title: The novel anti-hyperglycemic effect of Paeoniae radix via the transcriptional suppression of phosphoenopyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK).
abstract: The antidiabetic actions of Paeoniae Radix involve stimulating glucose uptake and reducing glucose absorption. However, the importance of this herb in the transcriptional regulation of hepatic gluconeogenesis has not previously been investigated, although hepatic gluconeogenesis contributes the most to fasting hyperglycemia. Using rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes and db/db mice, the dose- and time-dependent suppressive effects of the ethanol extract of Paeoniae Radix (PR-Et) on diabetic hyperglycemia and phosphoenopyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) transcription are first demonstrated. Second, by employing H4IIE cells, the inhibitory action of PR-Et on both dexamethasone- and 8-bromo-cAMP-induced-PEPCK expression was also confirmed without causing any cytotoxicity. In addition, this inhibitory effect could be sustained for over 24 h with repeated treatment. Most importantly, PR-Et's action was unaffected by either insulin desensitization or palmitate stimulation. Finally, paeonol and paeoniflorin, two well-known constituents in Paeoniae Radix, did not suppress PEPCK expression at testing concentration. In conclusion, it was clearly demonstrated that transcriptional inhibition of gluconeogenesis is one of the important antidiabetic actions of Paeoniae Radix. Future development of this herb as a dietary supplement or drug should bring substantial benefits for the diabetic population.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Pharmacology, University of Yang Ming, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
authors.forename: Y-C
authors.initials: YC
authors.lastname: Juan
authors.forename: W-J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Tsai
authors.forename: Y-L
authors.initials: YL
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: G-J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: J-J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Cheng
authors.forename: H-Y
authors.initials: HY
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: C-Y
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Hsu
authors.forename: H-K
authors.initials: HK
authors.lastname: Liu
mesh_terms: D015124:8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate; D000098:Acetophenones / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D001565:Benzoates / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001952:Bridged-Ring Compounds / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002460:Cell Line; D003907:Dexamethasone; D003921:Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000187:drug effects; D005943:Gluconeogenesis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics; D005960:Glucosides / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007328:Insulin / Q000378:metabolism; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D039821:Monoterpenes; D029596:Paeonia / Q000737:chemistry*; D019308:Palmitic Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D010729:Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase (GTP) / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D008517:Phytotherapy; D018517:Plant Roots; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D006027:Glycosides
chemical_list: D015124:8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate; D000098:Acetophenones; D001565:Benzoates; D001952:Bridged-Ring Compounds; D003907:Dexamethasone; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D005960:Glucosides; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007328:Insulin; D039821:Monoterpenes; D019308:Palmitic Acid; D010729:Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase (GTP); C015423:peoniflorin; D006027:Glycosides; C013638:paeonol