Effects of antidiabetic agent, Aloe QDM complex, on intracellular glucose uptake

Abstract

Previous studies have shown that Aloe QDM complex, which is consisted of chromium (Cr), aloesin (ALS) and processed Aloe vera gel (PAG), exert antidiabetic activity in a high fat diet-induced mouse model of type 2 diabetes. In this study we examined the mechanism of the antidiabetic activity of the Aloe QDM complex. Rat myoblast cell line L6 cells were cultured in the presence of Cr, ALS, and PAG alone and in combinations, and then the capability of the cells to uptake glucose was examined using radiolabeled glucose. All of the 3 agents, Cr, ALS and PAG, exerted glucose uptake-enhancing activity in L6 cells. The most potent capability to uptake glucose was observed when L6 cells were cultured with the Aloe QDM complex. The activity of the Aloe QDM complex to enhance glucose uptake was prominent in conditions where existing insulin concentrations are low. We also examined the effects of the Aloe QDM complex on the plasma membrane expression of GLUT4 in L6 cells. The Aloe QDM complex increased the content of GLUT4 in the plasma membrane, while decreasing the content of GLUT4 in the light microsome. Taken together, these results show that the antidiabetic activity of the Aloe QDM complex is at least in part due to the stimulation of glucose uptake into the muscle cells, and this activity of the Aloe QDM complex is mediated through the enhancement of the translocation of GLUT4 into the plasma membrane.