Research progress of berberine in treatment of diabetic kidney disease / 中国中药杂志

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a chronic renal microvascular complication associated with abnormal glucose metabolism, which is an important cause of end stage renal disease. Diabetes can damage the kidney through many ways, including renal vascular, glomerular, tubular, and renal interstitial damages. Therefore, a comprehensive treatment process must be taken for the treatment of DKD, and the selection of appropriate drugs has important significance in the treatment of DKD. Berberine has significant curative effect in the treatment of DKD, and the mechanism is related to the reduction of blood sugar, improvement of renal hemodynamics abnormality, regulation of blood lipid profile and the attenuation of systemic and local inflammation.

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of berberine and jateorhizine in Coptidis Rhizoma powder and their monomeric compounds in type 2 diabetic rats / 中国中药杂志

This article focused on a comparative analysis on the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of berberine (BER) and jateorhizine(JAT) in Coptidis Rhizoma powder (HL-P) and their monomeric compounds (BER + JAT, BJ) in type 2 diabetic (T2D) rats to explore the beneficial. effect of HL-P in the treatment of T2D. The T2D rats were treated with HL-P, BER, JAT and BJ, respectively for 63 d. The pharmacokinetic parameters, dynamic changes in blood glucose level and blood lipid values were measured. The results showed that, compared with other corresponding group, t(max), T(½ka) of BER and JAT in HL-P group were reduced, while C(max), AUC(inf), AUC(last), V(L)/F were significantly increased; compared with model group, blood glucose levels were decreased significantly in HL-P group since the 18th day, while those in BER or BJ group were reduced since the 36th day, however, blood glucose levels showed no obvious changes in JAT group; compared with model group, FFA values in all treatment group were decreased significantly. Moreover, TG, HDL and LDL value in HL-P group, LDL value in BER group and HDL value in BJ group were improved significantly. The above results showed that Coptidis Rhizoma powder showed excellent pharmacokinetic characteristics and excellent activity of lowering blood glucose and lipid. It provided a scientific basis for oral application of Coptidis Rhizoma powder in the treatment of T2D.

Effect of jiaotai pill on pancreatic fat accumulation and islet cell apoptosis in rats with type 2 diabetes / 中国中药杂志

In this study, the rat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) model was established through tail vein injection with low dose of streptozotocin (STZ) and high fat diet for 8 weeks, and then treated with Jiaotai Pill. The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), fasting serum insulin (FINS), free fatty acid(FFA) levels and blood lipid were assayed. HOMA-IR was calculated. Pancreatic pathology was performed. And pancreatic triglyceride (TG) content was examined by the lipid extraction method. Pancreatic islet cell apoptosis were detected by terminal dexynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). According to the results, the model group showed abnormal OGTT, increased FINS, HOMA-IR, FFA, lipid disorder, obvious fat accumulation and significantly increased TG content in pancreatic tissues, and enhanced pancreatic islet cell apoptosis. Compared with the model group, the Jiaotai Pill group displayed improved OGTT, reduced FINS, HOMA-IR, FFA, recovered lipid disorder, decreased fat accumulation and significantly declined TG content in pancreatic tissues, and lowered pancreatic islet cell apoptosis. In summary, Jiaotai pill could effectively treat type 2 diabetes in rats. Its mechanism may be related to the reduction in pancreatic fat accumulation and islet cell apoptosis.

Effects of Chinese Fructus Mume formula and its separated prescription extract on insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic rats / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

