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Updated: Jul 16, 2026

An In Ovo Model for Testing Insulin-mimetic Compounds
Published on: April 23, 2018
Insulin-sensitizing effects of a novel alpha-methyl- alpha -phenoxylpropionate derivative in vitro
Hao-Shu Wu1, Juan-Hong Yu, Ying-Yin Li
1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
Aim:
To examine the insulin sensitizing effects of a novel alpha-methyl-alpha- phenoxylpropionate derivative YY20 in insulin-sensitive cell lines.
Methods:
The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR gamma) agonist bioactivities of YY20 were detected by a preadipocyte differentiation assay. RT-PCR and Western blotting analysis were used to detect the expression of the target gene or protein. The effects of YY20 on insulin-mediated glucose consumption were determined in the HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma line.
Results:
YY20 could enhance the differentiation of preadipocytes to adipocytes and upregulate the gene expression of PPAR gamma 2, as well as the protein expression of insulin receptor substrate- 1 (IRS-1), glucose transporter-4 (GLUT4), and adiponectin (ACRP30). The effects on GLUT4 and ACRP30 could be reversed by the PPAR gamma inhibitor SR-202. Furthermore, YY20 efficiently reduced glucose consumptions in HepG2 cells after 24 h culture, and the effects were related to insulin and YY20 concentrations.
Conclusion:
YY20, a potential insulin-sensitizing agent like rosiglitazone, could enhance glucose consumption in HepG2 cells in a concentration- and insulindependent manner. It may improve the insulin resistance associated with type 2 diabetes.
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