Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the effect of the root extract of Berberis microphylla on glucose uptake and AMPK-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity in non-resistant and insulin-resistant HepG2 cells. Methods: B. microphylla root was extracted with absolute ethanol, filtered, concentrated and lyophilized. Subsequently, liver cells, HepG2 (resistant and non-insulin resistant), were exposed for 24 h to different concentrations of the extract (10, 5, 2.5 and 1.25 x 10 -3 μg/μL) to determine the stimulation of glucose uptake and phosphorylation of AMPK. Results: In HepG2 cells without resistance exposed to B. microphylla root extract, glucose uptake varied from 34 to 59 % of the available glucose while AMPK phosphorylation was 1.9 to 3.6 times the phosphorylation of the control. In insulin-resistant HepG2 cells, glucose uptake varied from 68 to 95 % of available glucose while AMPK phosphorylation was 1.8 to 3.3 times the phosphorylation of the control. Conclusion: The root extract o f B. microphylla possesses hypoglycemic effects and stimulates glucose uptake in HepG2 cells with and without resistance by activating AMPK protein. Keywords: Calafate, Diabetes, Antihyperglycemic effect, Phytomedicine, Berberis, Insulin resistance
Highlights
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a highly prevalent pathology, which has become a major public health problem worldwide [1]
T2DM is a metabolic disorder characterized by high levels of blood glucose due to a deficiency in the action and secretion of insulin [3]
The Berberis genus has emerged as a phytotherapeutic alternative as several species of this genus are described as having hypoglycemic potential, such as B. lycium, B. aristata, B. asiatica, B. vulgaris, B. integerrima, B. ceratophylla, B. moranensis and B. crataegina [8]
Summary
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a highly prevalent pathology, which has become a major public health problem worldwide [1]. It is considered a global epidemic since its prevalence has tripled during the last 30 years [2]. T2DM is a metabolic disorder characterized by high levels of blood glucose due to a deficiency in the action and secretion of insulin [3]. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has been shown to be involved in regulating the energy balance by controlling the metabolism of glucose and lipids [4]. The Berberis genus has emerged as a phytotherapeutic alternative as several species of this genus are described as having hypoglycemic potential, such as B. lycium, B. aristata, B. asiatica, B. vulgaris, B. integerrima, B. ceratophylla, B. moranensis and B. crataegina [8]
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