Momordica charantia constituents and antidiabetic screening of the isolated major compounds

Bioguided fractionation of the methanol extract of Momordica charantia dried gourds led to the isolation of three new cucurbitane triterpenoids (1-3), together with eight known compounds (4-11). The aglycone of momordicoside I was isolated from the ether soluble fraction in a high amount. The structures of the metabolites were established on the basis of one and two dimensional NMR spectroscopic evidence, X-ray analysis, and comparison with the reported data in the literature. A number of phytochemicals have been isolated from Momordica charantia but the constituents responsible for the hypoglycaemic/antihyperglycaemic activities have not been determined. Therefore, in order to evaluate the contribution of the cucurbitane triterpenoids of the ether fraction of M. charantia methanol extract to in vivo anti-diabetic effects, the major compounds, 5beta,19-epoxy-3beta,25-dihydroxycucurbita-6,23(E)-diene (4), and 3beta,7beta,25-trihydroxycucurbita-5,23(E)-dien-19-al (5) have been tested and have shown blood hypoglycaemic effects in the diabetes-induced male ddY mice strain at 400 mg/kg. The two aglycones of charantin did not show any hypoglycaemic effects. Our finding is the first demonstration that major pure cucurbutanoid compounds of M. charantia have in vivo hypoglycaemic effects.     

The Roles and Associated Mechanisms of Adipokines in Development of Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of metabolic indicators that increase the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Visceral obesity and factors derived from altered adipose tissue, adipokines, play critical roles in the development of metabolic syndrome. Although the adipokines leptin and adiponectin improve insulin sensitivity, others contribute to the development of glucose intolerance, including visfatin, fetuin-A, resistin, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). Leptin and adiponectin increase fatty acid oxidation, prevent foam cell formation, and improve lipid metabolism, while visfatin, fetuin-A, PAI-1, and resistin have pro-atherogenic properties. In this review, we briefly summarize the role of various adipokines in the development of metabolic syndrome, focusing on glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism.     

Ursolic Acid Lactone Obtained from Eucalyptus tereticornis Increases Glucose Uptake and Reduces Inflammatory Activity and Intracellular Neutral Fat: An In Vitro Study

Obesity has a strong relationship to insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus, a chronic metabolic disease that alters many physiological functions. Naturally derived drugs have aroused great interest in treating obesity, and triterpenoids are natural compounds with multiple biological activities and antidiabetic mechanisms. Here, we evaluated the bioactivity of ursolic acid lactone (UAL), a lesser-known triterpenoid, obtained from Eucalyptus tereticornis. We used different cell lines to show for the first time that this molecule exhibits anti-inflammatory properties in a macrophage model, increases glucose uptake in insulin-resistant muscle cells, and reduces triglyceride content in hepatocytes and adipocytes. In 3T3-L1 adipocytes, UAL inhibited the expression of genes involved in adipogenesis and lipogenesis, enhanced the expression of genes involved in fat oxidation, and increased AMP-activated protein kinase phosphorylation. The range of biological activities demonstrated in vitro indicates that UAL is a promising molecule for fighting diabetes.     

Two New Cucurbitane Triterpenoids from Immature Fruits of Momordica charantia

Two new cucurbitane triterpenoids, kuguacin X ( 1 ) and kuguaglycoside I ( 2 ), together with three known analogs, were isolated from immature fruits of Momordica charantia. By detailed analysis of IR, NMR, and MS data, acid hydrolysis, and comparison with spectroscopic data of known compounds, the new compounds were determined to be (23E)‐5β,19‐epoxycucurbita‐6,23‐diene‐3β,22ξ,25‐triol ( 1 ) and (23E)‐5β,19‐epoxycucurbita‐6,23‐dien‐19‐on‐3β,25‐diol 3‐O‐β‐D ‐allopyranoside ( 2 ).     

Characteristics of peroxisome proliferation: co-induction of peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation-related enzymes with microsomal laurate hydroxylase

The profile of the changes in the peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation activity in rat liver was compared with that in microsomal omega-oxidation under various conditions such as a 2-week administration of phenoxyacetic acid derivatives and perfluorinated compounds, short and long-term administration of clofibrate and bezafibrate, high-fat diet feeding, starvation and diabetes. The results were summarized as follows: 1) when phenoxyacetic acid derivatives and perfluorinated compounds were administered, there was a significant correlation in the increase of the activities between peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation and microsomal omega-oxidation. 2) On the long-term administration (79 weeks) of peroxisome proliferators the activities of the enzymes were significantly reduced, but the levels were still higher than the control level in a similar manner. 3) On high-fat diet feeding the patterns of the changes in the activities of peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation, carnitine acetyltransferase and microsomal omega-oxidation were similar to each other, differing from the changes in the activities of microsomal aminopyrin demethylase and mitochondrial carnitine palmitoyltransferase. 4) Under starved and diabetic conditions, co-induction of peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation and microsomal omega-oxidation was observed. From these results it is suggested that 1) the biosynthesis of these enzymes would be regulated on the gene expression of the nearby domain and 2) peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation and microsomal omega-oxidation were co-operatively regulated in order to achieve fatty acid metabolism smoothly.     

