Simultaneous Tests of Theaflavin-3,3′-digallate as an Anti-Diabetic Drug in Human Hepatoma G2 Cells and Zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Theaflavin-3,3 & PRIME;-digallate (TF3) is the most important theaflavin monomer in black tea. TF3 was proved to reduce blood glucose level in mice and rats. However, the elaborate anti-diabetic mechanism was not well elucidated. In this work, human hepatoma G2 (HepG2) cells and zebrafish (Danio rerio) were used simultaneously to reveal anti-diabetic effect of TF3. The results showed that TF3 could effectively rise glucose absorption capacity in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells and regulate glucose level in diabetic zebrafish. The hypoglycemic effect was mediated through down-regulating phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and up-regulating glucokinase. More importantly, TF3 could significantly improve beta cells regeneration in diabetic zebrafish at low concentrations (5 mu g/mL and 10 mu g/mL), which meant TF3 had a strong anti-diabetic effect. Obviously, this work provided the potential benefit of TF3 on hypoglycemic effect, regulating glucose metabolism enzymes, and protecting beta cells. TF3 might be a promising agent for combating diabetes.

Automated summary

TF3, the most crucial theaflavin monomer in black tea, was found to effectively combat diabetes by regulating phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucokinase, while also promoting beta cell regeneration in diabetic zebrafish.