Effect of Naringin on Beta Cell Transcription Factors PDX-1 and FoxM1

Naringin, a flavanone glycoside, administration to diabetic rats reduces the symptoms of diabetes and corrects the disturbances in the carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolism. Further, it reduces the lipid peroxidation and improves the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant status of the pancreatic tissue. The present study highlights the role of naringin in the expression of two pancreatic transcription factors PDX-1 and FoxM1, which play a crucial role in the maintenance and proliferation of beta cells respectively. Naringin upregulates the expression of PDX-1 resulting in sustenance of mature beta cells and increased insulin secretion. Naringin also upregulates the expression of FoxM1 causing the proliferation of preexisting beta cells and thereby increasing the beta cell mass. The work establishes promising data to develop naringin as a new pharmacological agent for the treatment of diabetes.