Discovery of a novel and potent human and rat beta3-adrenergic receptor agonist, [3-[(2R)-[[(2R)-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-hydroxyethyl]amino]propyl]-1H-indol-7-yloxy]acetic acid

In search for potent and selective beta3-adrenergic receptor (beta3-AR) agonists as potential drugs for the treatment of type II diabetes and obesity, a novel series of 1-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-aminoethanol derivatives were prepared and evaluated for their biological activity at human beta1-, beta2-, and beta3-ARs and rat beta3-AR expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Replacement of the right-hand side (RHS, benzene ring) in the 'first generation' beta3-AR agonists BRL 37344 and CL 316243 with a 1H-indole ring gave compound 31 with unique pharmacological properties among beta3-AR agonists. Initial in vitro assays showed that 31 possesses modest rat and human beta3-ARs agonistic activity. Introduction of various substituent into the indole nucleus of 31 afforded a number of compounds with good beta3-ARs agonistic activity. In particular, 90 having a carboxylic acid functionality at the 7-position of the indole nucleus showed the most potent human beta3-AR agonistic activity. Finally, optical resolution of 90 led to the identification of the most promising compound, [3-[(2R)-[[(2R)-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-hydroxyethyl]amino]propyl]-1H-indol-7-yloxy]acetic acid (96, AJ-9677). This compound exhibited potent human beta3-AR agonistic activity (EC50=0.062 nM, IA=116%) with 210- and 103-fold selectivity over human beta2-AR and beta1-AR, respectively. Compound 96 also exhibited potent rat beta3-AR agonistic activity (EC50=0.016 nM, IA=110%). Moreover, repeated oral administration of 96 inhibited body weight gain and significantly decreased glucose, insulin, free fatty acid, and triglyceride concentrations in plasma in KK-Ay/Ta mice. On the basis of this pharmacological profile, 96 entered clinical development as a drug for the treatment of type II diabetes and obesity.     

Fenofibrate inhibits adipocyte hypertrophy and insulin resistance by activating adipose PPAR�� in high fat diet-induced obese mice

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) activation in rodents is thought to improve insulin sensitivity by decreasing ectopic lipids in non-adipose tissues. Fenofibrate, a lipid-modifying agent that acts as a PPARα agonist, may prevent adipocyte hypertrophy and insulin resistance by increasing intracellular lipolysis from adipose tissue. Consistent with this hypothesis, fenofibrate decreased visceral fat mass and adipocyte size in high fat diet-fed obese mice, and concomitantly increased the expression of PPARα target genes involved in fatty acid β-oxidation in both epididymal adipose tissue and differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. However, mRNA levels of adipose marker genes, such as leptin and TNFα, were decreased in epididymal adipose tissue by fenofibrate treatment. Fenofibrate not only reduced circulating levels of free fatty acids and triglycerides, but also normalized hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia in obese mice. Blood glucose levels of fenofibrate-treated mice were significantly reduced during intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test compared with obese controls. These results suggest that fenofibrate-induced fatty acid β-oxidation in visceral adipose tissue may be one of the major factors leading to decreased adipocyte size and improved insulin sensitivity.     

Potential insulinominetic agents of zinc(II) complexes with picolinamide derivatives: preparations of complexes, in vitro and in vivo studies

Following the finding of in vitro insulinominetic activities of new prepared Zn(II) complexes with amide ligands (2-picolinamide (pa-a) and 6-methyl-2-picolinmethylamide (6mpa-ma)) in isolated rat adipocytes treated with epinephrine in terms of inhibition of free fatty acid release, their blood glucose normalizing effects were observed on daily intraperitoneal injections for 14 d in a type 2 diabetes mellitus model animal, KK-Ay mice. The blood glucose levels of KK-Ay mice were maintained in a normal range during the administration of both complexes. After the administration of each complex for 14 d, the improvement of glucose metabolism was confirmed as judged by the glucose tolerance test.     

