β-Conglycinin Peptides Improve Glucose Uptake through the AMPK Signaling Pathway in L6 Myotubes

Soy β-conglycinin (βCG) consumption has been shown to improve insulin resistance and suppress diet-induced obesity. These physiological effects seem to be mediated by the normalization of adiponectin and insulin sensitivity. Here, we show that artificial enzyme-hydrolyzed βCG peptides promote uptake of 2-deoxyglucose, a glucose analogue, accompanied by translocation of glucose transporter 4 in skeletal L6 myotubes. Inhibition of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) attenuated βCG peptides-induced glucose uptake activity, while inhibition of both insulin and nitrogen monoxide signaling did not affect the glucose uptake activity. Taken together, these results indicate that βCG peptides directly induced glucose uptake through the AMPK signaling pathway in muscle cells and might function to prevent insulin resistance.