Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2025

Synthesis, Functionalization, and Characterization of Fusogenic Porous Silicon Nanoparticles for Oligonucleotide Delivery
Published on: April 16, 2019
Ameliorative Hypoglycemic Effect of 1-DNJ via Structural Derivatization Followed by Assembly Into Selenized
Shuxian Ruan1, Yanli Du2, Xianyuan Zhang3
1Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
Purpose:
1-Deoxynojirimycin (1-DNJ), a phytomedicine derived from mulberry leaves and certain bacteria, can inhibit α-glycosidase activity and alleviate insulin resistance, thereby lowering blood glucose levels. However, its short half-life and limited in vivo residence compromise its therapeutic efficacy. This study aimed to optimize the structure of 1-DNJ and develop nano-formulation to ameliorate its pharmacokinetic properties and therapeutic effects.
Methods:
We synthesized N-oleoyl-1-DNJ (N-1-DNJ) and formulated it into selenized nanovesicles using a thin-film hydration method combined with in situ reduction.
Results:
The resulting N-1-DNJ-loaded selenized nanovesicles (N-1-DNJ-Se@NVs) exhibited improved physiological stability and sustained release compared to non-selenized versions. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies in GK rats revealed that N-1-DNJ-Se@NVs presented prolonged absorption, higher mean retention time, and enhanced area under the blood drug concentration versus time curve (AUC), indicating superior bioavailability. Furthermore, N-1-DNJ-Se@NVs demonstrated long-lasting hypoglycemic effect and increased cellular uptake efficiency.
Conclusion:
Our findings suggest that structural derivatization improves the oral delivery of 1-DNJ and prolongs its therapeutic effect via selenized nanovesicles, positioning N-1-DNJ-Se@NVs as a promising nanomedicine for diabetes management.
Related Concept Videos
Insulin Secretory Vesicles
Insulin: Biosynthesis, Chemistry, and Preparation
Damage or functional impairment of β-cells inhibits insulin production, leading to diabetes. Diabetes treatment...
Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitors
Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists
GLP-1, when administered in high doses intravenously, triggers insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, reduces food intake, and restores normal insulin secretion. However, its rapid inactivation by...
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Glinides

