Swertisin rich fraction from Enicostema littorale ameliorates hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in high-fat fed diet and low dose streptozotacin induced type 2 diabetes mellitus in rats

Maternal exposure to E 551 during pregnancy leads to genome-wide DNA methylation changes and metabolic disorders in the livers of pregnant mice and their fetuses

The widespread use of nanoparticles in the food industry has raised concerns regarding their potential adverse effects on human health, particularly in vulnerable populations, including pregnant mothers and fetuses. However, studies evaluating the reproductive and developmental toxicity of food-grade nanomaterials are limited. This study investigated the potential risks of prenatal dietary exposure to food-grade silica nanoparticles (E 551) on maternal health and fetal growth using conventional toxicological and epigenetic methods. The results showed that prenatal exposure to a high-dose of E 551 induces fetal resorption. Moreover, E 551 significantly accumulates in maternal and fetal livers, triggering a hepatic inflammatory response. At the epigenetic level, global DNA methylation is markedly altered in the maternal and fetal livers. Genome-wide DNA methylation sequencing revealed affected mCG, mCHG, and mCHH methylation landscapes. Subsequent bioinformatic analysis of the differentially methylated genes suggests that E 551 poses a risk of inducing metabolic disorders in maternal and fetal livers. This is further evidenced by impaired glucose tolerance in pregnant mice and altered expression of key metabolism-related genes and proteins in maternal and fetal livers. Collectively, the results of this study highlighted the importance of epigenetics in characterizing the potential toxicity of maternal exposure to food-grade nanomaterials during pregnancy.

Chemical Constituents and Hypoglycemic Mechanisms of Dendrobium nobile in Treatment of Type 2 Diabetic Rats by UPLC-ESI-Q-Orbitrap, Network Pharmacology and In Vivo Experimental Verification

This study aimed to systematically explore the chemical constituents of D. nobile and its hypoglycemic effect by UPLC-ESI-Q-Orbitrap, network pharmacology and in vivo experiment. The chemical constituents of D. nobile were qualitatively analyzed, and the hypoglycemic compounds were quickly identified. Network pharmacological analysis and molecular docking technique were applied to assist in the elucidation of the hypoglycemic mechanisms of D. nobile. A type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) rat model was established using the HFD and STZ method for in vivo experimental verification, and these T2DM rats were treated with D. nobile extract and D. nobile polysaccharide for two months by gavage. The results showed that a total of 39 chemical constituents of D. nobile, including alkaloids, bibenzyls, phenanthrenes and other types of compounds, were identified. D. nobile extract and D. nobile polysaccharide could significantly ameliorate the body weight, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and morphological impairment of the liver and pancreas in the T2DM rats. α-Linolenic acid, dihydroconiferyl dihydro-p-coumarate, naringenin, trans-N-feruloyltyramine, gigantol, moscatilin, 4-O-methylpinosylvic acid, venlafaxine, nordendrobin and tristin were regarded as the key hypoglycemic compounds of D. nobile, along with the hypoglycemic effect on the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, the insulin signaling pathway, the FOXO signaling pathway, the improvement of insulin resistance and the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway. The Western blotting experiment results confirmed that D. nobile activated the PI3K/AKT pathway and insulin signaling pathway, promoted glycogen synthesis via regulating the expression of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK-3β) and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), and inhibited liver gluconeogenesis by regulating the expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose 6 phosphatase (G6pase) in the liver. The results suggested that the hypoglycemic mechanism of D. nobile might be associated with liver glycogen synthesis and gluconeogenesis, contributing to improving insulin resistance and abnormal glucose metabolism in the T2DM rats.

Fucoidan protects pancreas and improves glucose metabolism through inhibiting inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum stress in T2DM rats

It is important to maintain the normal function of pancreas in the prevention and intervention of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study was undertaken to explore the protective effects...

