2000 Volume 47 Issue 2 Pages 92-96
We studied potential prophylactic effects on diabetes by measuring adipocyte functions and the insulin sensitivity of 5 fruits including peach, apple, plum, grape (Kyoho) and apricot. The following results were obtained: (1) The highly hydrophobic fraction (soluble in ether) in either of the fruits increased the levels of glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) and intracellular lipid droplet, indicating activation of adipocyte functions. The activation was dose-dependent in any fruit. In peach, in particular, marked activation was noted at a low concentration, and its less hydrophobic (insoluble in ether) fraction also had a slight activating effect. (2) The highly hydrophobic fractions increased intracellular glucose availability in the presence of insulin, indicating an increase in insulin sensitivity of cells. The increase was the most remarkable in peach, and its less hydrophobic fraction also slightly increased the glucose uptake. The components in the 5 fruits tested in this study, especially in peach, and raise the insulin sensitivity in vitro. These results suggesting prophylactic effects on life-style related diseases such as diabetes.
