In the present study, we explored that L-Dopa, used as a gold standard therapy in Parkinson’s disease, induces browning in 3T3-L1 adipocytes by increasing the expression levels of beige-specific marker genes. In addition, exposure to L-Dopa induces ...
In the present study, we explored that L-Dopa, used as a gold standard therapy in Parkinson’s disease, induces browning in 3T3-L1 adipocytes by increasing the expression levels of beige-specific marker genes. In addition, exposure to L-Dopa induces a remarkable increase in the expressions of proteins involved in thermogenesis in white adipocytes. L-Dopa treatment also regulates 3T3-L1 adipocytes by markedly increasing protein expressions of p-AMPK, p-HSL, CPT1, ACOX1, while decreasing FAS, ACC, C/EBPα, and PPARγ, suggesting enhanced lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation as well as reduced lipogenesis and adipogenesis, respectively. Molecular docking studies elucidated that L-Dopa binds to DRD1 and β3-AR, thereby predicting the potential receptor candidates that activate PKA. Mechanistic studies indicate that the browning potential of L-Dopa in 3T3-L1 white adipocytes is mediated by DRD1 and β3-AR activation, which consequently stimulates the PKA/p38 MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. In conclusion, L-Dopa appears to be a promising therapeutic candidate in the fight against obesity due to its inherent role in the browning of 3T3-L1 adipocytes via both the dopaminergic and adrenergic pathways. Our results may assist to expand the understanding on the contradictory findings in literature, related to the association between L-Dopa and weight loss observed in Parkinson’s disease patients.