The study on the prophylactic effects of agricultural products on lifestyle related diseases Part I - Adipocyte functions and the insulin sensitivityof extracts from 5 fruits including peach, apple, plum, grape (Kyoho) and apricot

We studied potential prophylactic effects on diabetes by measuring adipocyt e functions and the insulin sensitivity of 5 fruits including peach, apple, plum, grape (Kyoho) and apricot. The following results were obtained : (1) The highly hydrophobic fraction (soluble in ether) in either of the fruits increased the levels of glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) and intr acellular lipid droplet, indicating activation of adipocyte functions. The activation was dose-dependent in any fruit. In peach, in particular, marked activation was noted at a low concentration, and its less hydrophobic (ins oluble in ether) fraction also had a slight activating effect. (2) The high ly hydrophobic fractions increased intracellular glucose availability in th e presence of insulin, indicating an increase in insulin sensitivity of cel ls. The increase was the most remarkable in peach, and its less hydrophobic fraction also slightly increased the glucose uptake. The components in the 5 fruits tested in this study, especially in peach, and raise the insulin sensitivity in vitro. These results suggesting prophylactic effects on life -style related diseases such as diabetes.