Cucurbita ficifolia Bouché Regulates the Metabolism of Carbohydrates and Lipids in Liver by Activation of PPARα without Affectation on PPARγ in Vivo and in Vitro
Diabetes mellitus control in Mexico is practiced by using antidiabetic
agents and, by empirical way using medicinal plants. Cucurbitaficifolia (C.ficifolia) has been
attributed with hypoglycemic, hypotriglyceridemic, and anti-inflam- matory effects, and D-chiro-inositol (DCI),
4-hydroxybenzoic acid, and β-sitosterol
were proposed as active principles. The last two compounds were suggested as
activators of two transcription factors, PPARα and PPARγ, in C2C12
myocytes, which participate in β-oxidation
of fatty acids and insulin sensitivity.
However, the involvement of the hepatocytic and adipocytic PPARs in the
effects of C.ficifolia has not yet been explored. This research aimed to determine the effects of C.ficifolia on PPARα, PPARγ, and inflammatory cytokines in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced
diabetes mice, HepG2 hepatocytes and 3T3-L1 adipocytes, implicating two
additional cell types associated with metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids.
STZ-induced diabetes mice received C.ficifolia (200 mg/kg/day) for 30 days, measuring serum
cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6). RNA was
extracted from liver. Besides, HepG2 and 3T3-L1 cells were incubated (24 h)
with C.ficifolia (0.078 mM DCI), using pioglitazone or fenofibrate
as controls. RNA was also extracted from cells and PCR in real-time was
performed to determinate PPARα and
PPARγ expression. In diabetic
animals, C.ficifolia decreased glycemia and body weight, decreasing the expression level of TNF-α and IL-6. In addition, C.ficifolia increased PPARα expression in liver of diabetic
animals, in HepG2 and 3T3-L1 cells; PPARγ expression only significantly increased in HepG2 cells. The data suggest that
the effects on the glycemia and lipids of C.ficifolia and its anti-inflammatory effects imply,
besides skeletal muscle cells, hepatic and adipocytic PPARα activation, without affectation on PPARγ. PPARs regulation by C. ficifolia may improve the metabolic
dysfunctions associated with metabolic disease, controlling the intake,
activation, and oxidation of fatty acids and lipid storage.
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