Quercetin and quercitrin protect against cytokine-induced injuries in RINm5F β-cells via the mitochondrial pathway and NF-κB signaling

Quercetin, existing mostly in its glycoside form quercitrin, is the most widely distributed flavonoid in nature. It possesses various potential effects as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory for cell damage of beta-cells, however, studies on this topic are limited and controversial. In order to examine the effects of quercetin on type I diabetes mellitus, we investigated the role of quercetin/quercitrin in cytokine-induced beta-cell injuries in RINm5F rat insulinoma cells. Cell viability, glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS), intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO) and inflammation or apoptosis-associated protein expression were measured with or without quercetin/quercitrin treatment. We also compared the differences between the aglycone and the glycoside forms of quercetin, with the aim to shed some light on their structures and transportation into cells. The results showed that quercetin/quercitrin protected against cytokine-induced cell death, improved GSIS, and inhibited ROS as well as NO accumulation. These effects were associated with reduced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthases (iNOS) and inhibited translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B). Also, quercetin/quercitrin suppressed cytochrome c release from mitochondria and the following alteration of downstream proteins, suggesting that mitochondrial apoptosis was attenuated by quercetin treatment. In summary, quercetin and quercitrin are potential candidates to prevent beta-cell death via the mitochondrial pathway and NF-kappa B signaling, and quercetin may be more efficacious than quercitrin as an anti-diabetic agent.