Wild Rice-derived exosome-like nanoparticles relieve insulin resistance in HepG2 cells

Chinese wild rice is a naturally occurring, edible, and medicinal grain with hypoglycemic and antioxidant properties. This study employed differential centrifugation to prepare Chinese wild rice-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (WRNPs) and established an insulin resistance model in HepG2 cells, aiming to investigate their effects on insulin resistance and underlying mechanisms. Research indicateed that WRNPs can enhanced SOD, CAT, and GSH levels while reducing MDA levels, thereby mitigating oxidative stress in IR-HepG2 cells by modulating the KEAP1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Concurrently, they regulated glucose metabolism by promoting glycolysis and glycogen synthesis while inhibiting gluconeogenesis through the IRS-1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thereby improving insulin resistance. These findings provide theoretical support for research into the health mechanisms of arrowhead rice. • WRNPs has significant hypoglycaemic and antioxidant effects. • WRNPs enhance glucose uptake in HepG2 cells by promoting glycolysis and inhibiting gluconeogenesis. • WRNPs alleviate IR by modulating oxidative stress.