Hepatic Hexokinase Activity Research Articles

Effects of Mung Bean Water Supplementation on Modulating Lipid and Glucose Metabolism in a Diabetic Rat Model.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is often associated with chronic inflammation exacerbated by hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia. Mung beans have a longstanding reputation in traditional medicine for their purported ability to lower blood glucose levels, prompting interest in their pharmacological properties. This study aimed to explore the impact of mung bean water (MBW) on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in a T2DM rat model induced by nicotinamide/streptozotocin. Normal and DM rats were supplemented with a stock solution of MBW as drinking water ad libitum daily for 8 weeks. MBW supplementation led to significant reductions in plasma total cholesterol, HDL-C, and VLDL-C + LDL-C levels, and decreased malondialdehyde levels in plasma and liver samples, indicating reduced oxidative stress. MBW supplementation lowered plasma glucose levels and upregulated hepatic hexokinase activity, suggesting enhanced glucose utilization. Additionally, MBW decreased hepatic glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and glutathione peroxidase activities, while hepatic levels of glutathione and glutathione disulfide remained unchanged. These findings underscore the potential of MBW to improve plasma glucose and lipid metabolism in DM rats, likely mediated by antioxidant effects and the modulation of hepatic enzyme activities. Further exploration of bioactive components of MBW and its mechanisms could unveil new therapeutic avenues for managing diabetes and its metabolic complications.

Effect of dietary carbohydrate level on growth, feed utilization, energy retention, body composition, and digestive and metabolic enzyme activities of juvenile cobia, Rachycentron canadum

Carnivorous fish, such as cobia Rachycentron canadum, tend not to have a specific requirement for dietary carbohydrates (CBH). However, if CBH is not provided in the diet, other energy-yielding nutrients, such as protein and lipids, are catabolized to produce energy. Therefore, knowing the optimum level of dietary CBH would be useful for cobia aquaculture. In the present study, four isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were prepared to investigate the effects of dietary CBH level (4.8–22.5 %) on growth performance and body composition of, and feed utilization, by juvenile cobia (initially weighing 22.2 ± 0.27 g/fish). Each diet was given to triplicate groups of cobia for 8 weeks. Both the final body weight and specific growth rate increased with increasing dietary CBH levels. Feed intake decreased with increasing dietary CBH levels (P < 0.05), whereas, feed efficiency and the protein efficiency ratio increased (P < 0.05). As the level of dietary CBH increased, the condition factor, hepatosomatic index, viscerosomatic index, and intraperitoneal fat ratio generally increased (P < 0.05). The whole-body lipid content generally increased with increasing dietary CBH levels, with the lipid content of fish fed a 22.5 % dietary CBH diet being significantly higher than other treatments. Moisture content showed the reverse response to that of lipids. Body protein and ash contents were not significantly related to dietary CBH (P > 0.05). Activities of hepatic glucokinase increased with increasing dietary CBH levels, being significantly higher in fish fed a 22.5 % CBH diet compared with other groups (P < 0.05). In contrast, the activities of hepatic hexokinase and pyruvate kinase showed the opposite trend. The activities of intestinal amylase and trypsin were negatively related to dietary CBH levels. Thus, dietary CBH promoted the growth and feed utilization of cobia, although it also had negative effects, such as higher lipid deposition and higher body indices. Based on these results, we recommend that inclusion of CBH in the diet of cobia is beneficial, whereas, the optimal level of CBH should be carefully evaluated.

Chitosan Oligosaccharide Alleviates Abnormal Glucose Metabolism without Inhibition of Hepatic Lipid Accumulation in a High-Fat Diet/Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rat Model.

