Effects of oleanolic acid on the insulin signaling pathway in skeletal muscle of streptozotocin-induced diabetic male Sprague-Dawley rats

Background The pant-derived triterpene oleanolic acid (OA) has been shown to have antidiabetic effects, but its action on the insulin signaling cascade has not been fully elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of OA on aspects of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt insulin signaling cascade in skeletal muscle of streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetic male Sprague-Dawley rats. MethodsDiabetic and non-diabetic rats were treated with insulin (4IU/kg), OA (80mg/kg), and the combination of OA+insulin in acute 60-min and sub-chronic 14-day studies. Single and daily doses were administered in the acute and sub-chronic studies, respectively. In acute studies, phosphorylated (p-) Akt and p-glycogen synthase (GS) expression was evaluated. In sub-chronic studies, GS and glycogen phosphorylase (GP) expression and activity were evaluated, as were glycogen levels. Results The findings show that OA enhances insulin-stimulated hypoglycemic effects in diabetic rats. In the acute study, OA increased levels of p-Akt and decreased levels of p-GS. In the sub-chronic study, OA increased both GS and GP activity, whereas OA+insulin increased GS and decreased GP activity. Treatment of rats with OA and OA+insulin increased GS expression in the skeletal muscle of diabetic rats and decreased GP expression. Glycogen levels were increased by OA but decreased OA+insulin treatment. Conclusion Oleanolic acid in synergy with insulin can enhance activation of the insulin signaling pathway. Furthermore, the present study provides evidence of OA activation of insulin signaling enzymes independent of insulin.