Scopoletin Supplementation Ameliorates Steatosis and Inflammation in Diabetic Mice

Scopoletin is a bioactive component in many edible plants and fruits. This study investigated the effects of scopoletin on hepatic steatosis and inflammation in a high‐fat diet fed type 1 diabetic mice by comparison with metformin. Scopoletin (0.01%, w/w) or metformin (0.5%, w/w) was provided with a high‐fat diet to streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice for 11 weeks. Both scopoletin and metformin lowered blood glucose and HbA_1c, serum ALT, TNF‐α and IL‐6 levels, glucose intolerance, and hepatic lipid accumulation compared with the diabetic control group. Scopoletin or metformin down‐regulated hepatic gene expression of triglyceride (Pparg, Plpp2, and Dgat2) and cholesterol (Hmgcr) synthesis as well as inflammation (Tlr4, Myd88, Nfkb1, Tnfa, and Il6), while it up‐regulated Cyp7a1 gene. Hepatic PPARγ and DGAT2 protein levels were also down‐regulated in scopoletin or metformin group compared with the control group. Scopoletin or metformin also inhibited hepatic fatty acid synthase and phosphatidate phosphohydrolase activities. These results suggest that scopoletin protects against diabetes‐induced steatosis and inflammation by inhibiting lipid biosynthesis and TLR4‐MyD88 pathways. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.