Identification of matrine as a promising novel drug for hepatic steatosis and glucose intolerance with HSP72 as an upstream target.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

Matrine is a small molecule drug used in humans for the treatment of chronic viral infections and tumours in the liver with little adverse effects. The present study investigated its therapeutic efficacy for insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis in high-fat-fed mice.

Experimental approach

C57BL/J6 mice were fed a chow or high-fat diet for 10 weeks and then treated with matrine or metformin for 4 weeks. The effects on lipid metabolism and glucose tolerance were evaluated.

Key results

Our results first showed that matrine reduced glucose intolerance and plasma insulin level, hepatic triglyceride content and adiposity in high-fat-fed mice without affecting caloric intake. This reduction in hepatosteatosis was attributed to suppressed lipid synth

SUBMITTER: Zeng XY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4556469 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature