Effects of nano-curcumin on gene expression of insulin and insulin receptor

Weaam Gouda,Mie Afify,Ahmed S Alazzouni,Naglaa A Hafiz,Lamiaa Mageed,Mohamed D E Abdelmaksoud,Wagdy K B Khalil

doi:10.1186/s42269-019-0164-0

Abstract

BackgroundThis study investigates the effects of nano-curcumin on gene expression of insulin and insulin receptor in diabetic rats. Forty female rats were divided into four groups (ten rats for each). The first group was non-diabetic rats acting as negative control and rats of the second group were rendered diabetic by STZ served as positive controls. The third one was induced diabetic and received oral Diamicron for 3 weeks. The fourth was rendered diabetic and administrated oral nano-curcumin for 3 weeks.ResultsA significant increase of blood glucose was showed in diabetic rats with significant reduction of insulin level compared to non-diabetic controls. The gene expression of insulin and insulin receptor were more significant in diabetic untreated rats compared to the control non-diabetic group. The induction of curcumin as well as Diamicron to diabetic rats normalized significantly their blood sugar level. Also, curcumin-treated rats indicated significant higher in gene expression of insulin and insulin receptor than positive and negative controls.ConclusionThe results suggest that nano-curcumin could be used as antidiabetic therapy, induced hypoglycemia, and increase the gene expression of insulin and insulin receptor in STZ-induced diabetic rats. More studies are needed to illustrate the definite mechanism of action of nano-curcumin concerning the upregulation of gene expression of the above-mentioned genes.

Highlights

The incidence of diabetes is increasing rapidly throughout the last three decades, which is being one of the main epidemic non-communicable diseases
The high level of glucose in diabetic rats was reduced as result of Diamicron and curcumin administration (149.5 mg/dl and 158.75 mg/dl) respectively
The effect of nano-curcumin on blood insulin level of STZ diabetic rats was significantly different from diabetic untreated rats

Summary

Introduction

The incidence of diabetes is increasing rapidly throughout the last three decades, which is being one of the main epidemic non-communicable diseases. Available synthetic antidiabetic agents cause severe side effects such as hypoglycemic coma and hepatorenal disorders (Gupta et al 2008). This study investigates the effects of nano-curcumin on gene expression of insulin and insulin receptor in diabetic rats. The first group was non-diabetic rats acting as negative control and rats of the second group were rendered diabetic by STZ served as positive controls. The third one was induced diabetic and received oral Diamicron for 3 weeks. The fourth was rendered diabetic and administrated oral nano-curcumin for 3 weeks

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Results

Discussion

Conclusion