The Effects of Sika Deer Antler Peptides on 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes and C57BL/6 Mice Via Activating AMPK Signaling and Gut Microbiota

Overview

Journal Molecules

Publisher MDPI

Specialty Biology

Date 2025 Mar 13

PMID 40076396

Authors

Tong Sun

Zezhuang Hao

Fanying Meng

Xue Li

Yihua Wang

Haowen Zhu

Yong Li

Yuling Ding

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

(1) Background: To explore the anti-obesity effects and mechanisms of sika deer velvet antler peptides (sVAP) on 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. (2) Methods: sVAP fractions of different molecular weights were obtained via enzymatic hydrolysis and ultrafiltration. Their anti-lipid effects on 3T3-L1 cells were assessed with Oil Red O staining. The optimal fraction was tested in HFD-induced obese C57BL/6 mice to explore anti-obesity mechanisms. Peptide purification used LC-MS/MS, followed by sequence analysis and molecular docking for activity prediction. (3) Results: The peptide with the best anti-obesity activity was identified as sVAP-3K (≤3 kDa). sVAP-3K reduced lipid content and proliferation in 3T3-L1 cells, improved lipid profiles and ameliorated adipocyte degeneration in HFD mice, promoted the growth of beneficial gut microbiota, and maintained lipid metabolism. Additionally, sVAP-3K activated the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway, regulating adipogenic transcription factors. sVAP-3K exhibited ten major components (peak area ≥ 1.03 × 10), with four of the most active components being newly discovered natural oligopeptides: RVDPVNFKL ( 363.21371), GGEFTPVLQ ( 474.24643), VDPENFRL ( 495.25735), and VDPVNFK ( 818.44043). (4) Conclusion: This study identifies four novel oligopeptides in sVAP-3K as key components for anti-obesity effects, offering new evidence for developing natural weight-loss drugs from sika deer velvet.

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