Selective PPARγ modulator alpinetin restores insulin sensitivity and protects from bone loss in type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) poses a significant global health burden, with its escalating prevalence and related complications. Although peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonists such as thiazolidinediones effectively enhance insulin sensitivity, their use is limited by adverse effects, including bone loss. Recent research has focused on developing selective PPARγ modulators with improved safety profiles. Alpinetin (Apt), a naturally occurring flavonoid, has demonstrated anti-inflammation potential; however, its impact on insulin signaling and bone metabolism under diabetic conditions has yet to be investigated.

This study aims to investigate whether Apt acts as a selective PPARγ modulator that can restore insulin sensitivity while preventing diabetes-associated bone deterioration.

Molecular docking and dynamics simulations assessed the interaction between Apt and PPARγ. The cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) evaluated Apt's binding affinity, and dual-luciferase reporter assays measured its activation of PPARγ. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis, network pharmacology and RNA sequencing were used to explore Apt's mechanisms in T2DM treatment. The insulin-sensitizing and bone-protecting effects of Apt were tested both in vitro and in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced T2DM mouse model.

Apt was found to enhance glucose uptake in insulin-resistant adipocytes through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and facilitate GLUT4 translocation. Furthermore, Apt was identified as a selective PPARγ agonist, binding directly to Ser342 of PPARγ and inhibiting phosphorylation at Ser273. Besides, Apt inhibited osteoclast differentiation in vitro. In vivo, Apt exhibited comparable glycemic control to rosiglitazone (Rosi) while protecting against bone loss in STZ-induced T2DM mice.

These findings suggest that Apt is a promising therapeutic candidate for T2DM treatment, selectively activating PPARγ to improve insulin sensitivity and prevent skeletal complications.