The effect of Fructus Mume formula and its separated prescription extract on insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic rats was investigated. The rat model of type 2 diabetes was established by feeding on a high-fat diet for 8 weeks and by subsequently intravenous injection of small doses of streptozotocin. Rats in treatment groups, including the Fructus Mume formula treatment group (FM), the cold property herbs of Fructus Mume formula treatment group (CFM), the warm property herbs of Fructus Mume formula treatment group (WFM), were administrated with Fructus Mume formula and its separated prescription extract by gavage, while the rats in diabetic model group (DM) and metformin group (MET) were given by gavage with normal saline and metformin correspondingly. The body weight before and after treatment was measured, and the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and the insulin release test (IRT) were performed. The homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was calculated. The protein and mRNA expression levels of Insr, β-arrestin-2, Irs-1 and Glut-4 in the liver, skeletal muscle and fat tissues were detected by using Western blotting and RT-PCR respectively. The results demonstrated that, as compared with DM group, OGTT, IRT (0 h, 1 h) levels and HOMR-IR in treatment groups were all reduced, meanwhile their protein and mRNA expression levels of Insr, Irs-1 and Glut-4 in the liver, skeletal muscle and fat tissues were obviously increased, and their protein and mRNA expression levels of β-arrestin-2 in the liver and skeletal muscle tissues were also markedly increased. It was suggested that the Fructus Mume formula and its separated prescription extracts could effectively improve insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic rats, which might be related to the up-regulated expression of Insr, Irs-1 and Glut-4 in the liver, skeletal muscle and fat tissues, and β-arrestin-2 in the liver and skeletal muscle tissues.

Jiaotai Pill enhances insulin signaling through phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway in skeletal muscle of diabetic rats / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of Jiaotai Pill (, JTP) at different constitutional proportions on insulin signaling through phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway in the skeletal muscle of diabetic rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was established by intravenous injection of a small dose of streptozotoein plus high fat diet feeding. JTP at the same dosage of cinnamon and the increasing dosage of Coptis chinensis was administered to diabetic rats for nine weeks respectively. Plasma glucose and insulin levels were assayed. The expressions of proteins were determined by Western blot method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the three formulations of JTP decreased plasma glucose and fasting insulin levels as well as increased the protein expressions of insulin receptor β (InsRβ) subunit, insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), PI3K p85 subunit and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in skeletal muscle. Meanwhile, JTP increased the tyrosine phosphorylation of InsRβ subunit and IRS-1, and reduced the serine phosphorylation of IRS-1 in skeletal muscle. Interestingly, the effect of JTP on improving insulin sensitivity was not dose-dependent. In contrast, JTP containing the least amount of Coptis chinensis exhibited the best effect.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>JTP at different constitutional proportions attenuates the development of diabetes in a rat model of T2DM. The mechanism might be associated with enhancing insulin signaling through PI3K pathway in the skeletal muscle.</p>

Effect of ethanol extract of Rhodiola rosea on the early nephropathy in type 2 diabetic rats / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

This study aimed to investigate the therapeutical effects of Rhodiola rosea extract on rats with type 2 diabetic nephropathy (DN). The rat type 2 DN model was established by high fat and high calorie feeding and intravenous injection of streptozocin (STZ). Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal group, control group, low dose Rhodiola rosea group, high dose Rhodiola rosea group and Captopril group. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed to determine the impairment of glucose tolerance in the established animal model. A series of parameters including fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), creatinine clearance rate (Ccr), 24-h urinary albumin (UA), the ratio of kidney mass/body weight (renal index) and glomerular area were examined after 8 weeks. Moreover, the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 in renal tissues was detected by using immunohistochemisty. At the end of the eighth week, FBG, TC, TG, Ccr, 24-h urinary albumin, the ratio of kidney mass/body weight and glomerular area were significantly reduced in Rhodiola rosea extract treatment groups as compared with those in control group. TGF-β1 expression in renal tissues of Rhodiola rosea extract treatment groups was also significantly decreased as compared with that of control group. These results indicate that Rhodiola rosea extract may have a protective effect on early nephropathy in diabetic rats, which might be related to the decrease of the renal expression of TGF-β1.

Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease / 中国结合医学杂志

Chinese herbal medicine has developed new therapies for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) based on its unique theory system and substantial herb remedies. In this review, 21 traditional Chinese herbs were introduced for their potential benefit in the treatment of NAFLD. Majority of them are evaluated by experimental studies and few by multicenter clinical trials. Herbal monomers as berberine and resveratrol, extracts from Polygonum hypoleucum Ohwi, and Artemisia sacrorum Ledeb., and formulae including Yinchenhao Decoction (, YCHD), Qushi Huayu Decoction (, QSHYD), and Danning Tablet () were discussed in detail on their therapeutic potentials. Most of these herbal medicines were proved to improve biochemical and histological changes of NAFLD both in vitro and in vivo. Also, their therapeutic activities were associated with inhibiting lipid accumulation through adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase activation or upregulating low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) expression, alleviating lipid peroxidation, and reducing the production of inflammatory cytokines. Although the efficacy and safety of these herbal medicines needed to be evaluated in multicenter large-scale clinical trials, Chinese medicine is promising and effective for preventing and treating NAFLD disease.

