Ficus carica leaves extract inhibited pancreatic b cell apoptosis by inhibiting AMPK/JNK/caspase 3 signaling pathway and antioxidation.
The aim of this study was to explore the inhibitory effects of Ficus carica leaves (FCL) extract on AMPK/JNK/caspase3 signaling pathway and antioxidation in pancreatic b cells. H&E staining, insulin immunohistochemistry, and TUNEL methods were used to investigate the effects of FCL on pancreatic histopathology in type 1 diabetic mice. The expression levels of caspase 3, AMPK, and JNK protein in the pancreatic tissue and MIN6 cells [induced by palmitic acid (PA) and hydrogen peroxide] were determined. Flow cytometry was used to detect the effects of FCL on apoptosis and ROS production of MIN6 cells. FCL (2 g/kg, continuous gavage for 6 weeks) significantly improved the pancreatic tissue injury in type 1 diabetic mice and reduced the expression levels of apoptosis related proteins such as FasL, caspase8, Bax/Bcl 2, Cyt C, caspase 3, p AMPK, and p JNK. FCL inhibited cell apoptosis induced by PA and the protein expression levels of caspase 3, p AMPK, and p JNK. The AMPK agonist AICAR could reverse the protective effects of FCL on MIN6 cells. The AMPK inhibitor compound C had a similar effect on MIN6 cells as that of FCL. FCL could inhibit cell apoptosis induced by hydrogen peroxide and reduced the production of ROS. In conclusion, FCL could inhibit pancreatic b cell apoptosis by inhibiting the AMPK/JNK/caspase 3 signaling pathway and by antioxidation properties.
Biomedicine pharmacotherapy Biomedecine pharmacotherapie