Aspalathin, a natural product with the potential to reverse hepatic insulin resistance by improving energy metabolism and mitochondrial respiration
Date
2019
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Public Library of Science
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Aspalathin is a rooibos flavonoid with established blood glucose lowering properties, however,
its efficacy to moderate complications associated with hepatic insulin resistance is
unknown. To study such effects, C3A liver cells exposed to palmitate were used as a model
of hepatic insulin resistance. These hepatocytes displayed impaired substrate metabolism,
including reduced glucose transport and free fatty acid uptake. These defects included
impaired insulin signaling, evident through reduced phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate
3-kinase/ protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) protein expression, and mitochondrial dysfunction,
depicted by a lower mitochondrial respiration rate. Aspalathin was able to ameliorate these
defects by correcting altered substrate metabolism, improving insulin signaling and mitochondrial
bioenergetics. Activation of 5ยด-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein
kinase (AMPK) may be a plausible mechanism by which aspalathin increases hepatic
energy expenditure. Overall, these results encourage further studies assessing the potential
use of aspalathin as a nutraceutical to improve hepatocellular energy expenditure, and
reverse metabolic disease-associated complications.
Description
CITATION: Mazibuko-Mbeje, S. E., et al. 2019. Aspalathin, a natural product with the potential to reverse hepatic insulin resistance by improving energy metabolism and mitochondrial respiration. PLoS ONE, 14(5):e0216172, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0216172.
The original publication is available at https://journals.plos.org/plosone/
The original publication is available at https://journals.plos.org/plosone/
Keywords
Obesity, Insulin resistance, Energy metabolism, Aspalathin, Mitochondrial disorders
Citation
Mazibuko-Mbeje, S. E., et al. 2019. Aspalathin, a natural product with the potential to reverse hepatic insulin resistance by improving energy metabolism and mitochondrial respiration. PLoS ONE, 14(5):e0216172, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0216172