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Published on: June 25, 2017
Curcumin Derivative MTH-3 Regulates Palmitate-induced Insulin Resistance in Mouse Myoblast C2C12 Cells
Yu-Jen Chiu1,2,3, Yu-Hsiang Lo4,5, Jai-Sing Yang5
1Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Background/Aim:
At present, there are no effective drugs for the treatment of insulin resistance. MTH-3, a curcumin derivative, exerts potent anti-cancer effects. The aim of the present study was to explore whether MTH-3 is capable of regulating palmitic acid (PA)-induced insulin resistance in C2C12 cells.
Materials And Methods:
Cell viability was examined using the MTT assay. C2C12 cells were treated with PA and evaluated for the production of oil droplets using an Oil Red O assay. Glucose uptake was analysed by the 2-NBDG assay.
Results:
Treatment of cells with up to 500 μM PA for 24 h or with 5 or 10 μM MTH-3 had no effect on cell viability. PA induced production of oil droplets in C2C12 cells. After adding MTH-3, the quantity of oil droplets decreased significantly and glucose uptake recovered.
Conclusion:
MTH-3 may become an efficient drug for the treatment of insulin resistance and associated diseases.
