Isorhamnetin as a potential therapeutic agent for diabetes mellitus through PGK1/AKT activation

Abstract

Context

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2D) is a significant health concern worldwide, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches beyond conventional treatments.

Objective

To assess isorhamnetin’s potential in improving insulin sensitivity and mitigating T2D characteristics through oxidative and glycative stress modulation.

Materials and Methods

T2D was induced in mice with a high-fat diet and streptozotocin injections. Isorhamnetin was administered at 10 mg/kg for 12 weeks. HepG2 cells were used to examine in vitro effects on stress markers and insulin sensitivity. Molecular effects on the PGK1 and AKT signalling pathway were also analyzed.

Results

The administration of isorhamnetin significantly impacted both in vivo and in vitro models. In HepG2 cells, oxidative and glycative stresses were markedly reduced, indicating a direct effect of isorhamnetin on cellular stress pathways, which are implicated in the deterioration of insulin sensitivity. Specifically, treated cells showed a notable decrease in markers of oxidative stress, such as malondialdehyde, and advanced glycation end products, highlighting isorhamnetin’s antioxidant and antiglycative properties. In vivo, isorhamnetin-treated mice exhibited substantially lower fasting glucose levels compared to untreated T2D mice, suggesting a strong hypoglycemic effect. Moreover, these mice showed improved insulin responsiveness, evidenced by enhanced glucose tolerance and insulin tolerance tests. The molecular investigation revealed that isorhamnetin activated PGK1, leading to the activation of the AKT signalling pathway, crucial for promoting glucose uptake and reducing insulin resistance. This molecular action underscores the potential mechanism through which isorhamnetin exerts its beneficial effects in T2D management.

Discussion

The study underscores isorhamnetin’s multifaceted role in T2D management, emphasizing its impact on oxidative and glycative stress reduction and molecular pathways critical for insulin sensitivity.

Conclusion

Isorhamnetin presents a promising avenue for T2D treatment, offering a novel approach to enhancing insulin sensitivity and managing glucose levels through the modulation of key molecular pathways. Further research is needed to translate these findings into clinical practice.

Keywords:

• Isorhamnetin
• diabetes mellitus: PGK1
• insulin resistance
• AKT

Author contributions

Conceptualisation, A.A. and E.Q.; methodology, M.Q.; software, O.G.; validation, M.W. and A.A.; formal analysis, O.G.; investigation, M.Q. and S.S.A; resources, A.A.; data curation, M.W.; writing – original draft preparation, A.A.; writing – review and editing, E.Q.; visualisation, A.A.; supervision, E.Q.; project administration, A.A.; funding acquisition, M.Q. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

Data are available upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by the Deanship of Scientific Research at the Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan (Grant Number: 30/2020).