Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 16, 2025

Glucose Uptake Measurement and Response to Insulin Stimulation in In Vitro Cultured Human Primary Myotubes
Published on: June 25, 2017
Characterization of Water-Soluble Oxidized Paramylon and Its Hypoglycemic Effects by Alleviating Insulin Resistance
Hongliang Li1,2,3,4,5,6, Shida Wu1,2,3,4,5, Jiale Ma1,2,3,4,5
1State Key Laboratory of Marine Food Processing and Safety Control, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, Liaoning, China.
Abstract:
Paramylon (EP) is a type of β-glucan found in Euglena gracilis, which is characterized by a crystalline structure and insolubility, thereby limiting its practical applications. This study aimed to enhance its utility by preparing water-soluble oxidized EP (OEP) using a 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical (TEMPO)-mediated oxidation process. When compared with EP, OEP was found to boost glucose intake in insulin-resistant cells while increasing insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) levels. OEP effectively reduced fasting blood glucose levels in diabetic mice from 13.41 to 8.86 mmol L-1. OEP protected the liver from damage by enhancing hepatic glucose absorption through modulation of the IRS1/GLUT4 signaling pathway. OEP adjusted hepatic lipid composition, reducing the accumulation of diglycerides and triglycerides, ultimately ameliorating diabetes. Therefore, the OEP demonstrates significant potential as a nutritional substance for regulating blood glucose levels.
Related Concept Videos
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Biguanides and Glitazones
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: α-Glucosidase Inhibitors
Acarbose and miglitol are...
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Glinides
Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitors
Carbohydrate Metabolism
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in...
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Sulfonylureas

