Scope: We investigated whether rutin, a flavonoid isolated from Toona sinensis Roem, has the ability to enhance insulin-dependent receptor kinase (IRK) activity and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation in differentiated myotubes. We also tested the effects of rutin treatment in insulin-resistant mice using an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).
Methods and results: Rutin potentiated insulin receptor kinase (IRK) phosphorylation when IRK autophosphorylation was triggered by insulin in differentiated myotubes. Co-treatment of cells with rutin and insulin attenuated S961-mediated inhibition of insulin-dependent GLUT4 translocation. In S961-treated C57BL/6 mice, an in vivo model of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, rutin treatment showed a normoglycemic effect in the OGTT.
Conclusion: This study shows evidence that rutin may serve as a potential agent for glycemic control through enhancement of IRK activity, thereby inducing the insulin signaling pathway causing increased GLUT4 translocation and increased glucose uptake.
Keywords: Glucose transporter 4; Insulin receptor kinase; Insulin resistance; Rutin; Toona sinensis Roem.
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