Regulation of Intestinal GLP-1 and GLUT2 genes underlie hypoglycemia in Desplatsia subericarpa (Bocq)-Fed Wistar Rats

Indigenous people of West Africa use the whole-leaf of Desplatsia subericarpa (Bocq) in anti-diabetic soup delicacy. This study was designed to validate the anti-diabetic claims and delineating possible mechanisms. RT-PCR method was used to investigate regulation of intestinal glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and pancreatic insulin, L-type voltage-gated calcium channel genes. Insulin exocytosis was also monitored using ELISA method. The kidney sample was investigated for biomarkers of injury (kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) and interleukin-1-β (IL-1β)). GLP-1 up-regulation, GLUT2 down-regulation and increased insulin exocytosis but not increased insulin gene expression was observed in animals after a 3-day culinary exposure to D. Subericarpa leaves. This mechanism may explain hypoglycemia in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in animals in this study. KIM-1 and IL-1-β genes were marked up regulated in normal animals exposed (14-day) to D. Subericarpa. D. Subericarpa whole leaf contains phytochemicals principles with anti-diabetic potency but may be nephrotoxic. Therefore, for clinical use, selective fractionation of active components from the toxic components is desirable.