Insulin-like effect of (-)epicatechin on erythrocyte membrane acetylcholinesterase activity in type 2 diabetes mellitus.
1. Changes in the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) have been reported in diabetes mellitus that have been linked to certain brain defects. The erythrocyte membrane AChE is reported to be similar to AChE present in the brain. 2. Epicatechin, a member of a group of polyphenolic compounds collectively known as "catechins" that are present in tea and belong to the flavonoid family, has been reported to possess insulin-like activity. 3. In the present study, the in vitro effect of (-)epicatechin and/or insulin was tested on erythrocyte membrane AChE in normal and type 2 diabetic patients. The aim of the study was to test the efficacy of (-)epicatechin to mimic insulin in its effect on erythrocyte membrane AChE. 4. Acetylcholinesterase activity was significantly lower in type 2 diabetic patients than in normal controls and in vitro insulin treatment restored this activity to normal levels. Epicatechin (1 mmol/L) also caused an elevation in AChE activity in diabetic erythrocytes, an effect that was similar to the effect of insulin. 5. Epicatechin has a pronounced insulin-like effect on erythrocyte membrane-bound AChE in type 2 diabetic patients; however, the mechanism of action of epicatechin remains speculative.
Rizvi
S I
SI
Department of Biochemistry, University of Allahabad, Allahabad 211002, India. sirizvi@lycos.com
Zaid
M A
MA
D000110:Acetylcholinesterase / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D000328:Adult; D002392:Catechin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000097:blood / Q000201:enzymology*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004910:Erythrocyte Membrane / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000201:enzymology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D007328:Insulin; D002392:Catechin; D000110:Acetylcholinesterase