본 연구에는 SCLE를 이용하여 시도된 바가 없는 glucose uptake 유도 실험을 수행하여 HepG2 세포에서 포도당흡수가 증가함을 확인하였다. 또한 이런 포도당의 흡수는 HNF-$1{alpha}$라는 transcription factor의 활성화를 통해 GLUT-2의 발현을 증가시키기 때문인 것을 실험적으로 증명하였다. 뿐만 아니라 Bacillus stearothermophilus 유래의 GK를 이용하여 활성을 측정한 결과 SCLE가 직접적으로 GK를 활성화하여 포도당의 인산화에 영향을 주는 것을 확인할 수 있었으며 그 실험결과들은 Fig. 8에서 도식화 하였다. 본 연구를 통해 SCLE가 ${alpha}$-glucosidase inhibition 활성에 의한 혈당의 개선과 당뇨예방 효과뿐만 아니라 다양한 세포내 기전을 통해 혈당 및 당뇨의 개선을 유도할 수 있음을 확인하였고, 이는 SCLE가 neutraceuticals 소재로서의 개발가치가 높음을 시사한다.
Purpose: Previous studies have shown that treatment with Smilax china L. leaf extract (SCLE) produces antidiabetic effects due to ${alpha}$-glucosidase inhibition. In this study, we examined the mechanism underlying these antidiabetic effects by examining glucose uptake in HepG2 cells cultured with SCLE. Methods: Glucose uptake and glucokinase activity were examined using an assay kit. Expression of glucose transporter (GLUT)-2, GLUT-4, and HNF-$1{alpha}$ was measured by RT-PCR or western blot. Results: Treatment with SCLE resulted in enhanced glucose uptake in HepG2 cells, and this effect was especially pronounced when cells were cultured in an insulin-free medium. SCLE induced an increase in expression of GLUT-2 but not GLUT-4. The increase in the levels of HNF-$1{alpha}$, a GLUT-2 transcription factor, in total protein extract and nuclear fraction suggest that the effects of SCLE may occur at the level of GLUT-2 transcription. In addition, by measuring the change in glucokinase activity following SCLE treatment, we confirmed that SCLE stimulates glucose utilization by direct activation of this enzyme. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that the potential antidiabetic activity of SCLE is due at least in part to stimulation of glucose uptake and an increase in glucokinase activity, and that SCLE-stimulated glucose uptake is mediated through enhancement of GLUT-2 expression by inducing expression of its transcription factor, HNF-$1{alpha}$.
