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Published on: September 15, 2023
Compositional analysis and biological characterization of Cornus officinalis on human 1.1B4 pancreatic β cells
Arielle E Sharp-Tawfik1, Alexis M Coiner1, Catherine B MarElia1
1Department of Cell Biology, Microbiology and Molecular Biology, University of South Florida, 4202 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33620, USA.
Abstract:
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease resulting from the loss of pancreatic β cells and subsequent insulin production. Novel interventional therapies are urgently needed that can protect existing β cells from cytokine-induced death and enhance their function before symptomatic onset. Our initial evidence is suggesting that bioactive ingredients within Cornus officinalis (CO) may be able to serve in this function. CO has been extensively used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and reported to possess both anti-inflammatory and pro-metabolic effects. We hypothesize that CO treatment may provide a future potential candidate for interventional therapy for early stage T1D prior to significant β cell loss. Our data demonstrated that CO can inhibit cytokine-mediated β cell death, increase cell viability and oxidative capacity, and increase expression of NFATC2 (Nuclear Factor of Activated T Cells, Cytoplasmic 2). We have also profiled the bioactive components in CO from multiple sources by HPLC/MS (High Performance Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry) analysis. Altogether, CO significantly increases the energy metabolism of β cells while inducing the NFAT pathway to signal for increased proliferation and endocrine function.
Insights
Cornus officinalis (CO) may offer a novel therapy for early-stage Type 1 diabetes (T1D). This study shows CO protects pancreatic beta cells from death, enhances their function, and boosts energy metabolism, suggesting potential for T1D intervention.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease characterized by pancreatic beta cell destruction.
- Current T1D therapies focus on insulin replacement, highlighting the need for interventions to protect residual beta cells.
- Cornus officinalis (CO), used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, exhibits anti-inflammatory and pro-metabolic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of Cornus officinalis (CO) as an interventional therapy for early-stage Type 1 diabetes (T1D).
- To determine if CO can protect pancreatic beta cells from cytokine-induced apoptosis and enhance their function.
Main Methods:
- Cytokine-mediated beta cell death assays.
- Cell viability and oxidative capacity measurements.
- High-Performance Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (HPLC/MS) for CO component profiling.
- Analysis of Nuclear Factor of Activated T Cells, Cytoplasmic 2 (NFATC2) expression.
Main Results:
- CO treatment inhibited cytokine-induced beta cell death.
- CO increased beta cell viability, oxidative capacity, and energy metabolism.
- CO induced the NFAT pathway, suggesting enhanced proliferation and endocrine function.
- Bioactive components of CO were successfully profiled using HPLC/MS.
Conclusions:
- Cornus officinalis (CO) demonstrates protective effects on pancreatic beta cells against inflammatory damage.
- CO enhances beta cell energy metabolism and promotes pathways associated with proliferation and function.
- CO presents a promising candidate for future interventional therapies in early-stage Type 1 diabetes.
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