (FFAs)-treated group, 16\u202fμM lutein showed a significant lipid-lowering effect, decreased TG and TC levels, and alleviated oxidative stress. In addition, lutein decreased the gene expression levels related to adipose synthesis, while increased the expression levels of genes related to lipid oxidation, but can be reversed by compound C. Furthermore, 16\u202fμM lutein increased the activity of AMPK, the ratio of AMP/ATP and the expression of AMPK phosphorylated protein. The docking results showed the interaction of lutein with the γ-subunit of AMPK protein. These results together suggested that lutein attenuated oxidative stress and liver fat accumulation induced by FFAs by activating AMPK.