Ferulic Acid Mediates Metabolic Syndrome via the Regulation of Hepatic Glucose and Lipid Metabolisms and the Insulin/IGF-1 Receptor/PI3K/AKT Pathway in Palmitate-Treated HepG2 Cells

Abstract

Ferulic acid (FA) is one of the most abundant bound phenolics in whole grains, partly contributing to its preventive effects on metabolic syndrome (MetS). The study aims to investigate if FA mediates MetS through the regulation of hepatic metabolisms and the insulin receptor related pathways in the palmitate-treated HepG2 cells (MetS model). We found that FA (50, 100, and 200 μM) dramatically ameliorated the lipid accumulation in the MetS model. FA significantly decreased the activities of the gluconeogenic enzymes, G6Pase and PEPCK, downregulated the lipogenic enzyme FAS-1, and upregulated the lipolytic enzyme CPT-1 by regulating a series of transcriptional factors including HNF4α, FOXO-1, SREBP-1c, and PPAR-γ. Notably, we found that FA's ability to alleviate MetS is achieved by activating the insulin receptor/PI3K/AKT pathway. Our results validated the effects of FA on mediating the metabolic disorders of lipid and glucose pathways and unveiled its potential intracellular mechanisms for the prevention of MetS.

Antiobesity and Antioxidative Effect of Fermented Brown Rice Using In Vitro with In Vivo Caenorhabditis elegans Model

“…FA significantly affects lipid levels in the blood, liver, and skeletal muscle, enhancing antioxidant capacity [ 30 ]. FA on influencing metabolic diseases of lipid and glucose pathways and revealing its potential intracellular mechanisms for preventing metabolic syndrome [ 31 ]. According to Naowaboot et al [ 32 ], FA promotes glucose and lipid homeostasis in HFD-induced obese mice, most probably through modulating the regulation of lipid metabolism and gluconeogenic genes in hepatic tissue.…”

Theabrownin from Dark Tea Ameliorates Insulin Resistance via Attenuating Oxidative Stress and Modulating IRS-1/PI3K/Akt Pathway in HepG2 Cells

“…The insulin-dependent PI3K/Akt pathway plays a crucial role in activating SREBP, an essential transcription factor in regulating fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis pathways [ 32 ]. TB intervention significantly decreased the protein and gene expression levels of SREBP-1C ( Figure 6 B,J) ( p < 0.01), FASN ( Figure 6 C,K) ( p < 0.01), and GPAT1 ( Figure 6 D,L) ( p < 0.01), while increasing the expression of P-ACC/ACC ( Figure 6 E) ( p < 0.01), leading to a reduction in hepatic triglycerides.…”

Comprehensive Physical and Chemical Characterization of Corncob and Nopal Fibers: Exploring Sustainable Alternatives for High-Value Applications

“…Furthermore, FA was quantified since extensive research has been conducted to explore its potential in preventing and treating hypertension and diabetes . Woody rings in both raw and cooked forms exhibit the highest ( p -value < 0.05) amounts of it, RWR with 32.55 μg/mg DB and CWR with 28.47 μg/mg DB.…”