Comparative inhibition studies of enoyl-CoA hydratase 1 and enoyl-CoA hydratase 2 in long-chain fatty acid oxidation

Enoyl-CoA hydratase 1 and enoyl-CoA hydratase 2 in long-chain fatty acid oxidation were comparatively investigated through mechanistic studies for inactivation of the enzymes with methylenecyclopropylformyl-CoA and 3-octynoyl-CoA. Methylenecyclopropylformyl-CoA can inactivate both enzymes, while 3-octynoyl-CoA inactivates enoyl-CoA hydratase 2 only. The study increased our understanding of these two enzymes in fatty acid oxidation.     

Bioaccessibility and Oxidative Stability of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Supplements,Sardines and Enriched Eggs Studied Using a Static In Vitro Gastrointestinal Model

Modern dietary habits have created the need for the design and production of functional foods enriched in bioactive compounds for a healthy lifestyle. However, the fate of many of these bioactive compounds in the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract has not been thoroughly investigated. Thus, in the present study, the bioaccessibility of omega-3 fatty acids was examined. To that end, different foods and supplements underwent simulated digestion following the INFOGEST protocol. The selected samples were foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids both in free and bound form—i.e., dietary fish oil supplements, heat-treated fish, and eggs enriched with omega-3 fatty acids. The oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) was measured at each stage of the digestion process using peroxide value (PV) and TBARS and by quantifying individual omega-3 fatty acids using a gas chromatograph with flame ionization detector (GC-FID). The final bioaccessibility values of omega-3 fatty acids were determined. Changes in the quantity of mono-saturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and saturated fatty acids (SFAs) were recorded as well. The results indicated a profound oxidation of omega-3 fatty acids, giving rise to both primary and secondary oxidation products. Additionally, stomach conditions seemed to exert the most significant effect on the oxidation of PUFAs during digestion, significantly decreasing their bioaccessibility. The oxidation rate of each fatty acid was found to be strongly correlated with its initial concentration. Finally, the oxidation pattern was found to be different for each matrix and emulsified lipids seemed to be better protected than non-emulsified lipids. It is concluded that digestion has a profound negative effect on omega-3 bioaccessibility and therefore there is a need for improved protective mechanisms.     

Stevioside Attenuates Insulin Resistance in Skeletal Muscle by Facilitating IR/IRS-1/Akt/GLUT 4 Signaling Pathways: An In Vivo and In Silico Approach

Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the leading global health burden of this century majorly develops due to obesity and hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress in skeletal muscles. Hence, developing novel drugs that ameliorate these pathological events is an immediate priority. The study was designed to analyze the possible role of Stevioside, a characteristic sugar from leaves of Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) on insulin signaling molecules in gastrocnemius muscle of obesity and hyperglycemia-induced T2DM rats. Adult male Wistar rats rendered diabetic by administration of high fat diet (HFD) and sucrose for 60 days were orally administered with SIT (20 mg/kg/day) for 45 days. Various parameters were estimated including fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum lipid profile, oxidative stress markers, antioxidant enzymes and expression of insulin signaling molecules in diabetic gastrocnemius muscle. Stevioside treatment improved glucose and insulin tolerances in diabetic rats and restored their elevated levels of FBG, serum insulin and lipid profile to normalcy. In diabetic gastrocnemius muscles, Setvioside normalized the altered levels of lipid peroxidase (LPO), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and hydroxyl radical (OH*), antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD, GPx and GSH) and molecules of insulin signaling including insulin receptor (IR), insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) and Akt mRNA levels. Furthermore, Stevioside enhanced glucose uptake (GU) and oxidation in diabetic muscles by augmenting glucose transporter 4 (GLUT 4) synthesis very effectively in a similar way to metformin. Results of molecular docking analysis evidenced the higher binding affinity with IRS-1 and GLUT 4. Stevioside effectively inhibits oxidative stress and promotes glucose uptake in diabetic gastrocnemius muscles by activating IR/IRS-1/Akt/GLUT 4 pathway. The results of the in silico investigation matched those of the in vivo study. Hence, Stevioside could be considered as a promising phytomedicine to treat T2DM.     

