Cinnamon water extracts increase glucose uptake but inhibit adiponectin secretion in 3T3-L1 adipose cells

The effects of three concentrations (0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 mg/mL) of a cinnamon extract (CE) (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) on glucose uptake and adiponectin secretion in 3T3-L1 adipocytes were examined in the presence and absence of 0.5 nM and 50 nM insulin. In the absence of insulin, adipocytes exposed to 0.2 mg/mL CE showed an approximate two-fold increase in glucose uptake relative to controls although glucose uptake was unaffected by the two higher concentrations of CE. No effect of CE on glucose uptake was noted in the presence of 0.5 nM insulin whereas the two highest concentrations (0.3 and 0.4 mg/mL) of CE showed a significant dose-dependent decrease in glucose uptake in the presence of 50 nM insulin. Treatment of the adipocytes with 50 nM wortmannin, an irreversible inhibitor of the p110 isoform of phosphoinositide 3'-kinase, was associated with complete inhibition of the stimulated glucose uptake induced by 0.2 mg/mL CE. Treatment of the adipocytes with 0.2 mg/mL CE was associated with an inhibition of adiponectin secretion to levels that were nondetectable. The present study indicates that although 0.2 mg/mL CE has insulin-mimetic action in 3T3-adipocytes in terms of glucose uptake, secretion of the antidiabetic hormone adiponectin is adversely affected.