Liver Glycogen Levels Research Articles

The effect of n-butanol fraction of gaharu (Aquilaria microcarpa Baill.) leaves on blood glucose and liver glycogen levels in alloxan-induced male rats

Gaharu leaves (Aquilaria microcarpa Baill.) empirically used to lower blood glucose levels by people of Tamiang Layang Cental Kalimantan. This study measured the activity of A. microcarpa leaves to blood glucose and glycogen liver levels. The study used 24 male white rats. Animal test were divided into 6 groups (n=4) receiving different treatments: normal control, negative control (vehicle), positive control (glibenclamide 0,45 mg/kg BW), n-butanol fraction (12.5 mg/kg BW; 25 mg/kg BW; and 50 mg/kg BW). All groups, excluding the normal group, were induced by alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg BW, i.p.). After 72 hours, the levels of glucose blood were measured and the treatment was administered. Pre-prandial and postprandial measurement of blood glucose levels were conducted on days 0, 7, and 14 after treatment. On day 15th the liver was extracted out and analyzed by UV-Vis spectrophotometry to determine the glycogen levels. The results of this study showed that bood glucose levels reduction and liver glycogen levels enhancement of n-butanol fraction of A. microcarpa leaves at the doses of 12.5; 25 and 50 mg/kg BW significantly different with the negative control (p < 0.05). This result suggests n-butanol fraction of A. microcarpa leaves has potensial as an antidiabetic agent.

Anti-fatigue activity of the polysaccharides isolated from Ribes stenocarpum Maxim

In the present study, the crude polysaccharides from Ribes stenocarpum Maxim. (RPs) were isolated by ultrasonic-assisted extraction. The physicochemical analysis revealed that RPs is a pyranose configuration connected by β-glycosidic bonds without three-stranded helical conformation, and is composed of mannose, ribose, glucuronic acid, galactose, glucose, arabinose, galacturonic acid, and xylose with a molecular weight of 44,200 Da. Furthermore, the animal experimental results demonstrated that RPs could significantly prolong the forced swimming time of mice, increase the liver glycogen and muscle glycogen levels, up-regulate the activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in mice, and reduce the blood urea nitrogen (BUN), lactic acid (LD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents. The above results suggested that RPs could effectively reduce the oxidative stress response of mice during strenuous exercise and exert significant anti-fatigue activity.

Antidiabetic Activity of Caulerpa racemosa: Role of Proinflammatory Mediators, Oxidative Stress, and Other Biomarkers

AbstractA marine alga, Caulerpa racemose (seaweed), exhibits few biological activities, such as antinociceptive/anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and growth regulator. This study aimed to determine the antidiabetic activity of this seaweed. High-performance thin-layer chromatography of C. racemosa ethanolic extract was performed to identify its active constituents. Antidiabetic activity of C. racemosa ethanolic extract (100 and 200 mg/kg) was evaluated using various biochemical paradigms against glipizide (5 mg/kg) in a streptozotocin-induced diabetes rat model. High-performance thin-layer chromatography revealed β-sitosterol as an active constituent and also indicated the presence of saponins and alkaloids. Treatment with C. racemosa ethanolic extract significantly reduced blood glucose levels in diabetic rats, and the degree of glucose reduction was comparable to that attained by glipizide treatment. The C. racemosa ethanolic extract treatment restored the impaired glycosylated hemoglobin level, liver glycogen level, glucose uptake by hemidiaphragm, and glucose transport by hepatic cells. Pretreatment with C. racemosa ethanolic extract also restored lipid abnormalities, elevated liver enzymes, elevated inflammatory markers, and depleted endogenous antioxidants. A superior effect was shown by C. racemosa ethanolic extract (200 mg/kg) over glipizide (5 mg/kg). Moreover, the restoration of the histoarchitecture of the pancreas by C. racemosa ethanolic extract (200 mg/kg) was comparable to that of the glipizide (5 mg/kg) treatment group. The present experimental findings demonstrate significant antidiabetic activity of C. racemosa ethanolic extract in diabetic rats using various biochemical paradigms. Further, C. racemosa ethanolic extract seems to be safe and does not affect vital organs adversely.