This study investigated the effects of chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) on glucose metabolism and hepatic steatosis in a high-fat (HF) diet/streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model. Male Wistar rats were divided into: (1) normal control (NC group), (2) HF diet (HF group), (3) streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes with HF diet (DF group), and DF group supplemented with (4) 0.5% COS (D0.5F group), (5) 1% COS (D1F group), and (6) 5% COS (D5F group) for 4 weeks. COS supplementation significantly decreased the plasma glucose, BUN, creatinine, uric acid, triglyceride (TG), and total cholesterol (TC) levels, and hepatic glucose-6-phosphatase activity, and significantly increased hepatic hexokinase activity and glycogen content in diabetic rats; but the increased hepatic TG and TC levels could not be significantly decreased by COS supplementation. Supplementation of COS increased superoxide dismutase activity and decreased lipid peroxidation products in the diabetic rat livers. COS supplementation significantly increased phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) protein expression, and attenuated protein expression of hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and phosphorylated p38 and renal sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) in diabetic rats. These results suggest that COS may possess a potential for alleviating abnormal glucose metabolism in diabetic rats through the inhibition of hepatic gluconeogenesis and lipid peroxidation and renal SGLT2 expression.

Computational, chemical profiling and biochemical evaluation of antidiabetic potential of Parkia biglobosa stem bark extract in type 2 model of rats

The present study investigated the antidiabetic and antioxidant capacity of hydromethanol extract from Parkia biglobosa stem bark (PBSBHM) in fructose-streptozotocin induced type 2 diabetic rats after 28 days of oral administration. Simultaneously, evaluated the phenolic profiles and mineral compositions of crude extract. Molecular docking analysis of protocatechuic acid, the most abundant phenolic acid with potential downstream partners protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase C (PKC), and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMK II), was investigated. The preliminary results showed that PBSBHM crude extract contained 225.2 ± 18.25 mg GAE/g of total phenolic and 99.28 ± 12.3 mg QE/g of total flavonoid. Both protocatechuic and gallic acids were identified as a prominent phenolic compound through HPLC analysis, while vanillic acid was not detected. High mineral composition of K, Mg, P, Ca while Mn and Cr as trace elements were found in PBSBHM by plasma optical emission spectroscopy. PBSBHM extracts showed a significant radical scavenging activity from a therapeutic point of view, a moderate antioxidant potential and improved glucose tolerance after 30 min of glucose loading. PBSBHM extracts significantly attenuated serum glucose level and glycosylated haemoglobin at the tested dosage. However, it elevated the hepatic hexokinase activity and glycogen level compared with the diabetic untreated rats. PBSBHM ameliorates the decreased activity of pancreatic superoxide dismutase, catalase and reduced glutathione but decreased the MDA level. Docking analysis of protocatechuic acid showed a moderate affinity for the target enzymes compared to the standard drugs. Our data showed that the stem bark extract of this botanical has antidiabetic potential and at least in part substantiates its traditional use in the management of diabetes, possibly due to the synergistic interactions of protocatechuic acid with other biologically active components.

Biosynthesis of magnesium hydroxide nanomaterials using Monodora myristica, antioxidative activities and effect on disrupted glucose metabolism in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat

The anti-diabetic potentials of biosynthesized magnesium hydroxide nanoparticles using Monodora myristica (Mg(OH)2NP-Mm) seed extract was studied. Bioactive phytochemical constituents of M. myristica seeds were screened prior to synthesis. Characterization using UV, FTIR, SEM, TEM and EDX was carried out as well as in vitro antioxidant activities of the synthesized Mg(OH)2NP-Mm. Forty-eight adult male Wistar rats (150–250 g) were randomly grouped into 8 groups of 6 rats and diabetes induced with a low dose streptozotocin (ip, 55 mg/kg bw). Diabetic animals were administered 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg bw Mg(OH)2NP-Mm for 21 days with Mg(OH)2NP-STD (150 mg/kg bw) and glibenclamide (5 mg/kg bw) as control groups. However, characterization of Mg(OH)2NP-Mm showed light-scattering capacity (220–235 nm), functional groups (such as C–O, CC, C–H and alcoholic O–H), size (5–100 nm), a well-coordinated spherical shape and elemental composition: Mg-65.2, Si-6.42, C-28.7 and O-9.1%. Antioxidant evaluation showed total phenols (1.8 ± 0.6 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (0.05 ± 0.01 mg QE/g), total antioxidant (phosphomolybdenum reduction) (0.97 ± 0.07 mg AAE/g), FRAP (0.89 ± 0.23 mg AAE/g) OH•-scavenging ability (IC50 = 36 ± 2 μg/mL), as well as α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities with IC50 of 0.17 ± 0.01 and 0.18 ± 0.01 μg/mL, respectively. Administration of Mg(OH)2NP-Mm led to a significant (p < 0.05) improvement in hematological indices, fasting blood glucose, serum insulin concentration, hepatic hexokinase activity and lactate dehydrogenase activity. These results suggested that biosynthesized Mg(OH)2NP-Mm could probably mitigate hyperglycemia by β-cell protection and restoration of glycolytic enzyme activity.

