Chinese prescription Kangen-karyu prevents dyslipidaemia and oxidative stress in mouse model of type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVES

We have investigated the effects of Kangen-karyu, a Chinese prescription, on the lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in a type 2 diabetes model.

METHODS

Male db/db mice were divided into three groups: control (vehicle), Kangen-karyu 100 or 200 mg/kg body weight/day orally administered mice. Age-matched non-diabetic m/m mice were used as a normal group.

KEY FINDINGS

The administration of Kangen-karyu reduced hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidaemia in db/db type 2 diabetic mice through a decline in the serum levels of glucose and lipids, and an improvement of lipoprotein profiles. The increased oxidative stress in db/db mice was attenuated by the administration of Kangen-karyu through inhibiting the generation of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation. The enhanced hepatic triglyceride and total cholesterol levels of the db/db mice were significantly reduced by Kangen-karyu administration through down-regulation of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 and lipogenic enzymes in liver. Furthermore, the expressions of hepatic nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase protein levels were also augmented in db/db mice. However, Kangen-karyu reduced the expressions of these inflammatory proteins by inhibiting NF-κB activation in db/db type 2 diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that Kangen-karyu may improve oxidative stress via the regulation of dyslipidaemia in type 2 diabetes.