Xylitol improves antioxidant, purinergic and cholinergic dysfunction, and lipid metabolic homeostasis in hepatic injury in type 2 diabetic rats.

In the present study, we investigated the therapeutic effect of xylitol on glycogen content, oxidative stress, purinergic and cholinergic dysfunction, and lipid dysmetabolism in hepatic tissue of diabetic rats. Seven-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups as follows: normal control (NC), diabetic control (DC), diabetic xylitol 5% (DX5), diabetic xylitol 10% (DX10), and diabetic xylitol 20% (DX20). Type 2 diabetes (T2D) was induced in the diabetic groups, and after the confirmation of diabetes, the xylitol groups were supplied with their respective solutions. After 8weeks intervention period, the animals were humanely sacrificed, and their hepatic tissues were harvested. Treatment with 10% xylitol compared with the other treatment groups had significantly (p < .05) higher liver glycogen level, reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and ENTPase activities, with concomitant reduction in malondialdehyde MDA level, ATPase and acetylcholinesterase activities. It further modulated lipid metabolism and restored hepatic morphology. The data suggest that xylitol at 10% had a better therapeutic effect against hepatic dysfunction associated with T2D. However, further clinical studies are still required to affirm these findings. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The global prevalence of diabetes mellitus is increasing progressively. Maintaining normal control of glucose metabolism and homeostatic glycemic levels is a key management strategy in delaying the onset of diabetic-related complications. The use of foods sweetened with sugar alcohols has brought an escalating interest, particularly among diabetic patients. Xylitol has been reported as a potential antidiabetic sweetener in various studies. Our findings in this study have shown that a 10% xylitol dietary dose can be used as a potential functional food additive for the alleviation of hepatic complications associated with T2D.

D-Allulose Improves Endurance and Recovery from Exhaustion in Male C57BL/6J Mice.

d-Allulose, a rare sugar, improves glucose metabolism and has been proposed as a candidate calorie restriction mimetic. This study aimed to investigate the effects of d-allulose on aerobic performance and recovery from exhaustion and compared them with the effects of exercise training. Male C57BL/6J mice were subjected to exercise and allowed to run freely on a wheel. Aerobic performance was evaluated using a treadmill. Glucose metabolism was analyzed by an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (ipGTT). Skeletal muscle intracellular signaling was analyzed by Western blotting. Four weeks of daily oral administration of 3% d-allulose increased running distance and shortened recovery time as assessed by an endurance test. d-Allulose administration also increased the maximal aerobic speed (MAS), which was observed following treatment for >3 or 7 days. The improved performance was associated with lower blood lactate levels and increased liver glycogen levels. Although d-allulose did not change the overall glucose levels as determined by ipGTT, it decreased plasma insulin levels, indicating enhanced insulin sensitivity. Finally, d-allulose enhanced the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase and the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α. Our results indicate that d-allulose administration enhances endurance ability, reduces fatigue, and improves insulin sensitivity similarly to exercise training. d-Allulose administration may be a potential treatment option to alleviate obesity and enhance aerobic exercise performance.

The Regulatory Effect of D-Alloxan on Glucose Metabolism and Lipid Metabolism in Diabetic Mice

To investigate the regulatory effect of d-alloxan on glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism in diabetic mice. Twenty five mice were divided into control group, glucose group, fructose group, d-alloxan group and cellulose group. The results showed that the blood glucose of mice in each group reached the peak at 90 min and the blood glucose concentration of d-alloxan group was significantly lower than that of other groups (p<0.05). The blood glucose concentration of fructose group was significantly higher than that of other groups (p<0.05). The blood glucose concentration before and after meal in d-alloxan group was significantly lower than that in other groups (p<0.05), the liver glycogen concentration before and after meal was significantly higher than that in other groups (p<0.05), the insulin level was higher than that in other groups, but the difference was not significant (p>0.05), the muscle glycogen concentration before and after meal was not significant (p>0.05). The results showed that the triglyceride concentration of d-alloxan group was significantly lower than that of other groups (p<0.05). While it was not significantly lower than that of control group (p>0.05) and there was no significant difference in total cholesterol level between groups (p>0.05). The free fatty acid concentration in glucose group, fructose group and d-alloxan group was lower than that in control group and cellulose group (p<0.05). Compared with the control group, the low density lipoprotein concentration of the other four groups was significantly lower (p<0.05) and the low density lipoprotein concentration of the d-alloxan group was significantly lower than that of the other groups (p<0.05) and there was no significant difference between them (p>0.05). The results showed that the content of succinate dehydrogenase in the blood and tissues of d-alloxan group was significantly higher than that of other groups (p<0.05) and the level of hepatic lipase in d-alloxan group was higher than that of other groups, but there was no significant difference (p>0.05). Alloxan can effectively regulate blood glucose concentration, inhibit postprandial blood glucose rise, improve insulin level and liver glycogen level, but has no significant effect on muscle glycogen. It can be used as an ideal substitute of sucrose once the disorder of lipid metabolism is improved, the ability of fat metabolism is increased and antioxidation function is improved.

