Brown Yar Ko Rice Protects Against Hyperglycemia-Induced Endothelial Injury via Antioxidant and SIRT1 Activation

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Cell Biology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Diabetes mellitus (DM) causes vascular complications due to hyperglycemia-induced endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress.
• Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) downregulation exacerbates diabetic vascular damage, highlighting its role in antioxidant defense.
• Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) are a relevant in vitro model for studying diabetic vascular complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the therapeutic effects of brown Yar Ko (YK) rice extract on hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress in HUVECs.
• To determine if YK rice extract activates SIRT1 and influences downstream signaling pathways.
• To assess the potential of YK rice as a natural intervention for diabetic vascular complications.

Main Methods:

• YK rice extract chemical profiling (GC‒MS/MS) and antioxidant assays (DPPH, FRAP).
• In vitro model of hyperglycemia using glucose-stimulated HUVECs to assess oxidative stress (DCFH-DA), endothelial function (tubulogenesis), and DNA damage (γ-H2AX).
• Analysis of SIRT1 expression (western blotting, immunofluorescence) and prediction of signaling pathways (network pharmacology).

Main Results:

• YK rice extract is rich in fatty acids and phenolics, exhibiting potent antioxidant activity.
• The extract significantly reduced ROS levels and DNA damage in hyperglycemic HUVECs.
• YK rice extract improved angiogenic capacity, mitigated endothelial dysfunction, and upregulated SIRT1 expression.
• Network pharmacology suggested the SIRT1-PPAR-α/γ axis as a key modulated pathway.

Conclusions:

• Brown Yar Ko rice extract demonstrates significant antioxidant and protective effects against hyperglycemia-induced endothelial dysfunction in vitro.
• SIRT1 activation is a key mechanism underlying the therapeutic benefits of YK rice extract.
• YK rice extract holds promise as a natural therapeutic agent for managing diabetic vascular complications, warranting further investigation into its mechanisms.