Formononetin suppresses hyperglycaemia through activation of GLUT4-AMPK pathway

Abstract

Background: Formononetin (FMN) is a flavonoid that has different pharmacological effects. Thus, the anti-diabetic effects of FMN has been investigated in a high-fat diet/Streptozotocin-(HFD/STZ)-induced diabetes mice model. Methods: Mice were fed with HFD followed by STZ. Diabetic mice were treated orally with FMN or metformin for 28 days before collecting plasma and soleus muscle for further analysis. Results: FMN reduced serum glucose (p>0.001) and increased serum insulin in diabetic group compared to the vehicle control. Additionally, FMN decreased homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Fasting glucose level was also reduced with FMN during the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT). GLUT4 and p-AMPK-α1 were upregulated following treatment with FMN. LDL, triglyceride, and cholesterol were reduced in diabetic mice treated with FMN. FMN reduced MDA, increased GSH levels, and reduced GSSG levels in diabetic mice. Conclusion: FMN could represent a promising therapeutic agent to treat T2D.