The effects of different carbon sources on growth, tyrosine kinase activity and gene expression of insulin receptor 1 in GIFT tilapia

A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of different sugar sources on growth performance, serum biochemistry, immunity, insulin receptor 1 and tyrosine kinase activity of GIFT tilapia. Four hundred and eighty fish with specifications of 31.70±0.68 g were selected and placed in 16 aquariums. The experiment was divided into four treatment with four replicates of thirty fish per tank. After 50 days of feeding, the results were as follows: From the indexes of final average weight, weight gain rate and specific growth rate, the growth performance was sucrose, glucose, starch and dextrin group in turn, and the sucrose group performed best (P&lt;0.05). The activcities of acid phosphotase, alkaline phosphotase, superoxide dismutase and lysozyme in sucrose group were significantly higher than that of the other three groups (P&lt;0.05). The serum glucose level of sucrose group and glucose group is significantly higher than that of dextrin group and starch group (P &lt; 0.05). In terms of liver glycogen level, the content of sucrose group was significantly higher than that of dextrin group and starch group (P &lt; 0.05). In terms of muscle glycogen level, the content of sucrose group was the highest and that of starch group was the lowest. The tyrosine kinase activity of glucose group was the highest and significantly different from dextrin group (P&lt; 0.05). The tyrosine kinase activity in muscle was always higher than that in liver (P &lt; 0.05). The IR-1 mRNA in starch group and dextrin group was significantly higher than that in sucrose group. Different sugar source diets had a significant effect on the expression of IR-1 mRNA in the muscle of tilapia. In conclusion, compared with dextrin and starch, sucrose and glucose can be better utilized by GIFT tilapia and show good growth performance. Key words: GIFT tilapia; Carbohydrates; Growth; Immunity; Insulin Receptor 1; Tyrosine Kinase

Recovery from Liver Failure and Fibrosis in a Rat Portacaval Anastomosis Model after Neurointermediate Pituitary Lobectomy.

Liver diseases, including cirrhosis, viral hepatitis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, account for approximately two million annual deaths worldwide. They place a huge burden on the global healthcare systems, compelling researchers to find effective treatment for liver fibrosis-cirrhosis. Portacaval anastomosis (PCA) is a model of liver damage and fibrosis. Arginine vasopressin (AVP) has been implicated as a proinflammatory-profibrotic hormone. In rats, neurointermediate pituitary lobectomy (NIL) induces a permanent drop (80%) in AVP serum levels. We hypothesized that AVP deficiency (NIL-induced) may decrease liver damage and fibrosis in a rat PCA model. Male Wistar rats were divided into intact control (IC), NIL, PCA, and PCA+NIL groups. Liver function tests, liver gene relative expressions (IL-1, IL-10, TGF-β, COLL-I, MMP-9, and MMP-13), and histopathological assessments were performed. In comparison with those in the IC and PCA groups, bilirubin, protein serum, and liver glycogen levels were restored in the PCA+NIL group. NIL in the PCA animals also decreased the gene expression levels of IL-1 and COLL-I, while increasing those of IL-10, TGF-β, and MMP-13. Histopathology of this group also showed significantly decreased signs of liver damage with lower extent of collagen deposition and fibrosis. Low AVP serum levels were not enough to fully activate the AVP receptors resulting in the decreased activation of cell signaling pathways associated with proinflammatory-profibrotic responses, while activating cell molecular signaling pathways associated with an anti-inflammatory-fibrotic state. Thus, partial reversion of liver damage and fibrosis was observed. The study supports the crucial role of AVP in the inflammatory-fibrotic processes and maintenance of immune competence. The success of the AVP deficiency strategy suggests that blocking AVP receptors may be therapeutically useful to treat inflammatory-fibrotic liver diseases.

