Insulin resistance,as the main link in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus( T2 DM),runs through the whole process of occurrence and development of T2 DM and is closely related to the insulin receptor signaling pathway. Insulin stimulation causes autophosphorylation of the insulin receptor( IR),which then activates tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate( IRS).Phosphorylation of IRS can induce and activate phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase( PI3 K),subsequently activate downstream 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protease 1( PDK1) and Akt/PKB,and finally promote expression and translocation of glucose transporter 4 to increase glucose uptake of insulin-sensitive tissues and alleviate insulin resistance. Currently,oral hypoglycemic agents for clinical treatment of T2 DM have different side effects on the human body. Traditional Chinese medicine not only has a wide range of sources and abundant types,but also has comprehensive multi-component,multi-link and multi-target effects,showing unique advantages in the treatment of diabetes. In recent years,more and more researchers at home and abroad pay attention to the active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine for alleviating insulin resistance. In this paper,we would summarize the active hypoglycemic ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine associated with the insulin receptor signaling pathway,which may provide some theoretical guidance for the development of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of diabetes.
Keywords: active ingredients; insulin receptor signaling pathway; insulin resistance; traditional Chinese medicine.