Objective: This study aimed to explore the effect of oleuropein (OL) on insulin signal transduction in insulin resistant HepG2 hepatocytes.Method: Routine resuscitation HepG2 cells were cultured in DMEM medium (10%FBS+1% streptomycin)

incubated in 5%CO2 cell incubator at 37℃

and the routine cell culture was spread to third generation for stand-by. The insulin resistant hepatocyte model was established by stimulating HepG2 hepatocytes for 36 h with 1×10-6 mol·L-1 insulin solution. Then the cells were divided into model group

OL group (50 μmol·L-1)

and normal HepG2 hepatocytes were also used as a normal group. Each group had 6 duplicate holes and three times repeated. After 24 h of starvation culture

the logarithmic growth phase cells were induced to establish insulin resistance model. After drug intervention for 36 h

the effect of OL on cell viability was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8). After intervention by OL

Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were used to respectively detect mRNA and protein expression levels of insulin receptor (InsR)

insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1)

and glucose transporter-2 (GLUT-2) in liver cells.Result: As compared with normal group

cell viability was reduced significantly in model group (P<0.05)

and the mRNA and protein expressions of InsR

IRS-1

GLUT-2 were significantly decreased (P<0.05

P<0.01). As compared with model group

the cell viability of HepG2 cells was significantly increased after OL intervention (P<0.01); the mRNA and protein expressions of InsR

IRS-1

and GLUT-2 were significantly increased (P<0.05

P <0.01).Conclusion: OL can reduce the blood glucose and improve the insulin resistance

and the mechanism may be related to up-regulating the mRNA and protein expressions of InsR

IRS-1

and GLUT-2 in HepG2 cells.