Calycosin improves insulin resistance by regulating the hsa-miR-324-3p/AKT pathway to inhibit FOXO3a nuclear transfer

1. To study the effects of calycosin on palmitic acid-induced HepG2 cells, as well as the potential mechanisms of action. 2. Potential targets of calycosin for the alleviation of insulin resistance were predicted by network pharmacology. Glucose concentration in the culture medium was determined by the GOD-POD method. The model of insulin resistance was established by palmitic acid-induced HepG2 cells. Effects of palmitic acid and calycosin on HepG2 cell activity were determined using an MTT assay kit. The expression levels of AKT1 and FOXO3a were detected by western blot. The expression level of hsa-miR-324-3p was detected by RT-qPCR. Dual luciferase reporter assay to detect targeting of AKT1 by hsa-miR-324-3p. 3. AKT1 was predicted and validated as a potential target of calycosin for treatment of insulin resistance. The model of insulin resistance was successfully established by palmitic acid-induced HepG2 cells. Up-regulation of AKT1 expression inhibits FOXO3a entry into the nucleus. Calycosian was demonstrated to concentration-dependently increase the sensitivity of insulin resistance cells to insulin. The hsa-miR-324-3p was proven to exist in insulin-resistant cells. Hsa-miR-324-3p was found to target AKT1 involved in the alleviation of insulin resistance. 4. Calycosin inhibits FOXO3a nuclear translocation by regulating the hsa-miR-324-3p/AKT pathway, thus alleviating insulin resistance.