Epigallocatechin-3-gallate-induced free-radical production upon adipogenic differentiation in bovine bone-marrow mesenchymal stem cells

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a major component of catechin in green tea, has known effects on cancer, diabetes and obesity. We recently reported that the expression levels of various genes and proteins involved in adipogenesis decreases following EGCG treatment. We also assessed apoptosis in EGCG-exposed cells. Here, we explore the variability in free-radical production in bovine bone-marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) treated with EGCG. Upon adipogenic differentiation, BMSCs were exposed to various EGCG concentrations (0, 0.1, 1, 5, or 10 mu M) for 2, 4, or 6 days. We found that EGCG reduced cell viability and arrested the cell cycle at the gap 2/mitosis phase and that EGCG potentially enhanced the production of free radicals, including reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species, in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Immunostaining revealed that the expression of genes encoding CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha and stearoyl-CoA desaturase were diminished by EGCG treatment. These findings suggest that EGCG alters free-radical production activity during adipogenic differentiation in BMSCs.