Consumption of Terpenoids-Rich Padina pavonia Extract Attenuates Hyperglycemia, Insulin Resistance and Oxidative Stress, and Upregulates PPARγ in a Rat Model of Type 2 Diabetes.

Seaweeds are rich in structurally diverse bioactive compounds with promising therapeutic effects. This study aimed to isolate and identify terpenes from the brown alga Padina pavonia and to investigate its antidiabetic activity, pointing to the possible involvement of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ. Type 2 diabetes was induced by feeding rats a high fat diet (HFD) for 4 weeks followed by injection of 35 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ). The diabetic rats received P. pavonia extract (PPE; 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) for 4 weeks and samples were collected for analyses. HFD/STZ-induced rats showed hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, impaired glucose tolerance, decreased insulin, and increased HbA1c and HOMA-IR. PPE ameliorated hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia, and improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in diabetic rats. Treatment with PPE increased hepatic hexokinase activity and glycogen, suppressed glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose-1,6-biphosphatase, and glycogen phosphorylase, and attenuated oxidative stress, inflammation, and liver injury and lipid infiltration in HFD/STZ-induced rats. In addition, PPE boosted antioxidants and upregulated PPARγ gene and protein expression in the liver of diabetic rats. Phytochemical investigation resulted in the isolation of six terpenes from PPE and in silico analysis revealed their binding affinity toward PPARγ. In conclusion, P. pavonia-derived terpenes attenuated hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation, and improved insulin sensitivity and carbohydrate metabolism in type 2 diabetic rats. These beneficial effects are mediated via PPARγ activation. However, further studies to explore the exact mechanisms underlying the antidiabetic effect of PPE are recommended.

Effects of acute hyperglycaemia stress on indices of glucose metabolism and glucose transporter genes expression in cobia ( Rachycentron canadum )

The objective of the present study is to preliminarily clarify the mechanism of carbohydrates metabolism in cobia (Rachycentron canadum) (85 ± 3 g) receiving injection of glucose solution. We examined plasma glucose (GLU), total protein (TP), triglyceride (TG), cholesterol (CHOL), insulin, liver glycogen and muscle glycogen, activities of hepatic hexokinase (HK), phosphofructokinase (PFK) and pyruvate kinase (PK), as well as relative expressions of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), GLUT2, GLUT3, GLUT4, GLUT5 and GLUT9 in hemocyte, liver and muscle of R. canadum when fish were injected with 200 μl of glucose solution (255 mg/ml) after 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 hr. Fish received injection of 0.68% saline served as control. Results indicated that the plasma GLU, TG and CHOL increased and reached peak at 1, 8 and 48 hr postinjection (hpi) respectively. The hepatic glycogen increased from 1 hpi, and reached peak at 8 hpi, plasma insulin increased at 1 hpi, and reached peak at 2 hpi, and activity of hepatic PK peaked at 8 hpi. Furthermore, the relative expressions of GLUT1, GLUT2, GLUT3, GLUT4 and GLUT5 in hemocytes reached peak at 1,4, 8, 4 and 8 hpi, respectively, relative expressions of GLUT2, GLUT3, GLUT5 and GLUT9 in liver reached peak at 24, 24, 12 and 24 hpi, respectively, and relative expressions of GLUT1 and GLUT3 in muscle were significantly higher at 2 and 2–4 hpi, respectively compared with those in controls. In conclusion, low ability of utilizing glucose in R. canadum may be attributed to insufficient insulin secretion, low activities of key glycolytic enzymes (HK, PFK and PK) regulated by glucose injection and slow increase of GLUTs.

