Effect of Rubus anatolicus Leaf Extract on Glucose Metabolism in HepG2, CRI-D2 and C2C12 Cell Lines

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of Rubus anatolicus on glucose metabolism in HepG2, CRI-D2 and C2C12 cell lines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: R. anatolicus was collected in Golestan province, Iran. Three different cell lines HepG2 (human liver cell), CRI-D2 (mice pancreatic cell) and C2C12 (rat myoblast) were used for cell culture experiments. Cell viability was measured using MTT assay. Cells were treated with various concentrations of the extract (6.25–400 μg/mL) and then the extracellular glucose level and intracellular glycogen content were measured using colorimetric methods. The insulin level of the culture medium was measured using the ELISA method. RESULTS: Our findings showed that R. anatolicus extract enhances glucose uptake and consumption by all three cell lines. The R. anatolicus extract exposure also elevated cellular glycogen content in HepG2 and C2C12 cells (for 200 and 100 μg/mL) significantly. We found a significant increase in glucose uptake and consequently higher stimulation of insulin secretion in CRI-D2 cell pancreatic cells treated with R. anatolicus extract. CONCLUSION: The R. anatolicus appears to activate glucose uptake and cellular glycogen synthesis probably by activating the glycogenesis or inhibition of glycogenolysis pathways. The extract enhances insulin secretion in the pancreatic cells by increased glucose uptake.