Pilaiwan Siripurkpong, Sompoch Prajan, and Sudawadee Kongkhum

pp. 425 - 432

Abstract

Xylitol is widely used as a low-calorie sweetener in various kinds of food products, including diabetic foods.
Adiponectin, secreted by adipocytes, plays a key role in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Low levels of plasma adiponectin are associated with cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes. The aims of this study were to determine effects of
xylitol on the adipogenesis of pre-adipocytes, adiponectin synthesis and secretion. To assess adipogenesis, pre-adipocyte
3T3-L1 cells were treated with xylitol during cell differentiation and fat droplets in the mature adipocytes were stained with oil
red O. Adiponectin levels were determined by Western blot in both culture media and mature adipocytes treated with xylitol.
There were no significant differences in the levels of adipogenesis, adiponectin synthesis and secretion in the xylitol-treated
3T3-L1 cells compared with the untreated control cells. This suggests that xylitol does not have a direct effect on adipogenesis
or on adiponectin synthesis and secretion.