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Ursolic acid and luteolin‐7‐glucoside improve lipid profiles and increase liver glycogen content through glycogen synthase kinase‐3

2010; Wiley; Volume: 24; Issue: S2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1002/ptr.3118

1099-1573

Marisa Frasson de Azevedo, Çağrı Çamsarı, Carla M. Sá, Cristóvão F. Lima, Manuel Fernandes‐Ferreira, Cristina Pereira‐Wilson,

Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Activities

Abstract In the present study, two phytochemicals – ursolic acid (UA) and luteolin‐7‐glucoside (L7G) – were assessed in vivo in healthy rats regarding effects on plasma glucose and lipid profile (total cholesterol, HDL and LDL), as well as liver glycogen content, in view of their importance in the aetiology of diabetes and associated complications. Both UA and L7G significantly decreased plasma glucose concentration. UA also significantly increased liver glycogen levels accompanied by phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase‐3 (GSK3). The increase in glycogen deposition induced by UA (mediated by GSK3) could have contributed to the lower plasma glucose levels observed. Both compounds significantly lowered total plasma cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein levels, and, in addition, UA increased plasma high‐density lipoprotein levels. Our results show that UA particularly may be useful in preventable strategies for people at risk of developing diabetes and associated cardiovascular complications by improving plasma glucose levels and lipid profile, as well as by promoting liver glycogen deposition. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.