Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 2, 2025
08:03
Glucose Uptake Measurement and Response to Insulin Stimulation in In Vitro Cultured Human Primary Myotubes
Published on: June 25, 2017
20.3K
Biological activity of 2α,3β,23-trihydroxyolean-12-ene on glucose homeostasis
Allisson Jhonatan Gomes Castro1, Luisa Helena Cazarolli2, Marisa Jadna Silva Frederico1
1Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
European Journal of Pharmacology
|June 12, 2021
Summary
2α,3β,23-trihydroxyolean-12-ene (THO) from Croton heterodoxus Baill. reduces hyperglycemia by increasing insulin and glucose uptake in adipose tissue via GLUT4 translocation, suggesting its potential as an antihyperglycemic agent.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Hyperglycemia is a hallmark of diabetes, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
- Natural compounds are increasingly explored for their potential antihyperglycemic effects.
- Croton heterodoxus Baill. is a plant source of bioactive compounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antihyperglycemic effects and mechanisms of 2α,3β,23-trihydroxyolean-12-ene (THO).
- To determine THO's impact on glucose uptake in hyperglycemic rats and isolated tissues.
- To elucidate the molecular pathways involved in THO's action.
Main Methods:
- In vivo studies in hyperglycemic rats with THO pretreatment.
- In vitro analysis of THO effects on adipocytes and adipose tissue.
- Assessment of insulin, glucagon-like peptide-1, GLUT4 mRNA, GLUT4 content, and p38 phosphorylation.
Main Results:
- THO reduced glycemia by increasing serum insulin and hepatic glycogen.
- THO enhanced glucose uptake in adipocytes and adipose tissue.
- The mechanism involved phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) dependent vesicular traffic and GLUT4 translocation, mediated by p38 phosphorylation.
Conclusions:
- THO effectively decreases hyperglycemia through enhanced insulin secretion and hepatic glucose disposal.
- THO promotes glucose uptake in adipose tissue via GLUT4 translocation, independent of GLUT4 synthesis.
- THO represents a promising antihyperglycemic agent targeting glucose homeostasis mechanisms.
Related Concept Videos
01:16Hormones Regulating Blood Glucose
5.3K
Insulin is released by beta cells of the pancreas when blood glucose levels are high. It facilitates glucose absorption and utilization in insulin-dependent cells with insulin receptors on their plasma membranes. Insulin promotes glucose uptake by increasing the number of glucose transport proteins in the cell membrane, allowing glucose to enter the cell. As a result, glucose utilization and ATP production are enhanced.
In addition to accelerating glucose uptake and utilization, insulin has...
In addition to accelerating glucose uptake and utilization, insulin has...
5.3K
01:02Glucose Homeostasis: Regulation of Blood Glucose
2.9K
Carbohydrates consumed through foods are converted into glucose, a crucial energy source for the body. In the prandial state, high blood glucose levels stimulate the secretion of insulin from the pancreas. Insulin inhibits hepatic glucose production and stimulates glucose uptake and metabolism by muscle and adipose tissue. The excess glucose is converted into glycogen and stored in the liver and muscles.
During fasting, when blood glucose levels are low, the pancreas secretes glucagon. it...
During fasting, when blood glucose levels are low, the pancreas secretes glucagon. it...
2.9K
01:27Glucose Homeostasis: Pancreatic Islets and Insulin Secretion
1.6K
The pancreatic islets comprising only 1%-2% of the volume are highly vascularized and innervated mini-organs. They contain five endocrine cell types, including β cells that secrete insulin, which is synthesized as a single polypeptide chain, preproinsulin, processed to proinsulin, and finally to insulin and C-peptide. This process is complex and regulated, involving the Golgi complex, the endoplasmic reticulum, and the secretory granules of the β cell.
Insulin and C-peptide are...
Insulin and C-peptide are...
1.6K
01:19Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: α-Glucosidase Inhibitors
345
α-glucosidase inhibitors, including acarbose (Precose), miglitol (Glyset), and voglibose (Voglib) (primarily available in Asia), are drugs that control blood sugar levels by delaying the digestion of starch and disaccharides. They achieve this by inhibiting α-glucosidase enzymes in the intestine, which slow the absorption of carbohydrates in the intestine, which in turn leads to a prolonged release of the glucoregulatory hormone GLP-1 from intestinal L-cells.
Acarbose and miglitol are...
Acarbose and miglitol are...
345
01:26Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Biguanides and Glitazones
378
Biguanides, particularly metformin (Glucophage), are insulin sensitizers that enhance glucose uptake, thereby reducing insulin resistance. Unlike sulfonylureas, metformin doesn't prompt insulin secretion, which helps to curb hypoglycemia risk. Metformin is beneficial in treating conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome due to its insulin-resistance reduction capability. The drug's primary action involves curtailing hepatic gluconeogenesis, a significant contributor to high blood...
378
01:01Feedback Loops
61.0K
In most cases, excessive hormone production is prevented by negative feedback—a loop that starts with a stimulus inducing the release of a particular substance, like a hormone, to maintain a certain level before triggering a signal that results in a decrease in further release of the hormone.
61.0K