Selected compounds derived from Moutan Cortex stimulated glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis via AMPK activation in human HepG2 cells

Aim of the studyTo evaluate the effect of selected compounds derived from Moutan Cortex on glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis associated with AMPK activation in insulin-resistant human HepG2 cell.Materials and methodsThe effect of isolated compounds (1–16) on glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis was performed using HepG2 cells. The western blot was used to determine the expression of AMPK and its downstream substrates, ACC, p-ACC, and p-GSK-3β.ResultsThe effects of the 16 compounds from Moutan Cortex on glucose metabolism in HepG2 cells under high glucose conditions were evaluated. Compounds 2, 3, and 6 displayed highly potent effects on the stimulation of glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis in human HepG2 cells under high glucose conditions. Compounds 2, 3, and 6 phosphorylate AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase), and resulted in increased phosphorylation of GSK-3β and suppression of lipogenic expression (ACC and FAS) in a dose-dependent manner. Compounds 2, 3, and 6 also demonstrated interesting, strong eNOS phosphorylation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Compounds 1, 4, 5–12, and 14 displayed considerable effects on hepatic glucose production, AMPK activation, and phosphorylation of GSK-3β in HepG2 cells under high glucose conditions.ConclusionsThese effects may indicate that the activation of AMPK by the active compounds from Moutan Cortex has considerable potential for reversing the metabolic abnormalities associated with type-2 diabetes.

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