GABA administration improves liver function and insulin resistance in offspring of type 2 diabetic rats

This study investigated the role of GABA in attenuating liver insulin resistance (IR) in type 2 diabetes parents and reducing its risk in their descendants’ liver. Both sexes’ rats were divided into four groups of non-diabetic control, diabetic control (DC), GABA-treated (GABA), and insulin-treated (Ins). The study duration lasted for six months and the young animals followed for four months. Consequently, hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp was performed for all animals. Apart from insulin tolerance test (ITT), serum and liver lipid profile were measured in all groups. Glycogen levels, expression of Foxo1, Irs2, Akt2, and Pepck genes in the liver were assessed for all groups. Overall, GABA improved ITT, increased liver glycogen levels and decreased lipid profile, blood glucose level, and HbA1c in parents and their offspring in compared to the DC group. GIR also increased in both parents and their offspring by GABA. Moreover, the expression of Foxo1, Irs2, Akt2, and Pepck genes improved in GABA-treated parents and their descendants in compared to DC group. Results indicated that GABA reduced liver IR in both parents and their offspring via affecting their liver insulin signaling and gluconeogenesis pathways.

Diurnal variations in muscle and liver glycogen differ depending on the timing of exercise

It has been suggested that glycogen functions not only in carbohydrate energy storage, but also as molecular sensors capable of activating lipolysis. This study aimed to compare the variation in liver and muscle glycogen during the day due to different timing of exercise. Nine healthy young men participated in two trials in which they performed a single bout of exercise at 70% of their individual maximal oxygen uptake for 60 min in the post-absorptive (morning) or post-prandial (afternoon) state. Liver and muscles glycogen levels were measured using carbon magnetic resonance spectroscopy (13C MRS). Diurnal variations in liver and muscle glycogen compared to baseline levels were significantly different depending on the timing of exercise. The effect of the timing of exercise on glycogen fluctuation is known to be related to a variety of metabolic signals, and the results of this study will be useful for future research on energy metabolism.

Anti-fatigue effects of fermented soybean protein peptides in mice.

Bioactive protein hydrolysates and peptides are believed to help counteract and ameliorate physical fatigue. Fermented soybean protein peptides (FSPPs) were prepared by protease hydrolysis and microbial fermentation. The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-fatigue properties of FSPPs. The forced swimming time in the FSPP group was 35.78% longer than the control group, the oxygen-resistant survival time of the FSPP group was significantly prolonged and the prolongation rate was 31.00%. In addition, FSPPs decreased the lactic acid (LD), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatine kinase (CK) concentration by 27.47%, 25.93% and 21.70%, respectively, after treatment, while increasing the levels of liver glycogen and muscle glycogen by 93.35% and 67.31%, respectively. FSPPs can significantly increase gut microbiota diversity and regulate the species richness of gut microbiota. The results of real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blotting showed that FSPPs activate p-AMPK/PGC1-α and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways. These results indicate that treatment with FSPPs induces anti-fatigue effects, which may be due to the mediating muscle protein synthesis and participation in skeletal muscle hypertrophy, providing energy for muscle cells. FSPPs may have potential applications in the food industry as functional material additives. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of Cadmium and Lead on Muscle and Liver Glycogen Levels of Climbing Perch (Anabas testudineus)

The aim of this study was to assess the glycogen content in the muscle and liver tissues of the climbing perch (Anabas testudineus) exposed to sublethal concentrations of Cd and Pb over 28days of exposure and 14days of depuration. Muscle and liver glycogen levels in A. testudineus after Pb or Cd treatment were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than that of A. testudineus in the control group during the exposure phase. In the recovery phase, muscle, and liver glycogen levels in A. testudineus increased in all Pb treatment groups, whereas they continuously decreased in all Cd treatment groups. Fish affected by Cd had obvious difficulties recovering from the stress response. It was concluded that exposure to the tested concentrations of Pb and Cd could be a potent endocrine activity disruptor, which may lead to adverse impacts on the health of A. testudineus.

