Effect of berberine on glucose transport in adipocyte and its mechanism / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To observe the effect of berberine on glucose transport in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and to investigate its mechanism. Methods The glucose consumption of the cells was determined by the glucose oxidase method. The glucose transportation rate of the cells was assayed by the uptake of 2-deoxy-〔 3H〕-D-glucose. Protein kinase B (Akt) activity was detected by immunoprecipitation and Western blot. The gene expression of c-Cbl-associated protein (CAP) was detected by Northern blot. Results 0.1～200 ?mol/L berberine significantly increased glucose consumption in 3T3-L1 adipocytes with a dose-dependent effect, which was independent of insulin. The glucose transportation was significantly increased in adipocytes incubated with 0.1～10 ?mol/L berberine; the action began at 2 h and reached a peak value at 12 h. The results of immunoprecipitation and Western blot showed that berberine did not enhance Akt activity. The result of Northern blot indicated that berberine significantly decreased CAP mRNA expression. Conclusion Adipocytes are the important target cells of berberine. Berberine significantly increases glucose transportation and consumption in adipocytes, the action appeares to be independent of insulin signal pathway.