Objective: To investigate the effect of Mori Folium effective parts (total polysaccharides

flavonoids and total alkaloids) on high insulin-induced insulin resistance of human hepG2 cells by nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB) pathway. Method: The insulin resistance cell model was induced by insulin stimulated human HepG2 cells for 48 h. The experimental groups were the control group

the model group (10 μg·mL-1 insulin)

total polysaccharide (MFP) group

total flavonoid (MFF) group

the total alkaloid group (MFA)

parthenolide (PTL) group. Residual glucose content of liquid culture was detected using glucose oxidase-peroxidase method (GOD-POD). Expressions of NF-κB

I-κB kinase β(IκKβ) and inhibitor κB protein α(IκBα) mRNA were detected using RT-qPCR. The relative expressions of protein NF-κB

IκKβ and IκBαwere detected using Western blot. Result: The optimal doses against insulin resistance for MFP

MFF

MFA and PTL were 200

100

10

20 μmol·L-1

respectively. After insulin stimulation

NF-κB

IκKβ activity were enhanced significantly (P<0.01)

NF-κB binding protein IκBα decreased significantly (P<0.01)

which indicated that NF-κB pathway had been activated. After intervention of the mulberry effective parts

only flavonoids could lower NF-κB

IκKβ activity significantly (P<0.05)

inhibite the degradation of IκBα (P<0.05). The results was not significant in polysaccharide group and alkaloid group. Conclusion: After high insulin-induced insulin resistance in HepG2 cells

NF-κB pathway was activated to some extent

suggesting that there is a certain relationship between insulin resistance and NF-κB inflammatory pathways. Meanwhile

mulberry flavonoids could improve the insulin resistance by NF-κB pathway.