Milled flaxseed-added diets ameliorated hepatic inflammation by reducing gene expression of TLR4/NF-κB pathway and altered gut microbiota in STZ-induced type 1 diabetic mice

Flaxseed has displayed the potential beneficial as functional foods. However, most studies focused on effects of flaxseed extracts or ingredients in flaxseed. Besides, few studies showed that flaxseed extracts contributed to anti-type 1 diabetes (T1D), yet the underlying mechanism is still unknown. In the present study, 16.7% of milled flaxseed (MF)-added diet was given to diabetic mice induced by streptozocin for 6 weeks. The results showed that MF feeding 1) slightly decreased blood glucose levels and improved the ability of glucose tolerance by oral glucose tolerance test, 2) decreased liver tumor necrosis factor-α levels and increased liver glycogen levels with significance via down-regulating TLR4/NF-κB pathways, 3) and significantly altered some beneficial bacteria in gut microbiota. In conclusion, the present study showed that milled flaxseed showed the potential on anti-T1D through anti-inflammation via TLR4/NF-κB and altering the gut microbiota in STZ-induced diabetic mice.

Effects of intracerebroventricularly administered opioid peptide antagonists on tissue glycogen levels in rats after exercise

Background/aim Physical exercise is a state of physiological stress that requires adaptation of the organism to physical activity. Glycogen is an important and essential energy source for muscle contraction. Skeletal muscle and liver are two important glycogen stores, and the energy required to maintain exercise in rodents are provided by destruction of this glycogen depot. In this study, the effects of endogenous opioid peptide antagonism at the central nervous system level on tissue glycogen content after exhaustive exercise were investigated. Materials and methods Rats had intracerebroventricularly (icv) received nonspecific opioid peptide receptor antagonist, naloxone (50 μg/10 μL in saline) and δ-opioid receptor-selective antagonist naltrindole (50 μg/10 μL in saline) and then exercised till exhaustion. After exhaustion, skeletal muscle, heart, and liver were excised immediately. Results Both opioid peptide antagonists decreased glycogen levels in skeletal muscle. Although, in soleus muscle, this decrease was not statistically significant (p > 0.05), in gastrocnemius muscle, it was significant in the icv naloxone administered group compared with control (p < 0.05). Heart glycogen levels increased significantly in both naloxone and naltrindole groups compared to control and sham-operated groups (p < 0.05). Heart glycogen levels were higher in the naloxone group than naltrindole (p < 0.05). Liver glycogen levels were elevated significantly with icv naloxone administration compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Glycogen levels in the naloxone group was also significantly higher than the naltrindole group (p < 0.05). Conclusion Our findings indicate that icv administered opioid peptide antagonists may play a role in glycogen metabolism in peripheral tissues such as skeletal muscle, heart, and liver.

Clock proteins and training modify exercise capacity in a daytime-dependent manner

Exercise and circadian biology are closely intertwined with physiology and metabolism, yet the functional interaction between circadian clocks and exercise capacity is only partially characterized. Here, we tested different clock mutant mouse models to examine the effect of the circadian clock and clock proteins, namely PERIODs and BMAL1, on exercise capacity. We found that daytime variance in endurance exercise capacity is circadian clock controlled. Unlike wild-type mice, which outperform in the late compared with the early part of their active phase, PERIODs- and BMAL1-null mice do not show daytime variance in exercise capacity. It appears that BMAL1 impairs and PERIODs enhance exercise capacity in a daytime-dependent manner. An analysis of liver and muscle glycogen stores as well as muscle lipid utilization suggested that these daytime effects mostly relate to liver glycogen levels and correspond to the animals' feeding behavior. Furthermore, given that exercise capacity responds to training, we tested the effect of training at different times of the day and found that training in the late compared with the early part of the active phase improves exercise performance. Overall, our findings suggest that clock proteins shape exercise capacity in a daytime-dependent manner through changes in liver glycogen levels, likely due to their effect on animals' feeding behavior.