Antidiabetic property of miracle fruit plant (Synsepalum dulcificum Shumach. & Thonn. Daniell) leaf extracts in fructose-fed streptozotocin-injected rats via anti-inflammatory activity and inhibition of carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes

Ethnopharmacological relevanceMiracle fruit plant (Synsepalum dulcificum) has many applications in folk medicine. The leaves are used traditionally to treat diabetes and other diseases. The antidiabetic potential of Synsepalum dulcificum leaves in rats has been studied but the mechanisms involved are yet to be elucidated. AimThe present study aimed to provide insight into the antidiabetic mechanisms of methanol and flavonoid-rich leaf extracts of Synsepalum dulcificum (MSD and FSD, respectively). MethodsIn vivo effects of administering 30 mg/kg or 60 mg/kg MSD and FSD for 21 consecutive days to rats after type II diabetes was induced through 14 days of fructose feeding and injection of one dose of streptozotocin, were assessed. Glibenclamide (5 mg/kg) served as the reference drug. In addition, in vitro inhibitory activity of MSD and FSD on the carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes, α-amylase and glucokinase, were evaluated, with acarbose as the reference drug. Moreover, in silico analyses to elucidate the contribution of key polyphenolics to the antidiabetic activity of the extracts through docking with glucokinase were performed. ResultsMSD and FSD significantly reduced HbA1c and serum levels of interleukin-6 and TNF-α (p < 0.05) in diabetic animals. Conversely, serum level of insulin and hepatic hexokinase activity were increased (p < 0.05) in extract treated groups. Both extracts showed α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. Quercetin, caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid in extracts showed strong binding affinities with glucokinase in the molecular docking analyses. ConclusionResults from this study indicate that increased insulin synthesis, reduction of inflammation and inhibition of carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes are likely mechanisms by which MSD and FSD exert antidiabetic action in type II diabetic rats.

Evidence for liver energy metabolism programming in offspring subjected to intrauterine undernutrition during midgestation

BackgroundMaternal undernutrition programs fetal energy homeostasis and increases the risk of metabolic disorders later in life. This study aimed to identify the signs of hepatic metabolic programming in utero and during the juvenile phase after intrauterine undernutrition during midgestation.MethodsFifty-three pregnant goats were assigned to the control (100% of the maintenance requirement) or restricted (60% of the maintenance requirement from day 45 to day 100 of midgestation and realimentation thereafter) group to compare hepatic energy metabolism in the fetuses (day 100 of gestation) and kids (postnatal day 90).ResultsUndernutrition increased the glucagon concentration and hepatic hexokinase activity, decreased the body weight, liver weight and hepatic expression of G6PC, G6PD, and PGC1α mRNAs, and tended to decrease the hepatic glycogen content and ACOX1 mRNA level in the dams. Maternal undernutrition decreased the growth hormone (GH) and triglyceride concentrations, tended to decrease the body weight and hepatic hexokinase activity, increased the hepatic PCK1, PCK2 and PRKAA2 mRNAs levels and glucose-6-phosphatase activity, and tended to increase the hepatic PRKAB1 and CPT1α mRNAs levels in the male fetuses. In the restricted female fetuses, the hepatic hexokinase activity and G6PC mRNA level tended to be increased, but PKB1 mRNA expression was decreased and the ACACA, CPT1α, NR1H3 and STK11 mRNA levels tended to be decreased. Maternal undernutrition changed the hepatic metabolic profile and affected the metabolic pathway involved in amino acid, glycerophospholipid, bile acid, purine, and saccharide metabolism in the fetuses, but not the kids. Additionally, maternal undernutrition increased the concentrations of GH and cortisol, elevated the hepatic glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity, and tended to decrease the hepatic glycogen content in the male kids. No alterations in these variables were observed in the female kids.ConclusionsMaternal undernutrition affects the metabolic status in a sex- and stage-specific manner by changing the metabolic profile, expression of genes involved in glucose homeostasis and enzyme activities in the liver of the fetuses. The changes in the hormone levels in the male fetuses and kids, but not the female offspring, represent a potential sign of metabolic programming.

