Abstract
BackgroundIn this study, we aimed to develop a Stigmata Maydis (corn silk) fraction with dual bio-activities against oxidative stress and protein glycation to protect β-cells from diabetes-induced failure.MethodsCorn silk fractions were prepared by partition and chemically characterised by thin-layer chromatography. Free radical scavenging assay, glycation assay, and cell-based viability test (neutral red) were employed to decide the best fraction. Cell death analysis was executed by annexin V/ Propidium iodide staining. Cell proliferation was measured by WST-1. Finally, β-cell function was evaluated by β-cell marker gene expression (RT-PCR) and acute insulin secretion test.ResultsFour corn silk fractions were prepared from an ethanolic crude extract of corn silk. In vitro assays indicate ethyl acetate fraction (YMS-EA) was the most potent fraction. YMS-EA also attenuated the hydrogen peroxide- or methylglyoxal-induced induction of reactive oxygen species, reduction of cell viability, and inhibition of cell proliferation. However, YMS-EA was unable to prevent hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis or advanced glycation end-products-induced toxicity. Under hyperglycemic conditions, YMS-EA effectively reduced ROS levels, improved mRNA expression of insulin, glucokinase, and PDX-1, and enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. The similarity of bioactivities among apigenin, luteolin, and YMS-EA indicated that dual activities of YMS-EA might be derived from those compounds.ConclusionsWe concluded that YMS-EA fraction could be developed as a preventive food agent against the glucotoxicity to β-cells in Type 2 diabetes.
Highlights
In this study, we aimed to develop a Stigmata Maydis fraction with dual bio-activities against oxidative stress and protein glycation to protect β-cells from diabetes-induced failure
We concluded that YMS-ethyl acetate (EA) fraction could be developed as a preventive food agent against the glucotoxicity to β-cells in Type 2 diabetes
In terms of chemical constituents related to these bio-activities, flavonoids such as luteolin, formononetin and apigenin are identified from Stigmata Maydis and their antioxidant properties have been illustrated [4,5,6,7]
Summary
We aimed to develop a Stigmata Maydis (corn silk) fraction with dual bio-activities against oxidative stress and protein glycation to protect β-cells from diabetes-induced failure. The main medicinal property of corn silk is to promote fluid excretion and reduce swelling [2]. In addition to its use as a natural diuretic, pharmacological studies of corn silk revealed antioxidant and anti-glycation activities that are used in diabetes, nephritis, or hypertension therapy [3]. In terms of chemical constituents related to these bio-activities, flavonoids such as luteolin, formononetin and apigenin are identified from Stigmata Maydis and their antioxidant properties have been illustrated [4,5,6,7]. Polysaccharides of Stigmata Maydis have been shown to reduce blood glucose and protein glycation in diabetic mice [8, 9]
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