RESUMEN
Asarone is a molecule found in certain plants such as Acorus calamus, the root of which is used in traditional medicine to treat diabetes. We determined the molecular mechanism underlying the anti-diabetic activity of asarone. Treatment of asarone significantly inhibited the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes through suppression of expression of the transcription factors, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-alpha and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma, which activate adipogenesis. Intracellular triglyceride levels were reduced by asarone in a dose-dependent manner and asarone treatment stimulated the phosphorylation of hormone-sensitive lipase. Together, the present findings indicate that asarone inhibits adipogenesis by down-regulation of PPARgamma and C/EBPalpha and reduces lipid accumulation by stimulation of lipolysis through an increase in hormone-sensitive lipase activity.
Asunto(s)
Adipocitos/metabolismo , Adipogénesis/efectos de los fármacos , Anisoles/farmacología , Hipoglucemiantes/farmacología , Lipólisis/efectos de los fármacos , Células 3T3-L1 , Acorus/química , Derivados de Alilbenceno , Animales , Proteína alfa Potenciadora de Unión a CCAAT/metabolismo , Ratones , PPAR gamma/metabolismo , Fosforilación , Raíces de Plantas/química , Esterol Esterasa/metabolismo , Factores de Transcripción/metabolismo , Triglicéridos/metabolismoRESUMEN
Inhibition of inflammatory responses, acceleration of basal cell growth and balanced synthesis of the extracellular matrix (ECM) are important in the healing of open cutaneous wounds. To evaluate the wound-healing effects of Astragali Radix (AR) (the root of Astragalus membranaceus [Fisch.]), experimental open wounds were made on the dorsal side of rats under anesthesia. Boiling water extracts of AR, soaked into a hydrophilic foam dressing, were topically applied to the wounds once a day for 11 consecutive days. The healing process was assessed by scoring macroscopic appearance and measuring the area of the open wounds. Molecular aspects of the healing skin area were also investigated via histological observation indicating cell density and linear alignment of the granulation tissue. The AR extracts significantly accelerated cutaneous wound healing by suppressing inflammation and stimulating basal cell growth in the wound area compared to epidermal growth factor as a positive control. Promotion of basal cell proliferation and angiogenesis by the AR extracts was remarkable in the early stages of wound healing, resulting in a significant reduction in the duration of the wound-healing process. We conclude that extracts of AR could be useful in enhancing cutaneous wound healing.