Morin Exerts Anti-Diabetic Effects in Human HepG2 Cells Via Down-Regulation of miR-29a

Abstract Diabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic disease around the world that is characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from impaired insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. MicroRNA-29a is an important regulator of insulin signaling and gluconeogenesis pathways through IRS2, PI3K and PEPCK expressions which up regulates in Diabetes. Morin is a substantial bioflavonoid which has insulin mimetic effect, and interacting with nucleic acids and proteins. In this study HepG2 cells, were exposed to high glucose to induce diabetic condition. We have determined whether high glucose stimulation might promotes miR-29a expression level in HepG2 cells and subsequently evaluated the Morin treatment effects on this state. In HepG2 cells, high glucose increases miR-29a expression level and decreases its target genes, IRS2 and PI3K expression, and increases associated downstream gene in gluconeogenic pathway, PEPCK. Morin treatment down regulates miR-29a expression level and improves insulin signaling and glucose metabolism. To confirm the inhibitory effects of Morin on miR-29a, we have transfected cells with mimic and inhibitor-miR-29a. This study for the first time identifies that Morin improves diabetic condition through down regulation of the miR-29a level, and suggest that this new inhibitor of miR-29a may be a useful biomedicine to treat diabetes.