Hypoglycemic effects of space-induced Lactobacillus plantarum SS18-5 on type 2 diabetes in a rat model.

Probiotics can improve dyslipidemia and promote metabolic control as a therapeutic approach for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The hypoglycemic effects of space-induced Lactobacillus plantarum SS18-5 on T2DM were explored in 4-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats. The normal (N) group was fed a basal diet, while the other groups received a high glucose fat diet. T2DM was established by streptozotocin injection and the T2DM rats were randomly divided into three groups, a diabetic (D) group (T2DM rats treated with saline only), GS18 group (T2DM rats treated with 109 CFU/ml of L. plantarum GS18), and SS18-5 group (T2DM rats treated with 109 CFU/ml of L. plantarum SS18-5). After continuous gavage for 6weeks, blood biochemical indices were measured and livers were collected for histopathological examination. The colon contents were collected for counting of Escherichia coli, Clostridium perfringens, and Lactobacillus sp. The results showed that L. plantarum SS18-5 effectively controlled the weight of rats, reduced levels of fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, and insulin, increased liver glycogen levels, improved abnormal metabolism of blood lipids, enhanced the effect of anti-lipid peroxidation, alleviated chronic inflammation and fatty liver disease, and regulated the intestinal microbiota by reducing the numbers of E. coli and C. perfringens, and increasing the numbers of Lactobacillus sp. From these results, we conclude that space-induced L. plantarum SS18-5 has the potential to improve T2DM by alleviating hypoglycemia and regulating the intestinal microbiota. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: With the exploration of the universe, a large number of studies have observed the changes of microorganisms in space flight, which provided a new method for high-quality microbial pharmaceuticals in the space environment. In this study, the space environment mutated. Lactobacillus plantarum SS18-5 can effectively improve the blood glucose of rats with type 2 diabetes, relieve oxidative stress, reduce blood lipid content, enhance immune capacity, and regulate intestinal microflora, which has potential use in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Comparison between slow and rapid freezing for adrenal gland cryopreservation and xenotransplantation

The aim of our study was to examine whether slow or rapid cryopreservation of adrenal xenografts affected xenotransplant outcome. Adrenal xenografts were got from newborn piglets (<24 h after birth). Receptor rats were randomly divided into four groups: a bilateral adrenalectomy group, fresh xenotransplantation group, rapid cryopreservation xenotransplantation group, and a slow cryopreservation xenotransplantation group.30 days after xenotransplantation, the survival rates of rats in the fresh xenotransplantation group, rapid cryopreservation xenotransplantation group and slow cryopreservation xenotransplantation group were 80 %, 60 % and 60 %, respectively, which were significantly higher than 40 % of the bilateral adrenalectomy group. In addition, the survival rate of rats in the slow cryopreservation group was consistently significantly higher than that in the rapid cryopreservation group at 29 days after xenotransplantation. Morphological observation showed that there were a few medulla cells existed in the adrenal glands in the slow cryopreservation group after 30 days of xenotransplantation, but no medulla cells were found in the rapid cryopreservation group. The plasma cortisol level of rats in the fresh xenotransplantation group and the slow xenotransplantation group 30 days after xenotransplantation was significantly higher than that of the rapid cryopreservation group and bilateral adrenalectomy group (P < 0.05). The levels of liver glycogen and cholesterol in the xenotransplantation rats were increased relative to those of the bilateral adrenalectomy rats, and close to normal level.In conclusion, compared with rapidly frozen preserved grafts, slowly frozen preserved grafts not only ensure the structural integrity of adrenal tissues, but also have corresponding physiological functions, which provid a basic research opportunities for the preservation of xenografts and the treatment of adrenal corticosteroid deficiency. Moreover, these findings can provide evidence for xenotransplantation in the treatment of Addison's disease (adrenal cortex hormone deficiency).

