Isoliquiritigenin (ILG)

Isoliquiritigenin (ILG), a chalcone from Glycyrrhiza uralensis, has various biological properties. ILG markedly inhibited inflammation, but the effects on the brain inflammation and insulin resistance induced by high-fat diet (HFD) are still unknown. ICR mice were treated with HFD diet for 8 weeks to induce peripheral insulin resistance prior to being intervened with rosiglitazone, ILG (30, 60 mg/kg). 4 weeks later, Morris Water Maze (MWM) was used to assess the learning and memory, the insulin resistance index was measured, and the brain inflammation cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α) were assessed. Meanwhile, the p-JNK, p-IRS Ser307 protein expressions in the hippocampus were also detected using the western blot to explore the corresponding mechanisms. ILG could significantly alleviate the cognitive impairments in the MWM test and attenuate peripheral insulin resistance.