Potentilla fulgens upregulate GLUT4, AMPK, AKT and insulin in alloxan-induced diabetic mice: an in vivo and in silico study

Abstract

Objective

This study was designed to investigate whether the glucose lowering effects of Potentilla fulgens acts by modulating GLUT4, AKT2 and AMPK expression in the skeletal muscle and liver tissues.

Methodology

Alloxan-induced diabetic mice treated with Potentilla fulgens was assessed for their blood glucose and insulin level, mRNA and protein expression using distinguished methods. Additionally, GLUT4, AKT2 and AMPK were docked with catechin, epicatechin, kaempferol, metformin, quercetin and ursolic acid reportedly present in Potentilla fulgens.

Results

Potentilla fulgens ameliorates hyperglycaemia and insulin sensitivity via activation of AKT2 and AMPK, increases the expression of GLUT4, AKT2, AMPKα1 and AMPKα2 whose levels are reduced under diabetic condition. Molecular docking revealed interacting residues and their binding affinities (−4.56 to −8.95 Kcal/mol).

Conclusions

These findings provide more clarity vis-avis the mechanism of action of the phytoceuticals present in Potentilla fulgens extract which function through their action on GLUT4, PKB and AMPK.

Keywords:

• AMPK
• GLUT4
• PKB
• Potentilla fulgens
• metformin

Acknowledgements

The authors thank the Department of Biochemistry, North Eastern Hill University, Shillong, India, for providing facilities.

Disclosure statement

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

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author.

Additional information

Funding

The research was supported by the UGC-DRS Programme.