Effects of Capsaicin on Energy Metabolism by Human Intestinal Epithelial Cell Line Caco-2

摘要

Capsaicin is the major pungent principle in red hot pepper. Capsaicin has been reported to increase thermogenesis and metabolic rate. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of capsaicin on energy metabolism in human intestinal epithelial cells. The glycolytic enzymes namely Phosphoglycerate mutase (PGM) and Triosephosphate isomerase (TPI) were overexpressed in capsaicin-treated Caco-2 cells. Also mRNA expression levels of TPI and PGM were increased in capsaicin-treated Caco-2 cells. Furthermore, intracellular ATP contents were increased in capsaicin-treated Caco-2 cells. In cell viability of Caco-2 cells, which were incubated without glucose, were measured. The cell viability of capsaicin-pretreated Caco-2 cells was higher than non-treated cells. These results suggest that capsaicin increase energy metabolism in human intestinal epithelial cells through the activation of glycolytic enzymes.