Insulin-Related Liver Pathways and the Therapeutic Effects of Aerobic Training, Green Coffee, and Chlorogenic Acid Supplementation in Prediabetic Mice

Background: The liver controls blood glucose levels via regulation of anabolic (glycogen synthesis and gluconeogenesis) and catabolic (glycolysis and glycogenolysis) processes through activation of the PI3K-AKT signalling pathway. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of aerobic training, green coffee, and chlorogenic acid supplementation on glucose metabolism-regulating pathways in prediabetic mice.

Methods: C57BL/6 mice were exposed to a high-fat diet and physical activity limitation to induce a state of prediabetes. After 12 weeks, mice were fed a high-fat diet compared to the control mice. The prediabetic mice were further treated with either green coffee, chlorogenic acid, or training or combinations of the same for 10 weeks. At the end of the experimental period, metabolic data (FBG, GTT, HOMA for IR, plasma level of insulinfrom systematic, AST, and ALT assessed into blood), histopathologic, and analysis of gene and protein expressions were obtained for target tissues.

Results: Training along with green coffee and chlorogenic acid supplementation improved complications of prediabetes including weight gain and elevated fasting blood glucose and plasma insulin levels. These effects were associated with the changes in mRNA levels of genes important in hepatic glycogen synthesis (GYS2), glucogenesis (PCK and G6PC2), and glycolysis (GK, PK, and PFKL).

Conclusion: The training in conjunction with green coffee or chlorogenic acid is effective in the prevention of prediabetes in mice. As these interventions are relatively inexpensive and safe application to individuals with prediabetes appears warranted.