Glucose Lowering Effect of Transgenic Human Insulin-like Growth Factor-I from Rice
Author Information
Author(s): Cheung Stanley CK, Liu Li-zhong, Lan Lin-lin, Liu Qiao-quan, Sun Samuel SM, Chan Juliana CN, Tong Peter CY
Primary Institution: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Hypothesis
Functional rhIGF-I could be produced in transgenic rice grains.
Conclusion
Biologically active rhIGF-I can be produced in transgenic rice, which effectively reduces blood glucose levels in diabetic rats.
Supporting Evidence
- One gram of SI rice grain had the maximum activity level equivalent to 3.2 μM of commercial rhIGF-I.
- Rice-derived rhIGF-I induced membrane ruffling and enhanced glucose uptake in rat skeletal muscle cells.
- Oral administration of transgenic rhIGF-I rice reduced plasma glucose levels in diabetic rats.
Takeaway
Scientists made rice that can produce a special protein that helps lower blood sugar, which could help people with diabetes.
Methodology
Transgenic rice was created using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation to express rhIGF-I, followed by in vitro and in vivo testing for glucose uptake and blood glucose levels.
Limitations
The study is preliminary and only tested the acute effects of rhIGF-I; long-term effects and purification for clinical use were not addressed.
Participant Demographics
Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and Zucker diabetic fatty rats were used for in vivo studies.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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