The Partial Mechanisms Of Berberine On Treating Diabetes And Of Hu-Lu-Ba-Wan On Ameliorating Diabetic Sexual Dysfunction In Diabetic Rats

Section Ⅰ Berberine inhibits hepatic gluconeogenesis via the LKB1-AMPK-TORC2signaling pathway in streptozotocin-induced diabetic ratsObjectiveTo investigate the effect of berberine on hepatic gluconeogenesis in diabetic rats.MethodsDiabetic rat model was established by being fed with a high-fat-diet and single intravenous injection of streptozotocin (STZ). The rats were randomly divided into five groups which were control group, model group, berberine group, metformin group and AICAR group. Then the rats in different groups were administered with corresponding therapy for12weeks. Fasting plasma glucose and insulin levels as well as lipid profile were examined. The protein expressions of molecules involved in LKB1-AMPK-TORC2signaling pathway and its down-stream gluconeogenesis-related enzymes as PEPCK and G-6-P were determined by Western blot method. The nuclear translocation of TORC2was observed by immunohistochemical staining.ResultsBerberine could improve hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in diabetic rats while decrease fasting plasma insulin levels and Insulin Resistance Index (HOMA-IR) Meanwhile, berberine up-regulated the protein expressions of LKB1, AMPK and phosphorylated AMPK (p-AMPK) in the liver tissues of diabetic rats. The level of phophorylated TORC2(p-TORC2) protein in the cytoplasm was also higher in the rats of berberine group and more TORC2was localized in the cytoplasm. Moreover, berberine down-regulated the protein expressions of the key gluconeogenic enzymes as PEPCK and G-6-P in the liver tissues.ConclusionBerberine may inhibit hepatic gluconeogenesis in diabetic rats via the regulation of the LKB1-AMPK-TORC2signaling pathway. Section Ⅱ Hu-Lu-Ba-Wan Attenuates Oxidative Stress in the Testis of Diabetic Rats through PKCα/NAPDH Oxidase Signaling PathwayObjectiveTo explore the protective effect and the underlying mechanism of Hu-Lu-Ba-Wan (HLBW) on the testis of diabetic rats.MethodDiabetic rat model was established by being fed with a high-fat-diet and single intravenous injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Then HLBW granula was administrated for12weeks. Fasting blood glucose and insulin levels as well as plasma total testosterone level and testicular testosterone content were examined. Oxidative stress markers in both plasma and testis were also tested. Meanwhile, testicular morphology and the ultrastructure of Leydig cell were observed. The superoxide onion and TUNEL-positive cells of testis were evaluated. The gene and protein expression of protein kinase C (PKCa), phosphorylated PKCa (p-PKCa) and P47phox in testicular tissues were determined.ResultsHLBW treatment significantly reduced the fasting glucose levels and increased the levels of fasting insulin and testosterone in plasma. HLBW administration also reduced the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in plasma and alleviated the damage of oxidative stress in the testis of diabetic rats. Additionally, HLBW down-regulated the protein and mRNA levels of PKCα, P-PKCα and P47phox in testicular tissues.ConclusionThese results indicated that HLBW may attenuate the oxidative stress in diabetic testis via PKCα/NAPDH oxidase signaling pathway.