Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 26, 2026

Measurement of Insulin- and Contraction-Stimulated Glucose Uptake in Isolated and Incubated Mature Skeletal Muscle from Mice
Published on: May 16, 2021
Emodin improves glucose metabolism by targeting microRNA-20b in insulin-resistant skeletal muscle
Dan Xiao1, Yingying Hu2, Yujie Fu1
1Department of Pharmacology (State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China.
Background:
Emerging evidence has indicated the therapeutic potential of emodin with its multiple pharmacological effects.
Purpose:
To evaluate role of emodin in regulating insulin resistance (IR) and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.
Study Design/Methods:
Fasting blood glucose (FBG) and lipid levels were measured before and after intragastric administration of emodin in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats. Glucose consumption was determined in L6 cells to investigate the effect of emodin on glucose metabolism. Expression of miR-20b and SMAD7 was quantified by real-time PCR for mRNAs or western blot analysis for proteins.
Results:
Emodin ameliorated hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia in T2DM rats, and glucose metabolism in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. MiR-20b was markedly upregulated in the setting of IR and overexpression of miR-20b disrupted glucose metabolism by repressing SMAD7 in L6 cells. Knockdown of this miRNA produced the opposite effects. Emodin abolished the abnormal upregulation of miR-20b and indirectly upregulated SMAD7.
Conclusion:
Emodin improves glucose metabolism to produce anti-IR effects, and downregulation of miR-20b thereby upregulation of SMAD7 is an underlying mechanism for the beneficial effects of emodin.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Classification of Skeletal Muscle Fibers
Slow-Twitch Muscle Fibers
Slow oxidative, muscle fibers appear red due to large numbers of capillaries and high levels of...
Glucose Homeostasis: Pancreatic Islets and Insulin Secretion
Insulin and C-peptide are...
Relaxation of Skeletal Muscles
When an action potential reaches the axon terminal, it depolarizes the membrane and opens voltage-gated sodium channels. Sodium ions enter the cell, further depolarizing the presynaptic membrane. This depolarization causes voltage-gated calcium channels to open....
Overview of Skeletal Muscle
Skeletal Muscle Anatomy
Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...