Dietary protein-to-carbohydrate ratios affect metabolism and growth of juvenile surubim cachara (Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum)

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary carbohydrates (CHO) and protein on growth performance, nutrient retention, blood metabolites, tissue energy reserves (hepatic glycogen and lipids, mesenteric fat index, and hepatosomatic index), and key metabolic enzyme activities (hexokinase, glucokinase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and aspartate aminotransferase) of surubim cachara (Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum). Six experimental diets containing one of two CHO levels (170 or 300 g kg−1) and three crude protein (CP) levels (360, 400, or 440 g kg−1) were fed to four replicate groups of P. reticulatum (69.2 ± 4.4 g) for 60 days. The results showed that 300 g kg−1 CHO resulted in a worse final weight (FW, 208.4 ± 26.9 g), weight gain (WG, 139.4 ± 23.9 g), specific growth rate (SGR, 1.8 ± 0.2% day−1), apparent feed conversion (AFC, 1.5 ± 0.3), and protein efficiency ratio (PER, 163.7 ± 23.4%) than fish fed 170 g kg−1 CHO (FW, 241.4 ± 37.3 g; WG, 171.9 ± 36.6 g; SGR, 2.1 ± 0.2% day−1; AFC, 1.2 ± 0.2; PER, 203.7 ± 36.9%). Fish fed 170 g kg−1 CHO showed greater retention of CP (REcp, 36.3 ± 6.9%) and energy (REge, 23.9 ± 5.6%) in their carcass than fish fed 300 g kg−1 CHO (REcp, 28.9 ± 3.9%, REge, 18.5 ± 3.7%). The highest blood glucose levels (97.7 ± 32.7 mg dL−1) were observed in fish fed the 300CHO/400CP diet, and they had a significantly lower mesenteric fat index (0.85 ± 0.26%) than fish fed with the 170CHO/400CP diet (1.25 ± 0.33%). Hepatic hexokinase activity increased in fish fed 300 g kg−1 CHO, resulting in an activity of 5.0 μmol mg−1 of protein, whereas fish fed 170 g kg−1 CHO had an activity of 3.2 μmol mg−1 of protein. These results demonstrate that dietary CHO directly affect the intermediary metabolism of P. reticulatum and feeding 300 g kg−1 CHO and 440 g kg−1 CP should be considered excessive as it results in decreased nutrient retention in the carcass and decreased growth performance despite metabolic adjustments.

Effect of dietary carbohydrate levels on growth performance, body composition, intestinal and hepatic enzyme activities, and growth hormone gene expression of juvenile golden pompano, Trachinotus ovatus

Abstract A growth trial was conducted to determine the optimum dietary carbohydrate level of juvenile golden pompano ( Trachinotus ovatus ). Six isonitrogenous and isoenergetic experimental diets (43% crude protein and 16.8 MJ kg − 1 diet) using corn starch as the carbohydrate source were formulated to contain six carbohydrate levels. Each diet was tested in triplicate for 8 weeks. Weight gain, specific growth rate, feed intake, protein efficiency ratio, hepatosomatic index, and viserosomatic index increased significantly as dietary starch levels increased from 0% to 16.8% ( P P P > 0.05) among all treatments. Carcass lipid content decreased but carcass protein content increased significantly as dietary carbohydrate levels increased ( P P > 0.05) among all treatments. Glycogen content in muscle and liver increased significantly as dietary carbohydrate levels increased ( P P + , K + -ATPase activities all increased with dietary carbohydrate levels up to 11.2% ( P P > 0.05). Hepatic hexokinase activity increased and hepatic glucose-6-phosphatase activity decreased significantly as dietary carbohydrate levels increased ( P P > 0.05). Expression of hepatic growth hormone (GH) gene was positively related to growth performance. In conclusion, results suggested that the optimum carbohydrate level for juvenile golden pompano could be 11.2–16.8% of the diet.

Antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activity of MCy protein

Previous studies reported the beneficial role of Momordica cymbalaria (MC) for diabetes mellitus (DM). The current study evaluates the efficacy of antihyperglycemic activity of MCy protein (MCP), which we recently reported from the fruits of MC. Here we studied the long‐term (6 weeks) treatment effects of MCP in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats on the levels of glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, insulin, lipids and activities of carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes. MCP reduced the fasting blood glucose levels by increasing the plasma insulin accompanied by an improvement in the glycemic control. The results further showed that the MCP treatment has antihyperlipidemic activity. Administration of MCP to diabetic rats normalized the decreased activities of hepatic hexokinase and glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase. In addition MCP treatment normalized the altered activities of the gluconeogenic enzymes in diabetic treated rats. These findings conclude that MCP is therapeutic in experimental DM. However, further detailed toxicological studies need to be conducted to establish MCP as an alternate treatment for the management of DM.

Protective effect of aqueous extract of seed of Psoralea corylifolia (Somraji) and seed of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (Methi) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat: A comparative evaluation.

Background:Psoralea corylifolia (Somraji) and Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (Methi), important medicinal plants widely used in India as folk medicine. Local people of West Bengal traditionally used the seeds of these plants to cure diabetes.Objective:Present study was designed to investigate the antidiabetic efficacy of aqueous extract of seeds of these plants in separate or in composite manner in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat.Materials and Methods:Diabetes was induced by intramuscular injection of STZ at the dose of 40 mg/ml of citrate buffer/kg body weight. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), glyclated hemoglobin (HbA1C) and activities of hexokinase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and glucose-6-phosphatase of liver in experimental animals were assessed. Hyperlipidemic state developed in the experimental diabetic rat was assessed by measuring the levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, and lipoproteins in serum.Results:There was significant increased in the levels of FBG, HbA1C and lipid profiles along with diminution (P < 0.001) in the activities of hepatic hexokinase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and elevation in glucose-6-phosphatase in diabetic control animals in respect to the untreated control. Significant recovery (P < 0.05) in the activities of above mentioned enzymes along with the correction in the levels of FBG, HbA1C and serum lipid profiles were noted towards the control level after the treatment of composite extract (i.e. 100 mg of Somraji: 100 mg of Methi, total 200 mg/kg body weight) than the individual extract (i.e. 200 mg of Somraji or 200 mg of Methi, per kg body weight) treatment.Conclusion:Results suggest that composite extract of above plant parts has more potent antidiabetic efficacy than the individual extract.

Antihyperglycemic and antioxidative effect of hydro - methanolic (2:3) extract of the seed of Swietenia mahagoni (L.) Jacq. in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male albino rat: An approach through pancreas

The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of the hydro - methanolic (2:3) extract of the seed of Swietenia mahagoni (L.) Jacq. for the management of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. Wistar rats were divided equally into four groups (n = 6): normal control, diabetes control, diabetes + extract treated, and diabetes + metformin treated. The extract (25 mg/100 g by weight) and metformin (2.5 mg/100 g by weight) were administered once a day, orally by gavages for 21 days at fasting condition. Hexokinase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and glucose-6-phosphatase activities were measured in hepatic tissue. Activities of catalase (CAT), peroxidase (Px), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), along with the quantity of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and conjugated diene (CD) in hepatic and renal tissues, were assessed. Histoarchitecture of the pancreas and serum insulin level were also evaluated. Significant diminution in the activities of hepatic hexokinase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase along with elevation in glucose-6-phosphatase were noted in STZ-induced animals with diabetes in respect to control animals. Level of fasting blood glucose (FBG) was elevated in animals with diabetes. Activities of CAT, Px, and SOD were diminished significantly along with the elevation in TBARS and CD levels in animals with diabetes. Diameter of pancreatic islets, count of islets, and degeneration in pancreatic acini were also noted in animals with diabetes. Treatment of these animals with extract or metformin resulted in substantial recovery in the aforementioned biosensors toward the control level. This recovery is not equal to metformin because the plant extract is not the pure form of effective ingredient(s) but provides insight to the pharmaceutical industries that the extract has a protective therapeutic effect against diabetes through ß-cell regeneration capacity.