<em>In Vitro</em> Anti-diabetic Activities and Chemical Analysis of Polypeptide-k and Oil Isolated from Seeds of <em>Momordica charantia</em> (Bitter Gourd)

The amino acid and fatty acid composition of polypeptide k and oil isolated from the seeds of Momordica charantia was analysed. The analysis revealed polypeptide k contained 9 out of 11 essential amino acids, among a total of 18 types of amino acids. Glutamic acid, aspartic acid, arginine and glycine were the most abundant (17.08%, 9.71%, 9.50% and 8.90% of total amino acids, respectively). Fatty acid analysis showed unusually high amounts of C18-0 (stearic acid, 62.31% of total fatty acid). C18-1 (oleic acid) and C18-2 (linoleic acid) were the other major fatty acid detected (12.53% and 10.40%, respectively). The oil was devoid of the short fatty acids (C4-0 to C8-0). Polypeptide k and oil were also subjected to in vitro α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition assays. Both polypeptide k and seed oil showed potent inhibition of α-glucosidase enzyme (79.18% and 53.55% inhibition, respectively). α-Amylase was inhibited by 35.58% and 38.02%, respectively. Collectively, the in vitro assay strongly suggests that both polypeptide k and seed oil from Momordica charantia are potent potential hypoglycemic agents.     

Triterpenoids from the Stems of Momordica charantia

Two new cucurbitane triterpenes, (23E)‐7β‐methoxycucurbita‐5,23,25‐trien‐3β‐ol ( 1 ) and 23,25‐dihydroxy‐5β,19‐epoxycucurbit‐6‐ene‐3,24‐dione ( 2 ), and a new D : C‐friedooleanane triterpene, 3α‐[(E)‐feruloyloxy]‐D : C‐friedooleana‐7,9(11)‐dien‐29‐oic acid ( 3 ), together with two known D : C‐friedooleanane triterpenes, 3β‐[(E)‐feruloyloxy]‐D : C‐friedooleana‐7,9(11)‐dien‐29‐oic acid ( 4 ) and 3‐oxo‐D : C‐friedooleana‐7,9(11)‐dien‐29‐oic acid ( 5 ), were isolated from the stems of Momordica charantia. The structures of the new compounds 1 – 3 were determined by spectroscopic methods.     

Regulation of apoptosis through arachidonate cascade in mammalian cells

The arachidonate cascade includes the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway to form prostanoids and the lipoxygenase (LOX) pathway to generate several oxygenated fatty acids, collectively called eicosanoids. Eicosanoids are suggested to play a dual role in regulating cell survival and apoptosis in various types of cells through an unknown mechanism. We found apoptosis in cultured Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells treated with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol β-acetate (TPA), a potent tumor promoter, and nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), a LOX inhibitor. The effect of TPA was synergistically stimulated along with NDGA. Aspirin, a COX inhibitor, was not effective. The target of NDGA might be different from the mechanism involving a LOX activity in some kinds of carcinoma cells because the increased expression of 12-LOX was not detected in MDCK cells treated with TPA. Caspase and poly(ADP-ribose) metabolites were found to be involved in the signal transduction pathway of the TPA- and NDGA-induced apoptosis in MDCK cells. Alternatively, hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis was not affected by NDGA. Thus, the TPA-induced response involved the mechanism independent of the oxidative stress. Obesity is a risk factor for severe diseases including noninsulin-dependent diabetes and atherosclerosis characterized by the changes of cell properties of adipocytes. We found that conjugated linolenic acid from bitter gourd was able to induce apoptosis in mouse preadipogenic 3T3-L1 cells. The findings provide the potential use of conjugated fatty acids to regulate obesity.     

miR-370-3p Regulates Adipogenesis through Targeting Mknk1

Excessive fat accumulation can lead to obesity, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, and other diseases. MicroRNAs are a class of microRNAs that regulate gene expression and are highly conserved in function among species. microRNAs have been shown to act as regulatory factors to inhibit fat accumulation in the body. We found that miR-370-3p was expressed at lower levels in the fat mass of mice on a high-fat diet than in mice on a normal control diet. Furthermore, our data showed that the overexpression of miR-370-3p significantly suppressed the mRNA expression levels of adipogenic markers. Thus, miR-370-3p overexpression reduced lipid accumulation. Conversely, the inhibition of miR-370-3p suppressed 3T3-L1 preadipocyte proliferation and promoted preadipocyte differentiation. In addition, Mknk1, a target gene of miR-370-3p, plays an opposing role in preadipocyte proliferation and differentiation. Moreover, consistent results from in vitro as well as in vivo experiments suggest that the inhibition of fat accumulation by miR-370-3p may result from the inhibition of saturated fatty acids that promote the accumulation of polyunsaturated fatty acids. In conclusion, these results suggest that miR-370-3p plays an important role in adipogenesis and fatty acid metabolism through the regulation of Mknk1.     

