(S)-[6]-Gingerol enhances glucose uptake in L6 myotubes by activation of AMPK in response to [Ca2+](i)

PURPOSE. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of (S)-[6]- gingerol in promoting glucose uptake in L6 skeletal muscle cells. METHODS. The effect of (S)-[6]- gingerol on glucose uptake in L6 myotubes was examined using 2-[1,2-H-3]-deoxy-D-glucose. Intracellular Ca2+ concentration was measured using Fluo-4. Phosphorylation of AMPK alpha was determined by Western blotting analysis. RESULTS. (S)-[6]-Gingerol time-dependently enhanced glucose uptake in L6 myotubes. (S)-[6]- Gingerol elevated intracellular Ca2+ concentration and subsequently induced a dose- and time-dependent enhancement of threonine172 phosphorylated AMPK alpha in L6 myotubes via modulation by Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase. CONCLUSION. The results indicated that (S)-[6]- gingerol increased glucose uptake in L6 skeletal muscle cells by activating AMPK. (S)-[6]-gingerol, a major component of Zingiber officinale, may have potential for development as an antidiabetic agent.