Acupuncture for infertility: is it an effective therapy? / 中国结合医学杂志

Acupuncture has been used to treat infertility extensively, including ovulatory dysfunction, in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET), and male infertility. This review summarizes the recent studies which investigated the role of acupuncture in infertility. In conclusion, most of the existing studies suggest a positive effect of acupuncture in infertility treatment. Firstly, acupuncture may improve ovulation by modulating the central and peripheral nervous systems, the neuroendocrine and endocrine systems, the ovarian blood flow, and metabolism. Secondly, acupuncture can improve the outcome of IVF-ET, and the mechanisms may be related to the increased uterine blood flow, inhibited uterine motility, and the anesis of depression, anxiety and stress. Its effect on modulating immune function also suggests helpfulness in improving the outcome of IVF-ET. Finally, the studies suggest that acupuncture plays a positive role in male infertility, the mechanism of which is not yet clear. Even though a positive effect of acupuncture in infertility has been found, well-designed multi-center, prospective randomized controlled studies are still needed to provide more reliable and valid scientific evidence. Furthermore, it is urgent and necessary to clarify the mechanism of acupuncture for infertility.

Effects of Panax notoginoside on the nephropathy in rats with type 1 diabetes mellitus / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effects and underlying mechanisms of Panax notoginoside (PNS) on the nephropathy in rats with type 1 diabetes.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A murine model of diabetic nephropathy was set up by an intravenous injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: the control group, the diabetic group (DM), the group treated with low-dosage PNS (PNS-L), the group treated with high-dosage PNS (PNS-H) and the group treated with catopril. Rats in the PNS-L and PNS-H groups were given different dosages of PNS while rats in the catopril group were given catopril through gastrogavage every day for the next four consecutive weeks. Serum creatinine (Cr) levels, endogenous creatinine clearance rate (CCr), and 24-h urinary microalbumin (UAlb) were examined and calculated. Meanwhile, immunohistochemistry was applied to determine the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7) in the kidney tissue.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The levels of Cr, Ccr, and UAlb were all elevated significantly in the DM group (P<0.01). The expression of VEGF protein was increased but BMP-7 protein was decreased in the kidney tissue (P<0.01). However, the above items decreased in the PNS-L, PNS-H and catopril groups compared with the DM group (P<0.05, P<0.01). In the PNS-L, PNS-H and catopril groups, the expression of VEGF protein was decreased but BMP-7 protein was increased in the kidney tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>PNS shows protective effects on the kidney in type 1 diabetic rats at the early stage. The protective mechanism might be closely related to its role of inhibiting the expression of VEGF protein and enhancing the expression of BMP-7 protein in the kidney.</p>

Effects of jiaotai pill and its single components on ectopic fat accumulation in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effects of Jiaotai Pill (JTP) and its single components on ectopic fat accumulation in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The T2DM model of rat was established by injection of streptozotocin from tail vein and high fat-caloric diet feeding. Model rats were randomly divided into the model group and four treated groups were treated respectively with JTP and its single components, Rhizoma Coptidis, Cinnamon and metformin, via gastric perfusion. Meanwhile, a normal control group was also set up. Body weight (BW), liver index (LI), levels of fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting serum insulin (FINS) and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), plasma activities of liver associated enzymes (LAE), triglyceride (TG) contents and pathological changes of liver, heart and muscle were determined before and after a 8-week treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>As compared with the normal rats, BW, LI, LAE activities, HOMA-IR, TG contents of the liver, heart and muscle were all increased in the model rats (P<0.05 or P<0.01), with pathologic appearance of fatty degeneration in different degrees. Compared with the model group, LI, LAE, HOMA-IR, and TG contents in the liver, heart and muscle tissues were decreased in different extents in the four treated groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the histology of tissues in them was restored to near normal. Compared with the metformin treated group, the hepatic and muscular TG contents decreased in the JTP treated group (P<0.01), and the muscular TG content in the Rhizoma Coptidis treated group were lower (P<0.05). And the gamma-GT level in the JTP treated group was the lowest in the three Chinese drugs treated groups (P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The disturbances of glucose and lipid metabolism and abnormality of liver function in T2DM rats could be improved by JTP and its single components. The mechanism might be related to their effects in improving insulin resistance and reducing ectopic fat accumulation.</p>