Dietary Flavonoids and Insulin Signaling in Diabetes and Obesity

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity are relevant worldwide chronic diseases. A common complication in both pathologies is the dysregulation of the insulin-signaling pathway that is crucial to maintain an accurate glucose homeostasis. Flavonoids are naturally occurring phenolic compounds abundant in fruits, vegetables and seeds. Rising evidence supports a role for the flavonoids against T2D and obesity, and at present, these compounds are considered as important potential chemopreventive agents. This review summarizes in vitro and in vivo studies providing data related to the effects of flavonoids and flavonoid-rich foods on the modulation of the insulin route during T2D and obesity. Notably, few human studies have evaluated the regulatory effect of these phenolic compounds at molecular level on the insulin pathway. In this context, it is also important to note that the mechanism of action for the flavonoids is not fully characterized and that a proper dosage to obtain a beneficial effect on health has not been defined yet. Further investigations will contribute to solve all these critical challenges and will enable the use of flavonoids to prevent, delay or support the treatment of T2D and obesity.

Anti-hepatitis B virus activity of swertisin isolated from Iris tectorum Maxim

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Iris tectorum Maxim (I. tectorum, Yuan Wei in Chinese) is a common and traditional Chinese medicinal herb that be used to treat liver-related diseases. However, the anti-HBV activity of I. tectorum and its isolates has not been systemically studied.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To screen the active part of I. tectorum and systemically evaluate their anti-HBV activity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, a series of compounds from I. tectorum were evaluated for their ability to inhibit HBV replication. Swertisin showed a significant inhibitory function on HBV replication. Then, the suppression effect of different concentrations of swertisin in HBsAg, HBeAg and HBV DNA level in HepG2.2.15 cells and HBV-infected HepG2-NTCP cells were comprehensive evaluated, respectively. Moreover, the anti-HBV effects of swertisin were confirmed in HBV transgenic mice model.

RESULTS

Among these compounds, swertisin strongly inhibited the HBsAg, HBeAg and HBV DNA level in a dose-dependent manner in HepG2.2.15 cells and HBV-infected HepG2-NTCP cells. Furthermore, swertisin showed a significant inhibition role on HBV replication in HBV transgenic mice model, the inhibition effect of which was enhanced when combined with ETV.

CONCLUSIONS

We have identified that swertisin can inhibit HBeAg and HBsAg production, as well as HBV DNA in vitro and in vivo. This study show that we may found a novel compound isolated from traditional Chinese medicines with potent anti-HBV function.

Insulinotropic and antidiabetic effects of β-caryophyllene with l-arginine in type 2 diabetic rats

Beta-caryophyllene (BCP) is a flavoring agent, whereas l-arginine (LA) is used as a food supplement. They possess insulinotropic and β cell regeneration activities, respectively. We assessed the antidiabetic potential of BCP, LA, and its combination in RIN-5F cell lines and diabetic rats. Ex vivo studies were carried out for glucose uptake and absorption of the combination of BCP with LA. The results indicated that the combination of BCP with LA showed a significant decrease in glucose absorption and an increase in its uptake in tissues and also an increase in insulin secretion in RIN-5F cells. The combination treatment of BCP with LA showed a significant reduction in glucose, lipid levels, and oxidative stress in pancreatic tissue when compared with the diabetic group. Furthermore, the combination of BCP with LA normalized glucose tolerance and pancreatic cell damage in diabetic rats. In conclusion, the combinational treatment showed significant potentials in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is the most prevalent chronic metabolic disorder affecting a large population. Beta-caryophyllene is a CB₂ receptor agonist shown to have insulinotropic activity. l-Arginine is a food supplement that possesses beta-cell regeneration property. The combination of BCP with LA could work as a potential therapeutic intervention, considering the individual pharmacological activities of each. We evaluated the antidiabetic activity of the combination of BCP with LA in diabetic rats using ex vivo and in vitro experimentations. Results from the study revealed that the combination of BCP with LA showed a significant (p < .001) reduction in glucose and lipid levels as compared to individual treatment. In vitro study also supports the diabetic potential of the combination of BCP with LA in the glucose-induced insulin secretion in RIN-5F cell lines. The study indicates a therapeutic approach to treat T2DM by BCP and LA combination as food and dietary supplement.

Silibinin attenuates high-fat diet-induced renal fibrosis of diabetic nephropathy

Aim

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease. Silibinin is a flavonoid compound which has medicinal value. Previous studies revealed that silibinin exhibited an anti-fibrotic effect. However, whether silibinin could attenuate high-fat diet (HFD)-induced renal fibrosis remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism by which silibinin regulated renal fibrosis induced by HFD.

