Effects of topiramate on adipocyte differentiation and gene expression of certain carbonic anhydrase isoenzymes

Background: Topiramate, an antiepileptic drug, besides its known effects in neurons, is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor and causes weight loss in treated subjects, but, the mechanisms of weight loss effect have not been yet identified.. Objective: In this study, effects of topiramate on 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation and expressions of carbonic anhydrase I, II, III, VA, VB were investigated to determine possible roles of carbonic anhydrase isoenzymes and adipocytes in weight loss effect of topiramate. Material and methods: Adipocyte differentiation was detected by Oil Red O staining. Carbonic anhydrase I, II, III, VA, VB expressions were determined by Real-Time PCR method. Results: It was found that topiramate induced adipogenesis at all concentrations (p <0.0001). CA expressions increased significantly with adipogenesis (p= 0.0001). Topiramate stimulated adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells and reduced CA II, VA and VB and, an increased CA III expression was observed at low concentrations. CA II, VA and, VB expressions were found increased and CA III expression decreased at high topiramate concentrations. Conclusion: It was concluded that changes in CA III expression were consistent with its reduction in obesity, alterations of CA II, VA and VB expressions could be attributed to compensation mechanism of cells.