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Protective effect of Schisandrae chinensis oil on pancreatic β-cells in diabetic rats
Liping An1, Yingping Wang, Chunmei Wang
1College of Pharmacy, Beihua University, Jilin, 132013, Jilin, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
Islet cell dysfunction in type 2 diabetes is primarily attributed to increased apoptosis of pancreatic β-Cells. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of Schisandrae chinensis oil on pancreatic β-Cells in type 2 diabetes mellitus rats and the associated molecular mechanisms of action. Wistar rats were randomly divided into diabetic rats and control rats, diabetic rats treated with Schisandrae chinensis oil (1 mg/kg), and control rats treated with Schisandrae chinensis oil. The serum fasting blood glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels along with MDA content, SOD and CAT activities in pancreatic tissues were measured. TUNEL was used to observe the apoptosis of rat pancreatic cells. Western blot was used to determine specific protein expression. The results showed that the oil significantly decreased fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride levels as well as the pancreatic MDA, but increased SOD and CAT activities. The protein expression of Bcl-2, PDX-1, GLUT-2, and GCK but not caspase 3 was significantly enhanced in the oil-treated rats compared with diabetic rats. However, Bax content was not significantly different between the control and DM groups. Schisandra chinensis oil improves pancreatic β-cell function by enhancing antioxidant potential of the pancreas, upregulating the expression of anti-apoptotic genes, increasing expression of glucose metabolism, and delaying islet cell apoptosis.
Insights
Schisandra chinensis oil protects pancreatic beta-cells in type 2 diabetes by reducing apoptosis and enhancing antioxidant and glucose metabolism pathways. This study reveals its potential therapeutic benefits for managing diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Type 2 diabetes is characterized by pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction and apoptosis.
- Schisandra chinensis oil is explored for its potential therapeutic effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of Schisandra chinensis oil on pancreatic beta-cells in a type 2 diabetes mellitus rat model.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects.
Main Methods:
- Wistar rats were divided into diabetic and control groups, with some receiving Schisandra chinensis oil.
- Measurements included serum glucose, insulin, lipids, pancreatic oxidative stress markers (MDA, SOD, CAT), and apoptosis via TUNEL assay.
- Western blot analysis was used to assess protein expression related to apoptosis and glucose metabolism.
Main Results:
- Schisandra chinensis oil treatment significantly reduced fasting blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and pancreatic MDA levels.
- The oil increased pancreatic SOD and CAT activities, indicating enhanced antioxidant capacity.
- Protein expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, glucose transporter GLUT-2, glucokinase GCK, and PDX-1 was upregulated, while caspase 3 was not significantly affected.
Conclusions:
- Schisandra chinensis oil improves pancreatic beta-cell function in type 2 diabetes.
- It enhances pancreatic antioxidant potential and upregulates anti-apoptotic and glucose metabolism-related proteins.
- The findings suggest Schisandra chinensis oil delays islet cell apoptosis and holds therapeutic promise for type 2 diabetes.