Swim training improves leptin receptor deficiency-induced obesity and lipid disorder by activating uncoupling proteins

Leptin receptor deficiency causes morbid obesity and hyperlipidemia in mice. Since physical exercise enhances energy expenditure, it is an important part of successful weight-control regimens. We investigated the mechanism by which swim training regulates leptin receptor deficiency-induced obesity and lipid disorder in a mouse model of obesity (obese db/db mouse). Swim training for 6 weeks significantly decreased body weight gain and adipose tissue mass in both sexes of obese and lean mice, compared to their respective sedentary controls. These effects were particularly evident in obese mice. Swim training also caused significant decreases in serum levels of triglycerides, free fatty acids and total cholesterol in both obese and lean mice. In obese mice, swim training increased the levels of mRNAs and proteins encoding uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), UCP2 and UCP3 in brown adipose tissue, white adipose tissue and skeletal muscle, respectively. In conclusion, these findings suggest that, in mice, swim training can effectively prevent body weight gain, adiposity and lipid disorders caused by leptin receptor deficiency, in part through activation of UCPs in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle, which may contribute to alleviating metabolic syndromes, such as obesity, hyperlipidemia and type 2 diabetes.     

Facile determination of the absolute stereochemistry of hydroxy fatty acids by GC: application to the analysis of fatty acid oxidation by a P450BM3 mutant

The determination of the absolute stereochemistry of hydroxy fatty acid methyl esters as their (S)-ibuprofen esters is possible via standard gas chromatographic techniques. Analyses of various racemic and nonracemic standards and mixtures from enzymic oxidation show excellent resolution of the resultant diastereomers, with the (S,S)-diastereomers eluting first in all cases studied. The stereochemistry of the oxidation of dodecanoic acid by P450_BM3, which has not been previously reported, was determined by this method and indicated a preference for (R)-hydroxylation. The sensitivity of this technique allows the analysis of very small quantities of product, which has revealed that the oxidation of dodecanoic and hexadecanoic acids by the T268A mutant of P450_BM3 display the same stereochemical efficiency and produce (R)-hydroxy fatty acids in the same manner as wildtype P450_BM3, despite the poor coupling efficiency of these substrates. This stereochemistry implies that hydroxylation catalysed by the T268A mutant of P450_BM3 occurs through residual levels of the normal hydroxylating species.     

Novel GPR120 Agonists with Improved Pharmacokinetic Profiles for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes

GPR120 is a promising target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2DM), which is activated by free fatty acids (FFAs) and stimulates the release of glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1). GLP-1, as an incretin, can enhance glucose-dependent secretion of insulin from pancreatic beta cells and reduce blood glucose. In this study, a series of novel GPR120 agonists were designed and synthesized to improve the stability and hydrophilicity of the phenylpropanoic acid GPR120 agonist TUG-891. Compound 11b showed excellent GPR120 agonistic activity and pharmacokinetic properties, and could reduce the blood glucose of normal mice in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, no hypoglycemic side effects were observed even at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Moreover, 11b showed good anti-hyperglycemic effects in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice. Molecular simulation illustrated that compound 11b could enter the active site of GPR120 and interact with ARG99. Taken together, the results indicate that compound 11b might be a promising drug candidate for the treatment of T2DM.     

Natural Compound 3β,7β,25-trihydroxycucurbita-5,23(E)-dien-19-al from Momordica charantia Acts as PPARγ Ligand

Momordica charantia is a popular vegetable associated with effective complementary and alternative diabetes management in some parts of the world. However, the molecular mechanism is less commonly investigated. In this study, we investigated the association between a major cucurbitane triterpenoid isolated from M. charantia, 3β,7β,25-trihydroxycucurbita-5,23(E)-dien-19-al (THCB) and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) activation and its related activities using cell culture and molecular biology techniques. In this study, we report on both M. charantia fruit crude extract and THCB in driving the luciferase activity of Peroxisome Proliferator Response Element, associated with PPARγ activation. Other than that, THCB also induced adipocyte differentiation at far less intensity as compared to the full agonist rosiglitazone. In conjunction, THCB treatment on adipocytes also resulted in upregulation of PPAR gamma target genes expression; AP2, adiponectin, LPL and CD34 at a lower magnitude compared to rosiglitazone’s induction. THCB also induced glucose uptake into muscle cells and the mechanism is via Glut4 translocation to the cell membrane. In conclusion, THCB acts as one of the many components in M. charantia to induce hypoglycaemic effect by acting as PPARγ ligand and inducing glucose uptake activity in the muscles by means of Glut4 translocation.