Icariside II Exerts Anti-Type 2 Diabetic Effect by Targeting PPARα/γ: Involvement of ROS/NF-κB/IRS1 Signaling Pathway

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a multisystem and complex metabolic disorder which is associated with insulin resistance and impairments of pancreatic β-cells. Previous studies have shown that icariside II (ICS II), one of the main active ingredients of Herba Epimedii, exerts potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. In this study, we investigated whether ICS II exerted anti-T2DM profile and further explored its possible underlying mechanism both in vivo and in vitro. db/db mice were administered ICS II (10, 20, 40 mg·kg−1) for 7 weeks. We found that ICS II dose-dependently attenuated hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia, as well as inhibited hepatic steatosis and islet architecture damage in db/db mice. Moreover, ICS II not only dramatically reduced inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress, but also up-regulated PPARα/γ protein expressions, phosphorylation of Akt, GSK3β and IR, meanwhile, down-regulated phosphorylation of NF-κB(p65) and IRS1 in db/db mice. In palmitic acid (PA)-treated HepG2 or MIN6 cells, ICS II (5−20 μM) concentration-dependently promoted the cell viability via mediating PPARα/γ/NF-κB signaling pathway. PPARα/γ knockout by CRISPR-Cas9 system partly abolished the protective effects of ICS II on HepG2 or MIN6 cells following PA insults. These findings reveal that ICS II effectively confer anti-T2DM property by targeting PPARα/γ through mediation of ROS/NF-κB/IRS1 signaling pathway.

Icariside II, a Prenyl-Flavonol, Alleviates Inflammatory and Neuropathic Pain by Inhibiting T-Type Calcium Channels and USP5-Cav3.2 Interactions

“…19 For example, icariside II (ICA-II), a natural prenyl-flavonol and the active component of Epimedium koreanum (E. koreanum), has been shown to have anti-inflammatory 20 and anti-cancer 21 activities, has protective effects in rodent models of Alzheimer's disease, 22 and mediates anti-hepatotoxic, 23 anti-tumor, 24 antiosteoporosis, and osteonecrosis effects. 25 It protects against acute ischemic stroke 26 and diabetes, 27,28 improves myocardial fibrosis, 29 and attenuates streptozotocin-induced cognitive deficits. 30 We have previously reported that the flavonoid gossypetin has analgesic effects in mouse models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain.…”

“…koreanum), has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities, has protective effects in rodent models of Alzheimer’s disease, and mediates anti-hepatotoxic, anti-tumor, anti-osteoporosis, and osteonecrosis effects . It protects against acute ischemic stroke and diabetes, , improves myocardial fibrosis, and attenuates streptozotocin-induced cognitive deficits …”