Effect of nanoencapsulated(-)- Epigallocatechin gallate on lipid accumulation and proliferation of mouse 3T3-L1 preadipocytes

Green tea is known for its potential health benefits. These health benefits are related mainly to their polyphenol content. Catechins are the major component of the green tea polyphenols (Balentine, Wiseman, & Bouwens, 1997) Catechins are the major source of flavonols and they are comprised of various types of catechins such as epigallo catechin 3 gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin gallate (ECG) (Sano, et al., 2001). Many studies have reported and demonstrated that EGCG can exert anti-obesity effects.
Obesity is considered the major risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), cardio-vascular diseases like hypertension and atherosclerosis (Serrano Rios, M., 1998 (Serrano Rios, 1998). Being slightly overweight can also lead to the onset of life-style related health diseases (Wolfram, Wang, & Thielecke, 2006). Considering all the health related diseases linked to obesity, it can lead to metabolic syndrome hence, prevention of obesity is gaining the major attention over the treatment.
Number of studies demonstrated that EGCG can inhibit lipid accumulation in adipocytes (Lee, Kim, & Kim, 2009). But, it has not been proved to reduce the fat mass in humans and research animals. The major reason behind this problem is the EGCG bio-availability which is very low in animals as well as in humans. Along with the problem of bio-availability, another factor is instability of EGCG and higher metabolic degradation. Therefore, to gain maximum benefit of this biologically functional molecule, it is important to use biocompatible and biodegradable nanoparticles in order to increase its stability and absorption thereby, enhancing its bio-availability.
Nanotechnology is promising area which offers higher EGCG bio- availability and stability, at which EGCG can be used to exert its beneficial health effects in reducing lipid accumulation.