New Frontiers for the Use of IP6 and Inositol Combination in Treating Diabetes Mellitus: A Review

Abstract

Inositol, or myo-inositol, and associated analog molecules, including myo-inositol hexakisphosphate, are known to possess beneficial biomedical properties and are now being widely studied. The impact of these compounds in improving diabetic indices is significant, especially in light of the high cost of treating diabetes mellitus and associated disorders globally. It is theorized that, within ten years, the global population of people with the disease will reach 578 million individuals, with the cost of care projected to be approximately 2.5 trillion dollars. Natural alternatives to pharmaceuticals are being sought, and this has led to studies involving inositol, and myo-inositol-hexakisphosphate, also referred to as IP6. It has been reported that IP6 can improve diabetic indices and regulate the activities of some metabolic enzymes involved in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Current research activities have been focusing on the mechanisms of action of inositol and IP6 in the amelioration of the indices of diabetes mellitus. We demonstrated that an IP6 and inositol combination supplement may regulate insulin secretion, modulate serum leptin concentrations, food intake, and associated weight gain, which may be beneficial in both prediabetic and diabetic states. The supplement attenuates vascular damage by reducing red cell distribution width. Serum HDL is increased while serum triglycerides tend to decrease with consumption of the combination supplement, perhaps due to the modulation of lipogenesis involving reduced serum lipase activity. We also noted increased fecal lipid output following combination supplement consumption. Importantly, liver function was found to be preserved. Concurrently, serum reactive oxygen species production was reduced, indicating that inositol and IP6 supplement consumption may reduce free radical damage to tissues and organs as well as serum lipids and blood glucose by preserving liver function. This review provides an overview of the findings associated with inositol and IP6 supplementation in the effective treatment of diabetes with a view to proposing the potential mechanisms of action.

Signalling Properties of Inositol Polyphosphates

“…Potential beneficial effects of exogenous IPs have also been explored in other diseases including diabetes [ 81 ], which, possibly, is not surprising considering that IPs and PP-IPs have been involved in insulin secretion, as previously mentioned.…”

Interrelationship of myo-inositol pathways with systemic metabolic conditions in two strains of high-performance laying hens during their productive life span

“…Furthermore, MI can be used to intracellularly synthesize inositol hexakisphosphate (phytic acid; InsP6), which is also described to promote various ameliorating effects on metabolism and energy expenditure 19 . A reduction of oxidative stress and an increase in insulin sensitivity are the most striking metabolic outcomes of MI and InsP6 supplementation in human and rats 18 . Improved insulin sensitivity was in part based on an increase in glucose transporter 4 translocation into the plasma membrane of skeletal muscle cells by MI resulting in higher cellular glucose uptake 20 .…”

“…It was found that liver lipid accumulation could be prevented by MI supplementation in rats fed with high sugar diets 17 . Due to the tight cross-talk of insulin with the adipokine leptin, MI might promote also an increase in energy expenditure and reduction of food intake leading to a decrease in plasma glucose levels in diabetes type 2 patients 18 . Furthermore, MI can be used to intracellularly synthesize inositol hexakisphosphate (phytic acid; InsP6), which is also described to promote various ameliorating effects on metabolism and energy expenditure 19 .…”

Inositol hexaphosphate modulates the behavior of macrophages through alteration of gene expression involved in pathways of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory responses, and resolution of inflammation pathways

“…However, some facts require further investigation, especially the role of IP6 in modulating immune cells and associated inflammatory responses. Macrophages contribute to various exacerbated inflammatory diseases, including diabetes, atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, and cancer (Chawla et al., 2011; Fujiwara & Kobayashi, 2005; Omoruyi et al., 2020; Özturan et al., 2019). However, little is known about the effect of IP6 on macrophages.…”