Single-Atom Ce-N-C Nanozyme Ameliorates Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by Improving Glucose Metabolism Disorders and Reducing Oxidative Stress
Yitong Lin,
Yanan Wang,
Qi Zhang,
Ruxin Gao,
Fei Chang,
Boran Li,
Kunlun Huang,
Nan Cheng,
Xiaoyun He
Affiliations
Yitong Lin
Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Ministry of Education, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
Yanan Wang
Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Ministry of Education, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
Qi Zhang
Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Ministry of Education, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
Ruxin Gao
Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Ministry of Education, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
Fei Chang
Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Ministry of Education, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
Boran Li
Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Ministry of Education, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
Kunlun Huang
Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Ministry of Education, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
Nan Cheng
Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Ministry of Education, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
Xiaoyun He
Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Ministry of Education, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) as a chronic metabolic disease has become a global public health problem. Insulin resistance (IR) is the main pathogenesis of T2DM. Oxidative stress refers to an imbalance between free radical production and the antioxidant system, causing insulin resistance and contributing to the development of T2DM via several molecular mechanisms. Besides, the reduction in hepatic glycogen synthesis also leads to a decrease in peripheral insulin sensitivity. Thus, reducing oxidative stress and promoting glycogen synthesis are both targets for improving insulin resistance and treating T2DM. The current study aims to investigate the pharmacological effects of single-atom Ce-N-C nanozyme (SACe-N-C) on the improvement of insulin resistance and to elucidate its underlying mechanisms using HFD/STZ-induced C57BL/6J mice and insulin-resistant HepG2 cells. The results indicate that SACe-N-C significantly improves hepatic glycogen synthesis and reduces oxidative stress, as well as pancreatic and liver injury. Specifically, compared to the T2DM model group, fasting blood glucose decreased by 29%, hepatic glycogen synthesis increased by 17.13%, and insulin secretion increased by 18.87%. The sod and GPx in the liver increased by 17.80% and 25.28%, respectively. In terms of mechanism, SACe-N-C modulated glycogen synthesis through the PI3K/AKT/GSK3β signaling pathway and activated the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway to alleviate oxidative stress. Collectively, this study suggests that SACe-N-C has the potential to treat T2DM.
