Effects of the white-skinned sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) on the expression of adipocytokine in adipose tissue of genetic type 2 diabetic mice

Abstract

We investigated the effects of white-skinned sweet potato (WSSP) on the expression of adipose tissue adipocytokine in order to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the anti-diabetic effects of WSSP. A significant blood glucose lowering effect was observed starting 1 week after repeated administration of WSSP to KK-Ay mice. Expression of ACRP30, which is a homolog of adiponectin, was significantly higher in the WSSP-treated group than in the control group. Tumor necrosis factor-α expression indicated low tendency (p=0.09) in the WSSP treated group. The WSSP-treated group showed a greater tendency (p = 0.09) than the control group for expression of the β-3-adrenoreceptor. These results suggest that one of the mechanisms of anti-diabetic action of WSSP is associated with improved action to the abnormal secretion of adipose tissue adipocytokines.