The anti-diabetic properties of Guazuma ulmifolia Lam are mediated by the stimulation of glucose uptake in normal and diabetic adipocytes without inducing adipogenesis.
BACKGROUND
Guazuma ulmifolia Lam (Sterculiaceae) is a plant extensively used in México for the empirical treatment of type 2 diabetes.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the anti-diabetic mechanisms of Guazuma ulmifolia.


METHODS
Non-toxic concentrations of Guazuma ulmifolia aqueous extracts (GAE) were assayed on adipogenesis and 2-NBDglucose uptake in the murine 3T3-F442A preadipose cell line.


RESULTS
GAE added to adipogenic medium (AM) did not affect adipogenesis at any of the tested concentrations (1-70 microg/ml), whereas in AM lacking insulin GAE 70 microg/ml induced triglyceride accumulation by 23%. On the other hand, GAE 70 microg/ml stimulated 2-NBDG uptake by 40% in insulin-sensitive 3T3-F442A adipocytes and by 24% in insulin-resistant adipocytes, with respect to the incorporation showed by insulin-sensitive adipocytes stimulated with the hormone.


CONCLUSIONS
Guazuma ulmifolia exerts its anti-diabetic effects by stimulating glucose uptake in both insulin-sensitive and insulin-resistant adipocytes without inducing adipogenesis.
Alonso-Castro
Angel Josabad
AJ
Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica, División de Biología Molecular, Camino a la Presa San José 2055, Lomas 4a secc., 78216 San Luis Potosí, SLP, Mexico.
Salazar-Olivo
Luis A
LA
D016475:3T3 Cells; D009327:4-Chloro-7-nitrobenzofurazan / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000378:metabolism; D017667:Adipocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D050156:Adipogenesis / Q000187:drug effects*; D000818:Animals; D003847:Deoxyglucose / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000378:metabolism; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005947:Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007328:Insulin / Q000378:metabolism; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D019660:Malvaceae / Q000737:chemistry*; D008519:Medicine, Traditional; D008800:Mexico; D051379:Mice; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000378:metabolism
D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007328:Insulin; D010936:Plant Extracts; D014280:Triglycerides; D003847:Deoxyglucose; D009327:4-Chloro-7-nitrobenzofurazan; D005947:Glucose; C098340:2-(N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)amino)-2-deoxyglucose