Cause and effect of Plumbago zeylanica root extract on blood glucose and hepatic enzymes in experimental diabetic rats.

This paper reports the results of oral administration of root extract of Plumbago zeylanica on blood glucose and plasma antioxidant status in streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rats. The study was undertaken to evaluate hepatic enzymes in experimental diabetes. Oral administration of ethanolic extract (100, 200 mg/kg) in streptozotocin diabetic rats increased hepatic hexokinase activity and decreased hepatic glucose-6-phosphatase, serum acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The Plumbago zeylanica root extract is hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective and is able to ameliorate biochemical damages in Streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Key words: Plumbago zeylanica, STZ diabetes, hepatic enzymes, liver protection.

Effect of Diashis, a polyherbal formulation, in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male albino rats.

This study focuses on the effect of ‘Diashis’, a polyherbal formulation composed of eight medicinal plants for the management of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in rats. As oxidative stress is one of the consequences of diabetes, the activities of hepatic antioxidant enzymes and metabolic enzymes were evaluated. Treatment with ‘Diashis’ in STZ-induced diabetic rats resulted in a significant (P < 0.01) recovery in the activities of hepatic hexokinase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and glucose-6-phosphatase along with correction in the levels of fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and liver and skeletal muscle glycogen. The oxidative stress status in the liver was corrected by ‘Diashis’ which was highlighted by the recovery in the activities of catalase, peroxidase, and glutathione-S-transferase along with the correction in the quantity of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and conjugated diene. ‘Diashis’ was not found to have any metabolic toxicity. The antidiabetic effects of ‘Diashis’ were compared with those of the antidiabetic drug, ‘Glibenclamide’.

Diabetic therapeutic effects of ethyl acetate fractions from the roots of musa paradisiaca and seeds of eugenia jambolana in streptozotocin-induced male diabetic rats

The folklore medicine of primitive people has been greatly appreciated for centuries. Many researchers study the curative efficiency and mode of action of various medicinal plants. Serum glucose level, lipid profile, glucose tolerance, hepatic and muscle glycogen contents as well as the activities of hepatic hexokinase and glucose-6-phosphatase recovered significantly after oral administration of ethyl acetate fractions of Eugenia jambolana (E. jambolana) or Musa paradisiaca (M. paradisiaca) in separate (E. jambolana L.: 200 mg/kg of body weight and M. paradisiaca: 100 mg/kg of body weight) or combined form for 90 days (twice a day through gavage) to streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The loss in body weight of diabetic animals was reversed and serum levels of insulin as well as C-peptide, which were found to be reduced in diabetic rats, increased significantly after oral administration of the fractions. A histological study of the rats' pancreas revealed that after 90 days of oral treatment with the plant fractions in separate or combined form, the size and volume of pancreatic islets in diabetic treated rats increased significantly compared with the diabetic control group. Treatment of diabetic rats with the combined dose (300 mg/kg of body weight) of plant fractions (200 mg E. jambolana and 100 mg M. paradisiaca) was found to be more effective than treatment with the individual fraction. The doses of E. jambolana and M. paradisiaca selected for this study are the optimum antihyperglycemic doses of the plant fractions, which were determined after conducting a dose-dependent study at various dose levels (50-500 mg/kg) in our pilot experiments. The plant fractions were found to be free from metabolic toxicity. Through HPTLC finger printing, three different compounds were noted in the ethyl acetate fraction of E. jambolana L. and eight different compounds in the ethyl acetate fraction of M. paradisiaca L.

