Luo Yang1, Xiang Zhang1, Min Liao1, Yarong Hao2. 1. Department of Geriatrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei, China. 2. Department of Geriatrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei, China. Electronic address: 984022801@qq.com.
Abstract
AIMS: Echinacoside (ECH) is a natural compound extracted from the stem of the Cistanche deserticola plant, has significant biological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-tumor, hepatoprotective, and immunomodulatory properties. In this study, we aimed to explore the protection effects and mechanisms of ECH on diabetic liver injury in db/db mice. MAIN METHODS: Overall, 6-week-old db/db mice (n = 20) were randomly allocated to 2 groups: diabetic model group (db/db group, intragastric administration of normal saline, n = 10) and ECH-treated group (db/db + ECH group, n = 10). Additionally, the normal control group comprised 6-week-old db/m mice (db/m group, normal saline intragastric administration, n = 10). ECH was administered once a day for 10 weeks. Weight and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were measured biweekly. HE staining and Oil O staining were used to evaluate liver tissue pathological changes and lipid accumulation respectively. Immunofluorescence staining, Western blot and RT-PCR analysis were used to detect the expression of components of the AMPK/SIRT1 signaling axis. KEY FINDINGS: The results showed that the administration of echinacoside for 10 weeks could significantly improve liver injury and insulin resistance in db/db mice (p < 0.01). Also, echinacoside treatment helped to reduce blood lipids and blood glucose (p < 0.01). Moreover, ECH actived AMPK/SIRT1 signaling, upregulated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator 1 alpha (PGC-1α), proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα), carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1A (CPT1A) in db/db mice (p < 0.01). SIGNIFICANCE: The effect of ECH may be elicited by the activation of the liver AMPK/SIRT1 pathway and its downstream factors to improve adiposity, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia.
AIMS: Echinacoside (ECH) is a natural compound extracted from the stem of the Cistanche deserticola plant, has significant biological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-tumor, hepatoprotective, and immunomodulatory properties. In this study, we aimed to explore the protection effects and mechanisms of ECH on diabetic liver injury in db/db mice. MAIN METHODS: Overall, 6-week-old db/db mice (n = 20) were randomly allocated to 2 groups: diabetic model group (db/db group, intragastric administration of normal saline, n = 10) and ECH-treated group (db/db + ECH group, n = 10). Additionally, the normal control group comprised 6-week-old db/m mice (db/m group, normal saline intragastric administration, n = 10). ECH was administered once a day for 10 weeks. Weight and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were measured biweekly. HE staining and Oil O staining were used to evaluate liver tissue pathological changes and lipid accumulation respectively. Immunofluorescence staining, Western blot and RT-PCR analysis were used to detect the expression of components of the AMPK/SIRT1 signaling axis. KEY FINDINGS: The results showed that the administration of echinacoside for 10 weeks could significantly improve liver injury and insulin resistance in db/db mice (p < 0.01). Also, echinacoside treatment helped to reduce blood lipids and blood glucose (p < 0.01). Moreover, ECH actived AMPK/SIRT1 signaling, upregulated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator 1 alpha (PGC-1α), proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα), carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1A (CPT1A) in db/db mice (p < 0.01). SIGNIFICANCE: The effect of ECH may be elicited by the activation of the liver AMPK/SIRT1 pathway and its downstream factors to improve adiposity, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia.
Authors: You Wu; Minghui Wang; Tao Yang; Lingling Qin; Yaomu Hu; Dan Zhao; Lili Wu; Tonghua Liu Journal: Evid Based Complement Alternat Med Date: 2021-09-02 Impact factor: 2.629