Summary of - Sesamol combats diabetogenic effects of atorvastatin through GLUT-4 expression and improved pancreatic viability

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Article

Abstract

Research Spotlight: Combating Statin-Induced Diabetes with Sesamol

At the Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, a promising research project is underway to address the challenge of statin-associated diabetes (SAD). Statins, widely used to manage cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular diseases, have been associated with the onset of diabetes in some patients. This research, funded by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), explores the potential of sesamol, a natural compound derived from sesame seeds, to mitigate these effects.

The project was initiated by Mr. Karthik Gourishetti, who provided the initial evidence that sesamol might counteract the diabetogenic effects of atorvastatin, a commonly prescribed statin. Following this groundwork, Dr. Nandakumar K successfully secured funding from SERB to expand the research.

Dr. Karthik worked on the project briefly, after which Dr. Pawan Ganesh Nayak continued the efforts. The project gained momentum when Ph.D. scholar Mr. Raghuvir Keni joined the team. He played a critical role in cultivating L6 muscle cells and pancreatic beta cells and meticulously analyzed the pathways involved in SAD.

The research revealed that atorvastatin induces apoptosis in pancreatic beta cells, a process that sesamol can counteract by reducing apoptotic markers and preserving cell health. In muscle cells, sesamol enhanced the production of GLUT-4, a crucial glucose transporter, although it did not fully restore glucose uptake.

Animal studies conducted as part of the project demonstrated that sesamol-treated subjects showed healthier pancreatic tissue and improved glucose regulation compared to those receiving atorvastatin alone. These findings suggest that sesamol could be a prototype for developing new treatments for SAD, highlighting the compound's potential as a therapeutic agent.

This collaborative effort underscores the importance of exploring natural compounds in medical research. The study advances our understanding of SAD and opens new avenues for addressing complex health challenges through innovative approaches.

The team’s dedication and groundbreaking research contribute significantly to the field of pharmacology, offering hope for more effective management of statin-induced diabetes in the future.

Cite this article as:

Keni, R., Nayak, P.G., Kumar, N. et al. Sesamol combats diabetogenic effects of atorvastatin through GLUT-4 expression and improved pancreatic viability. 3 Biotech 13, 377 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13205-023-03784-9

Publication Date

2023

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