Significance of anti-inflammation and immune regulation in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy / 中国中西医结合杂志

The pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy is influenced by multiple factors, among them, the pivotal action of inflammation on the development process of diabetic nephropathy has been proven with more and more evidences. In this article, the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy, the progress on researches of anti-inflammation and immune regulation, as well as the Chinese medicine therapy against diabetic nephropathy are introduced.

Effects of Bushen Tongmai Recipe on protein kinase Balpha expression in polycystic ovary rats with insulin resistance / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effects of Bushen Tongmai Recipe (, BSTMR) on mRNA and protein expressions of protein kinase B alpha (PKB alpha) in hepatic, adipose, muscular, and ovarian tissues of polycystic ovary (PCO) rats with insulin resistance (IR) and to explore the possible molecular mechanism of BSTMR in treating IR and ovulation dysfunction.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Female 22-day-old SD rats were injected subcutaneously with sodium prasterone sulfate (9 mg.100g(-1).d(-1)) for 20 days and fed with high-fat diet for 80 days to induce PCO rats with IR. Then, the PCO rats were randomly divided into the model group (n=23) and the treated group (n=21). The treated group was administered with BSTMR for 2 weeks. Meanwhile, a group with 15 rats of the same age was used as the control group. The histological changes in the ovaries were examined. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) was determined by the glucose oxidase method. Serum fasting insulin (Fins) was determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA). The mRNA level of PKBalpha was measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Immunohistochemistry staining and Western blot analysis were employed to detect the protein expression in target tissues.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the control group, the ovaries in the model group showed multiple follicular cysts, levels of FBG and Fins in the model group increased markedly (P<0.05 or P<0.01, respectively), and the insulin sensitive index (ISI) decreased obviously (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expressions of PKBalpha in target tissues in the model group were dramatically lower than those in the control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the stratum granulosum of the ovarian follicle in the treated group increased markedly, the level of Fins in the treated group decreased obviously (P<0.01), ISI in the treated group improved markedly (P<0.01), and the mRNA and protein expressions of PKBalpha in target tissues of the treated rats were elevated significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>BSTMR could improve IR and ovulation dysfunction in PCO rats with IR, and its molecular mechanisms might be closely related with the elevation of mRNA and protein expressions of PKBalpha in target tissues of PCO rats with IR.</p>

TCM approaches for treatment of diabetes mellitus shift from emphasizing supplementing qi and nourishing yin to incorporating with removing toxin and intensifying yang / 中国中西医结合杂志

The identification of the etiology and pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus in TCM viewpoint is directly related with the syndrome differentiation and therapeutic methods. According to the traditional view, the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus was considered as founding on yin deficiency, with dry heat in the superficiality, therefore the basic therapeutic methods should be supplementing qi and nourishing yin. However, its efficacy in clinical practice was unsatisfactory. In order to establish the efficient therapeutic approaches, the author strongly recommended that physician should get the insight into the pathogenesis and syndromes of the illness and handle the yin-yang equilibrium, pay attention to not only the qi and yin deficiency, but also the yang deficiency, and further, the inner barbaric glucose-toxicity, which not only existed at the late stage, but also showed some cues in the initiative stage. Therefore, the author emphasized that in treating diabetes mellitus, besides the basic treatment for supplementing qi and nourishing yin, one should pay great attention to removing toxin and intensifying yang to achieve yin-yang equilibrium.

