Improving the Stability of Insulin in Solutions Containing Intestinal Proteases in Vitro
2008

Protecting Insulin from Degradation in the Intestine

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Zhang Liefeng, Jiang Hui, Zhu Wenjie, Wu Lin, Wu Lingling, Ren Qiuyan, Yong Ren

Primary Institution: Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Supramolecular Medicinal and Applications, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University

Hypothesis

Can casein, protamine, and HP-β-CD protect insulin from degradation by intestinal enzymes?

Conclusion

Casein and protamine can help protect insulin from degradation in the intestine, especially when combined with HP-β-CD.

Supporting Evidence

  • Insulin was rapidly degraded by α-chymotrypsin, but casein and protamine significantly protected it.
  • Co-incubation with HP-β-CD and casein resulted in about 80% of insulin remaining undegraded.
  • HP-β-CD alone had little effect on insulin stability, but casein showed significant protective effects.

Takeaway

This study found that certain proteins and compounds can help keep insulin safe in the stomach so it can work better when taken by mouth.

Methodology

Insulin degradation was studied using HPLC and PAGE methods to measure remaining insulin after treatment with intestinal enzymes.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3390/ijms9122376

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