Trans-chalcone enhances insulin sensitivity through the miR-34a/SIRT1 pathway

OBJECTIVE(S): Trans-chalcone as the parent member of the chalcone series reduces circulating levels of insulin and glucose. However, the cellular mechanism of these effects is poorly understood. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) as a direct target of miR-34a controls homeostasis of glucose, and also improves insulin sensitivity. Therefore, the present study for the first time investigated the influence of trans-chalcone on the miR-34a/SIRT1 pathway as a possible mechanism for its hypoglycemic and hypoinsulinemic effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, thirty male rats were randomly divided into three groups (n=10): solvent control (NS), oral administration of trans-chalcone for 2 (N2T) and 6 weeks (N6T) groups. Then, hepatic levels of miR-34a and SIRT1 were measured through the qRT-PCR method. RESULTS: Trans-chalcone reduced food intake, body weight gain, and serum glucose as well as insulin levels. Also, this chalcone inhibited hepatic miR-34a expression and significantly elevated SIRT1 mRNA level. CONCLUSION: Trans-chalcone as an insulin-sensitizing chalcone partly acts through the miR-34a/SIRT1 pathway.