Effects of starfish saponins on insulinsignaling pathway in muscle of NAFLD rats / 中国药理学通报

ABSTRACT

Aim To investigate the effects of starfish saponins(Sfs) on insulin signaling pathway in orotic acid-induced NAFLD rats.Methods 1% orotic acid was used to establish NAFLD model in male Wistar rats for six weeks.The NAFLD rats were randomly divided into two groups(eight rats in each group) and then fed with the corresponding diets Model group(1% orotic acid)and Sfs group(1% orotic acid containing 0.04% starfish saponins).After starfish saponins feeding for 8 weeks, hepatic lipids content, liver function indices and relevant protein expression in muscle insulin signaling pathway were measured.Results Compared with model group, starfish saponins reduced hepatic lipids content and improved liver functions.In addition, it effectively ameliorated insulin resistance by improving insulin signaling pathway and improved glucose uptake in muscle.Conclusion The amelioration effect of starfish saponins on impaired insulin signaling pathway in muscle is observed in orotic acid-induced NAFLD rats.