Capsaicin and Zinc Signalling Pathways as Promising Targets for Managing Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

The global burden of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) has led to significant interest in finding novel and effective therapeutic targets for this chronic disorder. Bioactive food components have effectively improved abnormal glucose metabolism associated with this disease. Capsaicin and zinc are food components that have shown the potential to improve glucose metabolism by activating signalling events in the target cells. Capsaicin and zinc stimulate glucose uptake through the activation of distinct pathways (AMPK and AKT, respectively); however, calcium signal transduction seems to be the common pathway between the two. The investigation of molecular pathways that are activated by capsaicin and zinc has the potential to lead to the discovery of new therapeutic targets for T2DM. Therefore, this literature review aims to provide a summary of the main signalling pathways triggered by capsaicin and zinc in glucose metabolism.

Relationship between Copper, Zinc, and Copper-to-Zinc Ratio in Hair and Severity of Coronary Artery Disease according to the SYNTAX Score

“…Our findings indicate a notable decrease in zinc content in the hair samples from individuals with t2DM, aligning with experimental studies that emphasize the pivotal role of zinc in glucose metabolism. Zinc is thought to be involved in insulin release mechanisms within the β-cells of the islets of Langerhans [48], gluconeogenesis [49][50][51], as well as in the regulation of tissue sensitivity to insulin [52]. Furthermore, its supplementation was suggested to have potential benefits for patients with t2DM [50,53].…”

Dietary Intake of Capsaicin and Its Association with Markers of Body Adiposity and Fatty Liver in a Mexican Adult Population of Tijuana

“…CAP is absorbed by the digestive tract, particularly the jejunum, ileum and duodenum, thus transporting capsaicin to the portal vein [7]. CAP participates in many physiological processes, including pain transduction, immune response, glucose metabolism, cardiovascular function, thermogenesis and satiety [8][9][10][11]. Several targets have been implicated in these functions, including the activation of several signaling pathways, including AMP-activated protein kinase/AKT, calcium transduction, transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPAR-alpha), uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) [8,9].…”

“…CAP participates in many physiological processes, including pain transduction, immune response, glucose metabolism, cardiovascular function, thermogenesis and satiety [8][9][10][11]. Several targets have been implicated in these functions, including the activation of several signaling pathways, including AMP-activated protein kinase/AKT, calcium transduction, transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPAR-alpha), uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) [8,9]. Moreover, the modulation of the abundance and composition of gut microbiota as well as nociceptive sensory neurons excitation have been identified as potential mechanisms underlying the physiological effects of CAP [10].…”

Dysregulated miRNA-375, IL-17, TGF-β, and Microminerals Are Associated with Calpain-10 SNP 19 in Diabetic Patients: Correlation with Diabetic Nephropathy Stages

“…Zinc is a trace element that is extensively distributed in many organs, and its levels are relatively high in the kidneys [15]. Zinc (Zn) and its transporters are involved in the synthesis and secretion of insulin and the signalling pathways of insulin action [16]. Zn deficiency aggravates diabetes-induced oxidative stress and fibrosis by increasing renal inflammation and reactive oxygen species, thus leading to immune dysfunction.…”