Extracts of Potentilla discolor bunge protect islet β-cells against streptozotocin induced injury

Aim: To investigate whether Potentilla discolor Bunge (PDB) extracts could protect islet β cells and promote cell proliferation and insulin secretion. Methods: β-cell injury model was induced by Streptozotocin. Cell viability, insulin secretion and gene expression were measured to investigate the protective effects of PDB extract on RIN-m5f β cells damaged by streptozotocin. Results: PDB extracts inhibited cell damage, improved cell viability, promoted insulin secretion, and increased protein level of p-Fox O1 in RIN-m5f β cells in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusions: PDB extracts exhibit protective role in streptozotocin induced β cell injury model. The mechanism may be related to increased phosphorylation of Fox O1, which increases the number and improves the function of β cells