3 research outputs found
Multifunctional Cyclic d,l‑α-Peptide Architectures Stimulate Non-Insulin Dependent Glucose Uptake in Skeletal Muscle Cells and Protect Them Against Oxidative Stress
Oxidative
stress directly correlates with the early onset of vascular
complications and the progression of peripheral insulin resistance
in diabetes. Accordingly, exogenous antioxidants augment insulin sensitivity
in type 2 diabetic patients and ameliorate its clinical signs. Herein,
we explored the unique structural and functional properties of the
abiotic cyclic d,l-α-peptide architecture
as a new scaffold for developing multifunctional agents to catalytically
decompose ROS and stimulate glucose uptake. We showed that His-rich
cyclic d,l-α-peptide <b>1</b> is very
stable under high H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> concentrations, effectively
self-assembles to peptide nanotubes, and increases the uptake of glucose
by increasing the translocation of GLUT1 and GLUT4. It also penetrates
cells and protects them against oxidative stress induced under hyperglycemic
conditions at a much lower concentration than α-lipoic acid
(ALA). In vivo studies are now required to probe the mode of action
and efficacy of these abiotic cyclic d,l-α-peptides
as a novel class of antihyperglycemic compounds