Chaihu Shugan powder improves insulin resistance in metabolic syndrome by regulating fatty acid metabolism and modulating the LXRα/SREBP-1 signaling pathway.
In the methodology, the herbal compound Chaihu Shugan powder's primary metabolites were measured. A mouse model was created emulating metabolic syndrome-related insulin resistance using a high-fat, high-fructose diet coupled with chronic immobilization stress. The therapeutic effect of Chaihu Shugan powder was assessed through various tests including glucose and insulin tolerance tests, and the impact on hepatic insulin signaling molecules was also evaluated. A hepatocyte insulin resistance model was created using high-glucose and high-insulin conditions, and the Chaihu Shugan powder impact was again evaluated. The specific mechanism of the compound was further tested using the LXRα agonist T0901317.
In the discussion of results, it was found that the metabolic syndrome-related insulin resistance model showed a decreased p-Akt/Akt ratio, and increased glucose, insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, and hepatic lipid metabolism factors. These effects were mitigated with the treatment of Chaihu Shugan powder. In treating the hepatocyte insulin resistance model, the compound improved glucose uptake and affected the expression of insulin signaling and lipid metabolism factors positively. The beneficial effects of the compound were reversed when the LXRα agonist T0901317 was introduced, indicating the vital role of LXRα in the therapeutic effectiveness of Chaihu Shugan powder.
