Effect of mulberry leaves extracts on glucose uptake of insulin-resistant HepG2 cells and the mechanism

 The effect and mechanism of mulberry leaves extracts (MLE) on glucose uptake of insulin- resistant HepG2 cells in vitro was explored.  The insulin resistant models of HepG2 were induced by high concentration of insulin for 24 h.  The models were incubated in a buffer containing mulberry leaves extracts.  The glucose consumption was detected by glucose assay kits and the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), Akt activation was examined by Western blotting.  Mulberry leaves polysaccharides, mulberry leaves flavonoids  and mulberry leaves extracts advanced glucose uptake of insulin-resistant HepG2 cells; Mulberry leaves extracts enhance phosphorylation of AMPK.  Mulberry leaves extracts do not change the phosphorylation status of Akt.  The glucose consumptions of insulin resistant model of HepG2 were promoted by mulberry leaves extracts.  MLE stimulates HepG2 cell AMPK activity acutely without changing the Akt activity.