Effect of bushen tongmai recipe on insulin resistance and ovulation dysfunction in PCOS rats accompanied with insulin resistance / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establish a rat model of polycystic ovarian syndrome accompanied with insulin resistance (PCOS-IR), and to observe the effects of Bushen Tongmai Recipe (BSTMR) on insulin resistance and ovulation dysfunction in the model.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sodium prasterone sulfate at the daily dose of 9 mg/100 g was subcutaneously injected to female SD rats, 23-day old, for 20 days, and fed with high-fat forage for 80 days to establish the rat model of PCOS-IR. The model rats were randomized into the model group and the treated group administered with BSTMR. Besides, a group consisted of 15 healthy rats was set up as a normal control. Ovarian histological changes and ovulation condition in rats were examined with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining; fasting blood glucose (FBG) was determined by glucose oxidase method; serum levels of fasting insulin (FINS), serum testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteotrophic hormone (LH) were detected by radioimmunoassay (RIA).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the normal group, in the model group, the mean number of corpus luteum, ovulation rate, FSH level and insulin sensitive index (ISI) were lower significantly (P <0.01), and levels of FBG, FINS, T, E2 and LH were higher (P<0.05, P <0.01). Compared with the model group, in the treated group, the mean number of corpus luteum, ovulation rate, levels of FSH and ISI were higher, and levels of FINS, T and E, were lower (all P <0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Rat model of PCOS-IR could be established by sodium prasterone sulfate and high-fat forage, and the insulin resistance and ovulation dysfunction in the model rats could be improved by BSTMR.</p>

Effects of berberine on expression of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4alpha and glucokinase activity in mouse primary hepatocytes / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the expression of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4alpha (HNF4alpha) and the activity of key enzyme glucokinase (GK) in glucose metabolism, and further to investigate the possible mechanism of berberine in treating type 2 diabetes.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Mouse primary hepatocytes were isolated by an improved single two-step perfusion method. The murine hepatocytes were cultured and incubated with berberine (0, 1, 3, 10, 30, 100 micromol x L(-1)) and 1 mmol x L(-1) metformin for 24 h respectively. The mRNA expression of HNF4alpha were quantified by RT-PCR and the protein expression of HNF4alpha were quantified by Western-blot. And the activity of GK were detected with enzyme kinetics method.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>As compared with the negative control group, at a certain concentration range, the expression of HNF4alpha mRNA and protein and the activity of GK were promoted by berberine. Both of them reached the top at the concentration of 30 micromol x L(-1) (P<0.01). But the metformin made no difference with the negative control group on the expression of HNF4alpha and the activity of GK.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>It is suggested that the effects of berberine on improving glucose metabolism can be mechanically associated with its up-regulating the HNF4a expression and inducing the activity of hepatic glucokinase.</p>

Effects of huanglian jiedu decoction on the oxidative stress of liver mitochondria in insulin resistant Rats / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the protective effects of Huanglian Jiedu Decoction (HLJD) on the oxidative damage of liver mitochondria in insulin resistant rats and to explore its possible mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Male Wistar rats were fed with high-fat diet to set up an insulin resistant model, and randomly divided into four groups, the control group and three test groups intervened respectively with HLJD, berberine, and thioctic acid for 6 weeks. The liver mitochondrial function and energy metabolic capability were assayed by measuring the activities of ATPase, succinic dehydrogenase (SDH), cytochrome oxidase (CCO) and the content of ATP in liver tissue. The anti-oxidation capability of liver mitochondria was determined by measuring the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>HLJD showed the effect in improving the activities of GSH-Px, SOD and ATPase, inhibiting the production of MDA, promoting the energy metabolism and strengthening the activities of SDH and CCO in liver tissue of insulin resistant rats.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>HLJD could improve the liver mitochondria function and energy metabolism, strengthen the mitochondrial anti-oxidation capacity, and showed evidently protective effect on liver mitochondrial damage in insulin resistant rats. The mechanism might be correlated with its scavenging action on oxygen radicals and inhibition on lipid-peroxidation.</p>

