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Searching for phytoinsulins as cardiovascular protector in metabolic syndrome

Lele Ji1, Wenjuan Xing, Ling Dong

  • 1Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.

Current Pharmaceutical Design
|January 18, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Phytoinsulins, derived from Chinese medicinal herbs, activate survival signals to improve insulin sensitivity and protect against cardiovascular disease. These natural compounds offer a promising alternative to insulin for managing metabolic syndrome and its complications.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Pharmacology
  • Metabolic Disease Research
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine

Background:

  • Metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance significantly elevate risks for cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
  • Impaired PI3K-Akt-eNOS survival signaling is a critical link between insulin resistance and cardiovascular complications.
  • Current insulin therapies present challenges like hypoglycemia and potential adverse effects via Ras-MAPK over-activation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore phytoinsulins as a novel therapeutic strategy for metabolic syndrome and associated cardiovascular disorders.
  • To investigate the potential of specific Chinese medicinal herbs to activate insulin-like survival pathways.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of phytoinsulins in improving insulin sensitivity and providing cardioprotection.

Main Methods:

  • Identification and characterization of Chinese medicinal herbs with phytoinsulin properties.
  • Assessment of phytoinsulins' ability to activate the PI3K-Akt-eNOS signaling pathway.
  • Evaluation of phytoinsulin effects on tissue insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular protection in preclinical models.

Main Results:

  • Certain Chinese herbs, termed phytoinsulins, were found to directly activate PI3K-Akt-eNOS survival signals.
  • Phytoinsulins demonstrated the ability to improve tissue insulin sensitivity, offering endothelial and cardiac protection in diabetic animal models.
  • These compounds exhibit multiple beneficial actions, including glucose-lowering, pancreatic beta-cell protection, and adipogenesis reduction.

Conclusions:

  • Phytoinsulins represent a promising therapeutic avenue for preventing and treating cardiovascular complications associated with diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
  • Targeting insulin-activated cell survival signals with phytoinsulins offers a safer and potentially more effective approach compared to chronic insulin administration.
  • The multifaceted actions of phytoinsulins contribute to comprehensive cardiovascular protection in the context of metabolic disorders.

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