GC–MS and HPLC analysis of antiglycogenolytic and glycogenic compounds in kaempferol 3–O–gentiobioside containing Senna alata L leaves in experimental rats

BackgroundMedicinal herbs have received attention as an alternative to prescription medications. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that affects the normal metabolic pathways in several organs. The purpose of this study was to determine the metabolites responsible for the antiglycogenolytic and glycogenic effects of a hydroethanolic extract of Senna alata L in an experimental model of diabetes mellitus; the male albino Wister rat treated with streptozotocin. ResultsThe therapeutic effects of Glibenclamide (0.6 mg/kg body weight) and S. alata L (400 mg/kg body weight) extracts were compared. The oral administration of this extract to diabetic rats resulted in a significant decrease in the levels of glycogenolytic factors that included: glycogen phosphorylase, glucose 6 phosphatase, glycosylated haemoglobin, and lactate dehydrogenase, and a significant increase in the levels of glycogenic factors such as plasma insulin, glycogen synthase, liver glycogen, hexokinase, pyruvate kinase After administration of the plant extract, the observed changes in the activities of these factors were found to be statistically significant and returned to near-normal levels. Additionally, the S. alata extract increased muscle and liver glycogen levels, demonstrating S. alata L's anti-diabetic properties. HPLC analysis identified Kaempferol 3–O–gentiobioside, while GCMS analysis showed the presence of phytol, stigmasterol, sitosterol, dimethyl derivatives, methyl esters, and octanoic acid derivatives. ConclusionThis work provides experimental evidence for the anti-diabetic potential of S. alata extract, which may result from the existence of beneficial bioactive chemicals. The aberrant metabolic enzymes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats' livers were restored following regular treatment with S. alata extract. As a result, S. alata leaves can affect blood glucose levels.

Characterisation, Chain Conformation and Antifatigue Effect of Steamed Ginseng Polysaccharides With Different Molecular Weight.

Two polysaccharides were obtained from steamed ginseng via ultrafiltration, and their physical–chemical properties, solution properties and antifatigue activities were studied. WSGP-S3 and WSGP-G3 were acid heteropolysaccharides with the molecular weights of 2.03 × 104 and 4.86 × 104, respectively. They were composed of different molar ratios of the monosaccharides Rha, GlcA, GalA, Glc, Gal, and Ara. The results of size-exclusion chromatography–multiangle laser light scattering analysis, Conge red staining and Circular dichroism spectroscopy revealed that WSGP-S3 exhibited a random conformation of branched clusters in solution. By contrast, WSGP-G3 exhibited an ordered conformation, including helix-like conformations in aqueous solution. Antifatigue activity tests proved that WSGP-S3 markedly prolonged the exhaustive swimming time of fatigued mice; increased liver and muscle glycogen levels and superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase activities and decreased blood lactic acid, nitrogen and malondialdehyde levels compared with the control treatment. Moreover, it enhanced spleen cell proliferation in fatigued mice. By contrast, WSGP-G3 had no significant effect on fatigued mice. The results showed that WSGP-S3 might have a major contribution to the antifatigue effects of steamed ginseng polysaccharides and could be a potential anti-fatigue polysaccharide.

Increased liver glycogen levels enhance exercise capacity in mice

Muscle glycogen depletion has been proposed as one of the main causes of fatigue during exercise. However, few studies have addressed the contribution of liver glycogen to exercise performance. Using a low-intensity running protocol, here, we analyzed exercise capacity in mice overexpressing protein targeting to glycogen (PTG) specifically in the liver (PTGOE mice), which show a high concentration of glycogen in this organ. PTGOE mice showed improved exercise capacity, as determined by the distance covered and time ran in an extenuating endurance exercise, compared with control mice. Moreover, fasting decreased exercise capacity in control mice but not in PTGOE mice. After exercise, liver glycogen stores were totally depleted in control mice, but PTGOE mice maintained significant glycogen levels even in fasting conditions. In addition, PTGOE mice displayed an increased hepatic energy state after exercise compared with control mice. Exercise caused a reduction in the blood glucose concentration in control mice that was less pronounced in PTGOE mice. No changes were found in the levels of blood lactate, plasma free fatty acids, or β-hydroxybutyrate. Plasma glucagon was elevated after exercise in control mice, but not in PTGOE mice. Exercise-induced changes in skeletal muscle were similar in both genotypes. These results identify hepatic glycogen as a key regulator of endurance capacity in mice, an effect that may be exerted through the maintenance of blood glucose levels.