Effect of Rhizoma coptidis and Radix rehmanniae with different ratio on pharmacokinetics of berberine in rats / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of Rhizoma Coptidis and Radix Rehmanniae with the different ratio on the pharmacokinetics of berberine in rats.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>24 rats were grouped to 4 groups randomly. Decoction, in which the proportion of Rhizoma Coptidis to Radix Rehmanniae is 1:0, 1:1, 1:4, 1:8 differently, was intragastrically given to the 4 groups. HPLC was used to determine concentration of berberine in serum. We adopted DAS 2.0 to analysis pharmacokinetic parameters of berberine.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The concentration-time curves was all fitted to two-compartment model with a weight of 1/C2. Difference of 4groups in C(max), AUC(0-t), AUC(0-infinity), is significant (P <0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Radix Rehmanniae of large dose can effectively enhance berberine's bioavailability in rats.</p>

Effect of huanglian jiedu decoction ) on glucose transporter 4 expression in adipose and skeletal muscle tissues of insulin resistant rats / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of Huanglian Jiedu Decoction (HLJDD) on glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) protein expressions in insulin-resistant murine target tissues.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The experimental male Wistar rats were established into insulin resistant models by injecting streptozotocin (STZ 30 mg/kg) via caudal vein and feeding them with high fat high caloric diet, and randomly divided into the model group, the aspirin group and the HLJDD group. Besides, a normal group was set up for control. Changes of body weight (BW), levels of serum fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum fasting insulin (FINS) and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were routinely determined. The expression of GLUT4 protein in adipose and skeletal muscle tissues before and after insulin stimulation was determined with Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the HLJDD group after treatment, BW and FBG got decreased, OGTT improved, and the expression and translocation of GLUT4 protein elevated obviously, either before or after insulin stimulation, as compared with those in the model group, showing significant differences respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The mechanism of improving insulin resistance by HLJDD is probably associated with its effect in elevating GLUT4 protein expression and translocation in adipose and skeletal muscle tissues of insulin resistant rats.</p>

Effects of huanglian jiedu decoction on signal transduction of insulin receptor and insulin receptor substrate in adipose tissue of insulin resistant rats / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of Huanglian Jiedu decoction (HLJD) on protein expressions and tyrosine phosphorylation levels of insulin receptor (InsR) and insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) in adipose tissue of insulin resistant (IR) rats, and explore its possible molecular mechanism in improving IR.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>IR model was induced by intravenous injection of a small dose of streptozotocin combined with high fat and caloricity diet feeding in Wistar rats. And the model rats in the testing group were treated with HJD for 10 weeks. Fasting serum glucose and insulin were determined, and protein expressions and tyrosine phosphorylation levels of InsR and IRS-1 in adipose tissue of epididymides were detected by immunoprecipitation and Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The protein expression of IRS-1 and the tyrosine phosphorylation levels of InsR and IRS-1 increased significantly in model rats treated with HLJD, compared with those in the untreated model rats.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>HLJD could increase the tyrosine phosphorylation levels of InsR and IRS-1 in adipose tissue in IR rats, which maybe one of its mechanisms in lowering blood glucose and improving insulin sensitivity of the target tissues.</p>

Effects of huanglian jiedu decoction on leptin and resistin in insulin resistive rats / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study effects of Huanglian Jiedu Decoction (HJD) on lipid metabolism, leptin and resistin in insulin resistive rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) rat model was induced by intravenous injection with a low dose of streptozotocin and high fat and high caloric diet, and randomized into four groups: the model control group, the HJD group, the berberine group and the aspirin group. Meanwhile 16 normal rats were assigned as the normal control group. The body weight was observed before and after treatment, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), apolipoprotein A1 and B (apoA1, apoB), free fatty acid (FFA), insulin (INS) in serum, skeletal muscle triglyceride (mTG) in skeletal muscle, and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were detected after 10 weeks of treatment, at the same time, serum levels of leptin and resistin were determined using ELLISA.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The levels of TC, TG, apoB, FBG, FFA, mTG, leptin and resistin were obviously lowered, the levels of HDL-C and apoA1 significantly raised, glucose tolerance improved and body weight reduced in insulin resistive rats, as compared with the model control (P<0.05, P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The effects of HJD in lowering lipids, as well as reducing leptin and resistin might be closely correlated with its effects in ameliorating insulin resistance.</p>