Characterization of the mechanism(s) by which select compounds, found in coffee, stimulate glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 differentiated adipocytes

Type-2 diabetes (T2D) is a major health concern and continues to be on the rise, currently affecting around 462 million people globally. One promising area of research is the pursuit of novel, natural, cost-effective methods of T2D treatment and prevention. Recent research shows a negative correlation between coffee consumption and T2D. This observation supports the rationale for studies dedicated to the examination of coffee and its rich variety of small molecules with the potential to promote glucose homeostasis. Polyphenols have been well-reported to attenuate several complications associated with T2D including inflammation, hypertension, and oxidative stress. Interestingly, previous work has indicated that several polyphenols that are naturally found in coffee, including enterodiol, secoisolariciresinol, and cafestol, have the ability to promote glucose uptake in skeletal muscle cells. However, whether these effects extend to adipocytes is yet to be determined. In this study, we demonstrate that these coffee-derived polyphenols indeed promote glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. We also provide updated insight into the molecular mechanisms by which this is accomplished. Preliminary data suggest that enterodiol and secoisolariciresinol promote glucose uptake in adipocytes through a Glut4-dependent mechanism. However, more trials are needed to confirm this mechanism and to investigate mechanisms by which the other compounds promote glucose uptake.