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Updated: Jul 6, 2026

High-resolution Respirometry to Measure Mitochondrial Function of Intact Beta Cells in the Presence of Natural Compounds
12:32

High-resolution Respirometry to Measure Mitochondrial Function of Intact Beta Cells in the Presence of Natural Compounds

Published on: January 23, 2018

Effects of DHMEQ, a novel nuclear factor-kappab inhibitor, on beta cell dysfunction in INS-1 cells

Yoshifumi Saisho1, Hiroshi Hirose, Chihiro Horimai

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.

Endocrine Journal
|April 4, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Dehydroxymethylepoxyquinomicin (DHMEQ) reduces nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation and improves beta cell function in diabetes models. This suggests inhibiting NF-kappaB may treat diabetes by protecting pancreatic beta cells.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Diabetes Research

Background:

  • Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation is implicated in beta cell dysfunction in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
  • Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is a key inflammatory cytokine contributing to beta cell damage.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the therapeutic potential of dehydroxymethylepoxyquinomicin (DHMEQ), a novel NF-kappaB inhibitor.
  • To evaluate the effects of DHMEQ on TNF-alpha-induced beta cell dysfunction.

Main Methods:

  • INS-1 cells were treated with TNF-alpha and varying concentrations of DHMEQ.
  • Assessed glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, cell viability, mRNA expression, and NF-kappaB activation.

Main Results:

  • DHMEQ significantly suppressed TNF-alpha-induced NF-kappaB activation in a dose-dependent manner.
  • DHMEQ partially ameliorated TNF-alpha-induced reduction in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and cell viability.
  • DHMEQ also partially restored insulin mRNA levels affected by TNF-alpha.

Conclusions:

  • DHMEQ effectively inhibits NF-kappaB activation and mitigates TNF-alpha-induced beta cell dysfunction.
  • Targeting NF-kappaB in pancreatic beta cells represents a promising therapeutic strategy for managing diabetes.

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