Piperine, Isolated from Nigerian Propolis, Modulates GLUT-4 Gene Expression and NF-κB in a Rat Model of Chronic Fructose and Glucose Intake
Abstract
Objective: This study investigated the effects of piperine from Nigerian propolis on glucose metabolism and inflammatory pathways in a rat model of chronic fructose and glucose intake.
Material and Methods: Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group, fructose-glucose (unsupplemented) group, fructose-glucose plus piperine group, and fructose-glucose plus metformin group. The fructoseglucose (unsupplemented) group received continuous oral infusion of a 50% fructose and 50% glucose solution (at a concentration of 10% (w/v) each) without any supplements, while the fructose-glucose plus piperine and fructose-glucose plus metformin groups received daily oral administration of piperine and metformin as supplements, respectively, in addition to fructose-glucose infusion. Insulin sensitivity was evaluated by computing the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR). Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was performed to quantify the mRNA expression of the Glucose Transporter–4 (GLUT-4) gene. The protein expression levels of pro-inflammatory transcription factor Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-κB) and p-Akt (phosphorylated protein kinase B) were analysed using western blotting techniques.
Results: After 8 weeks, biochemical analyses showed that the piperine from Nigerian propolis increased GLUT-4 expression and decreased NF-NF-κB expression compared to the fructose-glucose (unsupplemented) group, where insulin insensitivity persisted. Piperine also significantly lowered blood glucose levels and significantly improved insulin sensitivity by lowering the HOMA-IR in the supplemented animals compared to the unsupplemented infusion group.
Conclusion: The results of the study suggest that piperine, an alkaloid from Nigerian propolis, may have the therapeutic potential to mitigate the detrimental effects of chronic fructose and glucose intake on glucose metabolism and inflammatory pathways.
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