The effects of grape seed procyanidin extract on insulin synthesis and secretion

Identifier:  TDX:1045

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TDX1045

Authors:  Castell Auví, Anna

Abstract:
Procyanidins are bioactive compounds found in fruits and vegetables widely consumed. It has been reported that procyanidins show some beneficial effects on glucose homeostasis, although their effects on β-cell functionality remain unresolved. This doctoral thesis is focus on describing the effects of procyanidins on insulin synthesis and secretion. Our results showed that procyanidins modify β-cell functionality through increasing the plasma insulin/mRNA ratio, although the effectiveness of the treatment depends on the physiological situation. Under non-pathological situation, procyanidins affected insulinaemia by modifying insulin synthesis, secretion and/or degradation activity. Under insulin-resistance situation, chronic procyanidins administration decreased insulin synthesis and secretion, thanks to its lipid-lowering effect. Otherwise in a more damaged model, Zucker fatty rat, procyanidins treatment is not able to reduce insulin plasma levels although they repress insulin expression. In conclusion, procyanidins could be used as bioactive compound to limit β-cell dysfunctions under high-palatable diets, but at the assayed doses, it is not enough to counteract a strong metabolic disruption.