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Steviol glycosides modulate glucose transport in different cell types
Benedetta Rizzo1, Laura Zambonin, Cristina Angeloni
1Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Corso Augusto 237, 47921 Rimini, Italy.
Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity
|December 12, 2013
Summary
Stevia extracts enhance glucose uptake in human cells, mimicking insulin's effects by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway. This suggests Stevia may offer health benefits by improving cellular glucose metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Metabolic Health
Background:
- Stevia rebaudiana extracts are widely used as noncaloric sweeteners.
- Growing health concerns like diabetes and obesity drive demand for sugar alternatives.
- Cellular mechanisms of Stevia's health benefits remain largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cellular and molecular effects of Stevia extracts on glucose transport.
- To determine if Stevia extracts modulate key signaling pathways involved in glucose metabolism.
- To assess Stevia's potential to counteract negative effects on glucose uptake.
Main Methods:
- Commercial Stevia extracts were tested on HL-60 (leukemia) and SH-SY5Y (neuroblastoma) cell lines.
- Glucose uptake was measured following treatment with Stevia extracts, insulin, and methylglyoxal.
- Phosphorylation of PI3K and Akt proteins was analyzed to assess pathway activation.
Main Results:
- Stevia extracts significantly enhanced glucose uptake in both cell lines, comparable to insulin.
- Stevia treatments increased the phosphorylation of PI3K and Akt, indicating pathway activation.
- Stevia extracts reversed methylglyoxal-induced reduction in glucose uptake, suggesting a protective effect.
Conclusions:
- Stevia extracts can effectively enhance glucose uptake in human cells.
- Steviol glycosides likely mimic insulin's action by modulating the PI3K/Akt pathway.
- Stevia extracts show potential for improving cellular glucose metabolism and mitigating metabolic disorders.
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