Beta cells AND PPAG

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies demonstrated that circulating microRNA-375 (miR-375) is a suitable plasma biomarker for real-time detection of beta cell death. The present study evaluated the use of this biomarker to assess the beta cytoprotective effect of phenylpropenoic acid glucoside (PPAG), which was previously demonstrated to protect beta cells against various types of injury, and of exendin-4, which is an established antidiabetic drug. METHODS: PPAG or exendin-4 were administered in mice treated with streptozotocin (STZ) to acutely induce beta cell death...

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies demonstrated that a phenylpropenoic acid glucoside (PPAG) from rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) extract had anti-hyperglycemic activity and significant protective effects on the pancreatic beta cell mass in a chronic diet-induced diabetes model. The present study evaluated the cytoprotective effect of the phytochemical on beta cells exposed to acute cell stress. METHODS: Synthetically prepared PPAG was administered orally in mice treated with a single dose of streptozotocin to acutely induce beta cell death and hyperglycemia...

SCOPE: A major goal of diabetes therapy is to identify novel drugs that preserve or expand pancreatic beta cell mass. Here, we examined the effect of a phenylpropenoic acid glucoside (PPAG) on the beta cell mass, and via which mechanism this effect is established. METHODS AND RESULTS: Mice were fed a high-fat and fructose-containing diet to induce obesity and hyperglycemia. PPAG treatment protected obese mice from diet-induced hyperglycemia and resulted in a tripling of beta cell mass...