Resveratrol analog 4-[2-(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)vinyl]pyridine reduces differentiation of the 3T3-L1 adipocyte

Context: Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene) is a phytoalexin synthesized by plants, most notably grapes, against microbial invasion or ultraviolet stimulation, and is known to exert antioxidant, anticancer, and antiobesity effects. Objective: This study was conducted to find resveratrol derivatives with higher anti-obesity activity compared to resveratrol and to verify their mechanism of action. Materials and methods: The inhibitory effect of resveratrol and its derivatives on adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells was studied using Oil Red O staining, and the effects on the intracellular expression of fatty acid synthase (FAS) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) were measured via Western blot analysis. Results: A derivative of resveratrol, 4-[2-(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)vinyl]pyridine (DPVP), exerted inhibitory effects against 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation (IC50 = 13.5 mu M) and FAS expression. Notably, it displayed higher activity at concentrations lower than 25 mu M compared to resveratrol. Discussion and conclusion: DPVP is considered to have greater potential as an anti-obesity substance, as it exhibits excellent activity at low concentrations compared to resveratrol.