Methods

In the present study, human renal glomerular endothelial cells (HRGECs) were treated with various concentrations of silibinin. Then, cell viability and apoptosis were measured by MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. In addition, HRGECs were exposed to 100 nM TGF-β1 for mimicking in vitro renal fibrosis. The expressions of collagen I, fibronectin, and α-SMA were detected by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. Protein levels of p-IκB and p-p65 were examined by Western blot; meanwhile, level of NF-κB was measured by immunofluorescence staining. Furthermore, HFD-induced mouse model of renal fibrosis was established. The mouse body weight, fasting glucose, kidney weight/body weight, microalbuminuria, kidney histopathology, and fibrotic area were measured to assess the severity of renal fibrosis.

Results

Low concentration of silibinin (≤50 μM) had no cytotoxicity, while high concentration of silibinin (≥75 μM) exhibited significant cytotoxicity. Additionally, TGF-β1 increased the expressions of collagen I, fibronectin, α-SMA, p-IκB, and p-p65 and decreased the level NF-κB, while these effects were notably reversed by 50 μM silibinin. Moreover, both 50 and 100 mg/kg silibinin greatly decreased HFD-induced the upregulation of kidney weight/body weight, microalbuminuria, and fibrotic area. 100 mg/kg silibinin markedly reduced collagen I, fibronectin, and p-p65 expressions in mice renal tissues.

Conclusion

Silibinin was able to attenuate renal fibrosis in vitro and in vivo via inhibition of NF-κB. These data suggested that silibinin may serve as a potential agent to alleviate the renal fibrosis of DN.

Genistein can ameliorate hepatic inflammatory reaction in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis rats

Genistein plays an active role in improving nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study is designed to investigate the effect of genistein on liver inflammation in rats with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Forty SPF male SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, genistein low-dose group (0.1% wt/wt) and high-dose group (0.2% wt/wt) with 10 rats in each group. After 12 weeks' feeding, liver tissues and serum samples of rats were taken, and HE staining was used to perform pathological examination of liver tissues, then the degree of inflammatory infiltration was observed and NAFLD activity score(NAS) was calculated. With corresponding kits, several indicators were detected, namely, serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), liver TC and TG, and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood glucose and serum endotoxin. The levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNFα) in liver and insulin in blood of rats were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), then the HOMA-IR index was calculated. Immunohistochemistry staining was used to observe the expression level of TLR4 protein and the RT-PCR was used to detect Tlr4 mRNA expression in liver tissue. The results showed that genistein could reduce TLR4 protein and gene expression, decrease the endotoxin and TNFα, alleviate the inflammatory reaction and make the indicators detected in blood and liver stay near normal in NASH rats. In conclusion, genistein can ameliorate hepatic inflammatory reaction in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis rats.

Effects of lycopene on metabolism of glycolipid in type 2 diabetic rats

Diabetes is a series of metabolic diseases, which characteristics is hyperglycemia caused by the interruption of insulin action. Lycopene is an antioxidant which has potential anti-diabetic activity but the correlative reports are rare. This study was designed to explore the influence of lycopene on metabolism of glycolipid in type 2 diabetes. The model of type2 diabetes was induced in adult male albino Sprague Dawley rats, weighing 180-220 g, feeding high fat diet for 4 weeks, then streptozotocin (25 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected. 1 week after, rats in diabetic group showed increasing in fasting blood glucose, lipid in blood and liver, glycosylated hemoglobin, HOMA-IR and decreasing in plasma insulin comparing with the normal control group after modeling. Oral administration of lycopene oil solution (10 mg/kg or 20 mg/kg body weight) once a day for 10 weeks can improve the above changes and make them toward to normality. The activities of oxidative enzymes SOD and GSH-Px increased and MDA decreased in pancreatic tissue of rats after the intervention of lycopene. In addition, it can also observe that lycopene can protect body weight loss from diabetic rats. These results showed that lycopene has potential effect on anti-diabetes and it can regulate the metabolism of glycolipid in diabetic rats.