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Biochemistry

Research Explores Potential Therapeutic Target for Type 2 Diabetes

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta have found that the collagen 1 alpha 1 (COL1A1) gene plays a crucial role in the development of diabetes complications, including insulin resistance and glucose metabolism. The study investigated the potential of cat's whisker plant (Ortosiphon aristatus) extract in increasing COL1A1 gene expression and protecting against increased blood sugar levels in hyperglycemia-induced rats. The results showed a significant decrease in blood sugar levels in all treatment groups, but no significant difference in COL1A1 gene expression between groups.

Key Takeaways:

  • The collagen 1 alpha 1 (COL1A1) gene is a potential therapeutic target for type 2 diabetes, as it regulates adipocyte function, insulin resistance, and glucose metabolism.
  • Cat's whisker plant (Ortosiphon aristatus) extract has been found to have hypoglycemic activity and increase insulin expression.
  • A study using hyperglycemia-induced rats found that COL1A1 gene expression was not significantly affected by the treatment, but blood sugar levels decreased in all treatment groups.
  • The cat's whisker plant extract may have potential therapeutic properties in reducing blood sugar levels and improving insulin sensitivity.
  • The study used a pretest and posttest controlled group design, with 18 test animals divided into six groups.
  • The study found a significant decrease in blood sugar levels in all treatment groups, but the decrease was not significantly correlated with COL1A1 gene expression.

Statistics:

  • 18 test animals were used in the study, divided into six groups.
  • The study used a dose of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kgBW of cat's whisker plant extract.
  • Blood sugar levels were measured before and after treatment for 14 days.
  • The results showed that blood sugar levels decreased by an average of 12.5% (p 0.05).
  • The study found a negative correlation between blood sugar levels and COL1A1 gene expression (p > 0.05).

Sources:

  • Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta Researchers Broaden Understanding of Extracellular Matrix Proteins (Potential Effect of Orthosiphon aristatus Leaf Extract in Improving Collagen 1 Alpha 1 Expression in Hyperglycemia-Induced Rats). Life Science Weekly. October 21, 2025; p 8193.
  • Potential Effect of Orthosiphon aristatus Leaf Extract in Improving Collagen 1 Alpha 1 Expression in Hyperglycemia-Induced Rats. Biology, Medicine & Natural Product Chemistry, 2025,14(1):357-361. (Biology, Medicine & Natural Product Chemistry - http://sciencebiology.org/index.php/BIOMEDICH).

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