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Aspalathin Protects Insulin‐Producing β Cells against Glucotoxicity and Oxidative Stress‐Induced Cell Death
Author(s) -
Moens Céline,
Bensellam Mohammed,
Himpe Eddy,
Muller Christo J. F.,
Jonas JeanChristophe,
Bouwens Luc
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
molecular nutrition and food research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.495
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1613-4133
pISSN - 1613-4125
DOI - 10.1002/mnfr.201901009
Subject(s) - oxidative stress , heme oxygenase , chemistry , superoxide dismutase , pharmacology , cancer research , biochemistry , biology , heme , enzyme
Scope Aspalathin, the main polyphenolic phytochemical of rooibos ( Aspalathus linearis ), has been attributed with health promoting properties, including a glucose lowering effect that can prove interesting for application as nutraceutical or therapeutic in (pre‐)diabetics. Preservation of β cell mass in the pancreas is considered a key issue for diabetes prevention or treatment, therefore the aim is to investigate whether aspalathin also has β cell cytoprotective potential. Methods and results Rat pancreatic islets and the β cell line Insulinoma 1E (INS1E) are studied in vitro after exposure to various cytotoxic agents, namely streptozotocin (STZ), hydrogen peroxide, or chronic high glucose. The effect of aspalathin on cell survival and apoptosis is studied. Expression of relevant cytoprotective genes is analyzed by qRT‐PCR and proteins by Western blot. Aspalathin is found to protect β cells against cytotoxicity and apoptosis. This is associated with increased translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (NRF2) and expression of its antioxidant target genes heme oxygenase 1 ( Hmox1 ), NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 ( Nqo‐1 ), and superoxide dismutase 1 ( Sod1 ). Conclusion It is proposed that aspalathin protects β cells against glucotoxicity and oxidative stress by increasing the expression of NRF2‐regulated antioxidant enzymes. This indicates that aspalathin is an interesting β cell cytoprotectant.