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In this study, we investigated the lipid metabolism regulatory activity of a novel metformin derivative (MD568) and its potential mechanism of action in obese rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Previous gene chip analysis of 3T3‐L1 cells have shown that MD568 regulates the transcription of genes involved in the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR) signalling pathway, fatty acid metabolism, and glycerolipid metabolism. In this study, obese T2DM rats were treated with MD568 (200 mg/kg) for 8 weeks. Results showed that MD568 significantly reduced the body weight gain, plasma glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. MD568 treatment also improved the insulin resistance of obese T2DM model rats. In particular, in white adipose tissue, MD568 inhibited the excessive volume increment of adipose cells by down‐regulating the protein levels of CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein‐α (C/EBP‐α) and PPAR‐γ, as well as the transcription of their target lipid metabolism‐related genes. In the liver, MD568 inhibited hepatic fatty lesions and interfered with hepatic gluconeogenesis by regulating the expression of lipid metabolism‐related genes and glycogen‐related kinases. In conclusion, our results suggest that the newly synthesized MD568 affects the maintenance of lipid homeostasis in obese type 2 diabetic rats.

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The global morbidity of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has dramatically increased. Insulin resistance is the most important pathogenesis and therapeutic target of T2DM. The traditional Chinese medicine formula Astragalus mongholicus powder (APF), consists of Astragalus mongholicus Bunge [Fabaceae], Pueraria montana (Lour.) Merr. [Fabaceae], and Morus alba L. [Moraceae] has a long history to be used to treat diabetes in ancient China. This work aims to investigate the effects of APF on diabetic mice and its underlying mechanism. Diabetic mice were induced by High-fat-diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ). The body weight of mice and their plasma levels of glucose, insulin, leptin and lipids were examined. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, histology, and Western blot analysis were performed to validate the effects of APF on diabetic mice and investigate the underlying mechanism. APF reduced hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and hyerleptinemia and attenuate the progression of obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, these effects disappeared in leptin deficient ob/ob diabetic mice and STZ-induced insulin deficient type 1 diabetic mice. Destruction of either these hormones would abolish the therapeutic effects of APF. In addition, APF inhibited the protein expression of PTP1B suppressing insulin–leptin sensitivity, the gluconeogenic gene PEPCK, and the adipogenic gene FAS. Therefore, insulin–leptin sensitivity was normalized, and the gluconeogenic and adipogenic genes were suppressed. In conclusion, APF attenuated obesity, NAFLD, and T2DM by regulating the balance of adipoinsular axis in STZ + HFD induced T2DM mice.