Luteolin Protects Pancreatic β Cells against Apoptosis through Regulation of Autophagy and ROS Clearance

Diabetes, which is mainly characterized by increased apoptosis and dysfunction of beta (β) cells, a metabolic disease caused impairment pancreatic islet function. Previous studies have demonstrated that death-associated protein kinase-related apoptosis-inducing kinase-2 (Drak2) involved in regulating β cell survival. Since natural products multiple targets often are multifunctional, making them promising compounds for the treatment diabetes, we identified Drak2 inhibitors from product library. Among products, luteolin, flavonoid, was found to be most effective compound. In vitro, luteolin effectively alleviated palmitate (PA)-induced cells PA-induced primary vivo, showed tendency lower blood glucose levels. It also STZ-induced disruption mice. This function partially relied on inhibition. Furthermore, relieve oxidative stress promote autophagy possibly improving slowing progression diabetes. conclusion, our findings show effect relieving diabetes offer potential therapeutic target protection cells. We reveal some underlying mechanisms luteolin’s cytoprotective