Abstract
This research aimed at investigating the hypoglycemic effect of Zanthoxylum alkylamides and whether TRPV1 receptor could participate in the glucose metabolism by using streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model. The results showed that the blood glucose measured in the Zanthoxylum alkylamides treated group (ALK) showed significantly lower values than that in the model group (Model). Significant improvements in the oral glucose tolerance as well as plasma insulin and hepatic glycogen were also observed in the ALK group, when compared to the model group. However, the improving effects of Zanthoxylum alkylamides on glucose metabolism disorder in diabetic rats were markedly inhibited by capsazepine as the TRPV1 receptor antagonist. In addition, there were significant differences in the levels of mRNA and protein of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPCK), gucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase), glucokinase (GK) and cannabinoid receptor l (CB1) in the livers of the ALK group compared to model group. Meanwhile, ALK group also exhibited a remarkable increase in the pancreatic-duodenal homeobox 1 (PDX-1), glucose transporter 2 (GLUT 2), GK levels and a significant decrease in the expression levels of CB1 in the pancreas, while the presence of capsazepine would affected the expression of these genes. These findings indicate that Zanthoxylum alkylamides could ameliorate the glucose metabolism disorder in diabetic rats. Furthermore, the TRPV1 receptor could participate in regulating the expressions of genes and proteins related to glucose metabolism and insulin secretion in the liver and pancreas, and takes a role in the hypoglycemic process of Zanthoxylum alkylamides.
Highlights
Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1), called capsaicin receptor, is a kind of non-selective cation channel with six trans-membrane domains
Effect of TRPV1 receptor antagonist and Zanthoxylum alkylamides on body weight and food intake One week after intraperitoneal injection of STZ, fasting blood glucose value of the rats was measured
In order to confirm the role of TRPV1 receptor in the hypoglycemic process of Zanthoxylum alkylamides and combined with previous research results [23], we compared the effect of Zanthoxylum alkylamides and the cotreatment of Zanthoxylum alkylamides and capsazepine on the expression of genes and protein related to liver glucose metabolism and the secretion of pancreas insulin in rats
Summary
Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1), called capsaicin receptor, is a kind of non-selective cation channel with six trans-membrane domains It can be activated by various physical and chemical factors such as weak acid (pH < 5.9), noxious thermal stimulation (> 42 °C) and capsaicin, . In Asia, this species is often found in the southern, southeastern and eastern parts [11,12,13] Because of their special flavors and tingling properties, the fruits of Zanthoxylum L. are used as a spice added to food in some countries [14]. It has been reported that Zanthoxylum alkylamides have anti-inflammatory, analgesic [22], hypoglycemic [23] and anesthesia effects [24]. These alkylamides can adjust the gastrointestinal system [25], remove wrinkles [14], and ameliorate protein metabolism disorders [26]
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