Evodiamine Inhibits Insulin-Stimulated mTOR-S6K Activation and IRS1 Serine Phosphorylation in Adipocytes and Improves Glucose Tolerance in Obese/Diabetic Mice

Evodiamine, an alkaloid extracted from the dried unripe fruit of the tree Evodia rutaecarpa Bentham (Rutaceae), reduces obesity and insulin resistance in obese/diabetic mice; however, the mechanism underlying the effect of evodiamine on insulin resistance is unknown. This study investigated the effect of evodiamine on signal transduction relating to insulin resistance using obese/diabetic KK-Ay mice and an in vitro adipocyte culture. There is a significant decrease in the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and ribosomal S6 protein kinase (S6K) signaling in white adipose tissue (WAT) in KK-Ay mice treated with evodiamine, in which glucose tolerance is improved. In addition, reduction of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) serine phosphorylation, an indicator of insulin resistance, was detected in their WAT, suggesting suppression of the negative feedback loop from S6K to IRS1. As well as the stimulation of IRS1 and Akt serine phosphorylation, insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of mTOR and S6K is time-dependent in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, whereas evodiamine does not affect their phosphorylation except for an inhibitory effect on mTOR phosphorylation. Moreover, evodiamine inhibits the insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of mTOR and S6K, leading to down-regulation of IRS1 serine phosphorylation in the adipocytes. Evodiamine also stimulates phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an important regulator of energy metabolism, which may cause down-regulation of mTOR signaling in adipocytes. A similar effect on AMPK, mTOR and IRS1 phosphorylation was found in adipocytes treated with rosiglitazone. These results suggest evodiamine improves glucose tolerance and prevents the progress of insulin resistance associated with obese/diabetic states, at least in part, through inhibition of mTOR-S6K signaling and IRS1 serine phosphorylation in adipocytes

Microstructure and mechanical properties of (CrxTi1-x)2AlC 211 MAX phases as composites through spark plasma sintering

MAX phases are intriguing materials due to their unique properties. However, each of these materials possesses its own weaknesses when subjected to service conditions. For example, while one MAX phase exhibits self-lubricating feature, it may not perform well under high load conditions. This study investigates the impact of adding chromium to Ti2AlC on microstructure and mechanical properties. Samples are prepared through ball-milling and spark plasma sintering (SPS), then analyzed using various techniques. The presence of different phases, including MAX phases (Ti2AlC and Cr2AlC), carbides (TiC and Cr7C3), and low amounts of oxides, is identified. Hardness, fractography, and wear characteristics are assessed through indentation and sliding tests. The study correlates the wear rate of each sample with experimental (H/E) and theoretical indicators (B/G), showing the production of composites with improved properties suitable for diverse applications