4-Hydroxyisoleucine from Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum): Effects on Insulin Resistance Associated with Obesity

Abstract

Obesity and insulin resistance (IR) are interdependent multifactorial processes that cannot be understood separately. Obesity leads to systemic inflammation and increased levels of free fatty acids that provoke IR and lipotoxicity. At the same time, IR exacerbates adipose cell dysfunction, resulting in chronic inflammation and major lipotoxic effects on nonadipose tissues. 4-Hydroxyisoleucine (4-OHIle), a peculiar nonprotein amino acid isolated from fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds, exhibits interesting effects on IR related to obesity. 4-OHIle increases glucose-induced insulin release, and the insulin response mediated by 4-OHIle depends on glucose concentration. The beneficial effects observed are related to the regulation of blood glucose, plasma triglycerides, total cholesterol, free fatty acid levels, and the improvement of liver function. The mechanism of action is related to increased Akt phosphorylation and reduced activation of Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)1/2, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and nuclear factor (NF)-κB. Here, we present a review of the research regarding the insulinotropic and insulin-sensitising activity of 4-OHIle in in vitro and in vivo models.

Ethnopharmacological survey of medicinal plants with hallucinogenic effect and plants used against pain, inflammatory diseases, diabetes and urinary lithiasis in Zagora “Morocco”.

“…Indeed, the fenugreek seeds [34], Marrubium vulgare [35], N. sativa [36], A. sativum [37], Carum carvi, and Ziziphus lotus [38,39] shows an antidiabetic effects in streptozotocininduced diabetic in rat and alloxan-induced diabetes in mice. Khan et al demonstrated in vitro that P. dactylifera seeds extract inhibit α-glucosidase and α-amylase level [40].…”

Prebiotic prophylaxis of ventilator-associated pneumonia: A randomized clinical trial

“…The primary outcomes of the present study was to evaluate the incidence of VAP, as analyzed by generalized Wilcoxon test. Of the 60 patients who completed the study,22 patients were diagnosed with VAP [group 1: 7 patients (23.3 %); vs. group 2: 15 patients (50 %); p=0.03]. In this study, the addition of fenugreek seeds in the daily diet led to a significant reduction in cases of VAP.…”

“…Besides, fenugreek is a rich source of calcium, iron, vitamins A, B1, C, nicotinic acid, alkaloids, riboflavin, carotene, thiamine, niacin, free amino acids, and proteins. It is also effective in digestion and the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and hyperglycemia [20][21][22].…”

Effects of fenugreek seed powder on enteral nutrition tolerance and clinical outcomes in critically ill patients: A randomized clinical trial

“…Fenugreek seeds contain 20-25% protein, 6-8% oil, 45-50% dietary fiber, and 2-5% steroidal saponins. It is also effective in the digestion and treatment of hypercholesterolemia and hyperglycemia [16][17][18]. Fenugreek seeds were prepared from the Sabzevar region, then washed with water and air-dried for 24 h. The seeds were grinded into powder with a Wiley mill (Thomas Scientific, Philadelphia, PA, USA).…”