Syntra-5 downregulates inflammatory signaling in obese type 2 diabetes murine model in vivo

We compared anti-inflammatory activity of Syntra-5, an herbal dietary supplement, versus metformin, Actos (pioglitazone hydrochloride), and Byetta (exenatide) in obese diabetic BKS.Cg-m+/Lepr^db/Bom Tac female mice (8 per group, including controls) on normal diet (ND) or high fat diet (HFD) +/- drugs for 8 weeks. We measured plasma levels of 40 biomarkers [chemokines, cytokines, endocrine markers, growth factors and metabolites including glucose, insulin, advanced glycation end product (AGE), cholesterol and triglycerides]. Pyruvate kinase activity, citrate, ADP and A TP and hexokinase II levels were determined in muscle. Organ pathology was assessed microscopically. Mean values of biomarkers were compared between treatment groups. Biomarker means varied significantly by treatment group and diet. Syntra-5 decreased levels of eotaxin, MCP-1, MCP-3, M-CSF, and increased IL-4 (ND), and decreased G-CSF, GM-CSF, and TGF² (HFD) relative to controls. Pyruvate kinase and AGE increased, while insulin decreased in Syntra-5-treated animals relative to untreated on ND. Treatment group contrasts on biomarkers (MCP-3, IL-17, AGE, and insulin) also varied with diet. Syntra-5 decreased progression of histopathological changes versus all groups. Syntra-5 demonstrated superior anti-inflammatory activity relative to the anti-diabetic drugs on a background of genetic obesity, supporting the contention that Syntra-5 may be effective for type 2 diabetes.