Abelmoschus Esculentus, Hypericum Triquetrifolium, Ocimum Basilicum, and Gundelia Tournefortii Antidiabetic Plants Extract Regulates the Expression of Genes Involved in Glucose Uptake and Insulin Signaling Cascade in L6 myc GLUT4 Rat’s Cells. رسالة ماجستير

Abstract

Hyperglycemia and insulin resistance are hallmarks of type 2 diabetes mellitus, a chronic illness mainly brought on by abnormalities in skeletal muscle insulin signaling. Hyperglycemia is made worse by malfunctions in important proteins that control glucose transport, including IRS1, AS160 ,PTEN and GLUT4. For treatments to be effective beyond symptom control, these molecular abnormalities must be addressed. Using RT-PCR, the potential of methanolic extracts of four medicinal herbs Ocimum basilicum(OB), Abelmoschus esculentus (AE), Gundelia tournefortii(GT) and Hypericum triquetrifolium(HT) to enhance insulin signaling in L6 myoblast cells is being investigated. Since the extracts maintained cellular integrity at the recommended dosages (0–1000µg/ml), cell viability studies demonstrated that they were safe for therapeutic use. According to experimental results of the mRNA expression level for each of the important proteins described, HT significantly increased GLUT4 expression, suggesting greater glucose absorption, while GT lowered GLUT4 expression, suggesting probable blockage. GT, OB, and AE down regulated PTEN expression in the presence of insulin, potentially enhancing insulin signaling. Further evidence that AE contributes to the reversal of insulin resistance comes from the restoration of IRS1 and AS160 expression. To further investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying AE’s effects, HPLC analysis was conducted confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds with hypoglycemic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, such as ferulic acid, quercetin, caffeic acid, benzoic acid, vanillic acid, and chlorogenic acid. Following their isolation using preparative HPLC, it was discovered that caffeine and chlorogenic acid played a significant role in the insulin-sensitizing effects of these phenolic compounds. The mRNA expression analysis revealed that phenolic compounds from AE significantly downregulated PTEN while upregulating GLUT4, IRS1 and AS160 expression. These findings indicate a potential link between AE's insulin-sensitizing properties and its phenolic composition. This study finds that medicinal plants are cost-effective ways to manage type 2 diabetes by molecularly addressing insulin resistance. The findings support their traditional use and promote the creation of plant-based antidiabetic medications that address the fundamental causes of the disease.