ABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate the effects of 3'-hydroxy puerarin on improving insulin resistance in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and their mechanisms. Methods: The proliferation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes was tested by MTT assay and the differentiation by oil red O staining. The insulin resistance model was induced by dexamethasone. Cellular glucose consumption was determined by GOD-POD assay and the concentration of FFA by colorimetric methods. The expression of PPARγ and PTP1B genes in insulin resistant adipocytes was analyzed by qPCR. The PPARγ-transactivation activity of 3'-hydroxy puerarin was examined by using a hybrid reporter gene assay and the activity of PTP1B by colorimetric methods. Results: Compared with the medium control group, 3'-hydroxy puerarin significantly activated PPARγ at 0.1 and 10 μmol/L (P 0.05); increased the proliferation and differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes at 1-10 μmol/L (P 0.05). Conclusion: 3'-Hydroxy puerarin can improve the insulin resistance via up-regulating the expression of PPARγ.