Effect of guava (Psidium guajava Linn.) leaf soluble solids on glucose metabolism in type 2 diabetic rats

This study investigated the effect of aqueous and ethanol soluble solid extracts of guava (Psidium guajava Linn.) leaves on hypoglycemia and glucose metabolism in type 2 diabetic rats. Low-dose streptozotocin (STZ) and nicotinamide were injected into Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats to induce type 2 diabetes. Acute and long-term feeding tests were carried out, and an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) to follow the changes in plasma glucose and insulin levels was performed to evaluate the antihyperglycemic effect of guava leaf extracts in diabetic rats.The results of acute and long-term feeding tests showed a significant reduction in the blood sugar level in diabetic rats fed with either the aqueous or ethanol extract of guava leaves (p < 0.05). Long-term administration of guava leaf extracts increased the plasma insulin level and glucose utilization in diabetic rats. The results also indicated that the activities of hepatic hexokinase, phosphofructokinase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in diabetic rats fed with aqueous extracts were higher than in the normal diabetic group (p < 0.05). On the other hand, diabetic rats treated with the ethanol extract raised the activities of hepatic hexokinase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (p < 0.05) only. The experiments provided evidence to support the antihyperglycemic effect of guava leaf extract and the health function of guava leaves against type 2 diabetes.

Protective Effects of MTEC, a Formulated Herbal Drug on Glycemic Indices and Testicular Dysfunctions in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rat

ABSTRACT Testicular dysfunctions in streptozotocin-treated diabetic rat were noted by an evaluation of sex organ relative weights, serum insulin and testosterone levels, sperm count and viability, androgenic enzyme activity, antioxidant enzymes, conjugated diene and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance levels in testis and germ cells counts at stage VII of the seminiferous epithelial cycle. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic state has been proved here by recording the levels of fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, hepatic glycogen along with the activities of hepatic hexokinase. Co-treatment of hydro-methanolic (40:60) extract of root of Musa paradisiaca, seed of Tamarindus indica, seed of Eugenia jambolana or leaf of Coccinia indica in separate manner to streptozotocin-treated diabetic rat resulted in a significant correction in the levels of all of the above-mentioned parameters towards the control values. Degree of recovery in diabetes-induced glycemic disorders and testicular dysfunctions was more prominent when co-treatment was performed with a herbal-formulated drug (MTEC) that consists of hydro-methanolic extracts of M. paradisiaca, T. indica, E. jambolana and C. indica to diabetic rat (P < 0.05). This herbal-formulated drug has no general toxic effect. The results support the validity of this herbal drug for the management of diabetes as well as diabetes-induced testicular disorders.

A comparative study on hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic effects of high and low molecular weight chitosan in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic effects of high and low molecular weight chitosan were evaluated in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Rats were divided into three groups of normal rats (Experiment I) and three groups of diabetic rats (Experiment II). The first group received a cellulose (control) diet, the second group received a low MW (1.4×104Da) chitosan diet and the third group received a high MW (1.0×106Da) chitosan diet. All three diets were containing 0.5% cholesterol. Experiment I: rats fed with high MW or low MW chitosan diet had increased high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. However, chitosan did not affect plasma glucose in normal rats. Experiment II: significantly decreased plasma glucose and total cholesterol and increased HDL cholesterol and fecal cholesterol excretion were observed in diabetic rats fed with high MW chitosan diet than animals fed with cellulose diet. However, no statistical significant difference in plasma glucose and total cholesterol was observed in diabetic rats fed with low MW chitosan. The total content of SCFAs in cecum was significantly increased and the ratio of acetate to propionate was slight but significantly decreased in diabetic rats after consuming high MW chitosan diet. The activities of hepatic hexokinase were significantly increased and the intestinal disaccharidases including sucrase and maltase were significantly decreased in normal and diabetic rats fed with high MW chitosan diet. Results obtained from the present study demonstrated the potential of high MW chitosan in reducing hyperglycemia and hypercholesterolemia in STZ-induced diabetic rats.