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Acyclovir alleviates insulin resistance via activating PKM1 in diabetic mice

Zhuozhou Hu1, Jing Zhou1, Liang Han1

  • 1Department of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, PR China.

Life Sciences
|June 25, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Acyclovir, an antiviral drug, effectively treats diabetes by improving insulin resistance and lowering blood lipids. It works by activating the PKM1/AMPK/SIRT1 pathway, offering a new therapeutic strategy for diabetes mellitus.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Pharmacology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global health crisis driven by insulin resistance.
  • Novel therapeutic strategies are crucial to combat escalating DM prevalence and severity.
  • Identifying new molecular targets is essential for effective DM treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate acyclovir as a potential treatment for diabetes mellitus.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying acyclovir's anti-diabetic effects.
  • To identify pyruvate kinase M1 (PKM1) as a potential therapeutic target.

Main Methods:

  • Induction of diabetes in C57BL/6N mice using a high-fat diet and streptozotocin.
  • Assessment of key metabolic markers: blood glucose, serum insulin, blood lipids, and oxidative stress.
  • In vitro studies using HepG2 cells to model insulin resistance and examine molecular pathways.

Main Results:

  • Acyclovir demonstrated efficacy in improving insulin sensitivity, reducing blood lipids, and mitigating oxidative stress in diabetic mice.
  • These findings were corroborated in an in vitro insulin resistance model using HepG2 cells.
  • Mechanistically, acyclovir directly stimulates PKM1, activating the AMPK/SIRT1 signaling pathway to enhance insulin resistance.

Conclusions:

  • Acyclovir shows promise as a therapeutic agent for treating diabetes mellitus.
  • PKM1 emerges as a significant molecular target for the development of novel anti-diabetic medications.
  • This research provides a foundation for translating acyclovir into clinical practice for DM management.
Keywords:
AMPK/SIRT1AcyclovirDMInsulin resistancePKM1

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