Treatment with Rhodiola crenulata root extract ameliorates insulin resistance in fructose-fed rats by modulating sarcolemmal and intracellular fatty acid translocase/CD36 redistribution in skeletal muscle

BACKGROUND: Rhodiola species have been used for asthenia, depression, fatigue, poor work performance and cardiovascular diseases, all of which may be associated with insulin resistance. To disclose the underlying mechanisms of action, the effect of Rhodiola crenulata root (RCR) on insulin resistance was investigated. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with liquid fructose in their drinking water over 18 weeks. The extract of RCR was co-administered (once daily by oral gavage) during the last 5 weeks. The indexes of lipid and glucose homeostasis were determined enzymatically and/or by ELISA. Gene expression was analyzed by Real-time PCR, Western blot and/or confocal immunofluorescence. RESULTS: RCR extract (50 mg/kg) suppressed fructose-induced hyperinsulinemia and the increases in the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index and the adipose tissue insulin resistance index in rats. Additionally, this treatment had a trend to restore the ratios of glucose to insulin and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) to insulin. Mechanistically, RCR suppressed fructose-induced acceleration of the clearance of plasma NEFA during oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and decreased triglyceride content and Oil Red O staining area in the gastrocnemius. Furthermore, RCR restored fructose-induced sarcolemmal overexpression and intracellular less distribution of fatty acid translocase/CD36 that contributes to etiology of insulin resistance by facilitating fatty acid uptake. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that RCR ameliorates insulin resistance in fructose-fed rats by modulating sarcolemmal and intracellular CD36 redistribution in the skeletal muscle. Our findings may provide a better understanding of the traditional use of Rhodila species.