Activities Of Carbohydrate Metabolizing Enzymes Research Articles

Phytochemical Content, Radical Scavenging Ability & Enzyme Inhibiting Activities of Selected Spices (Cinnamon, Cardamom and Cloves)

Cinnamon, cardamom and cloves have been widely used for medicinal purposes as well as essential cooking ingredients for flavor. The objective of the research was to investigate the antioxidant content, antioxidant capacity, and inhibition of lipid and carbohydrate metabolizing enzyme activities of selected spices (cinnamon, cardamom & cloves) methanol (ME) and water extracts (WE). The phytochemical content was determined by total phenolic and total flavanoid content. The antioxidant potential was determined by measuring 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) in spice’s (ME) and (WE) extracts. Total phenolic (GAE mg/100g dry weight) and flavonoid (mg CE/100g dry weight) content were the highest in Cloves (ME) 174.4 and 101.06. The lowest values for phenolic content were seen in ME and WE of Cardamom at 31.24 and 7.55. The DPPH IC50 values ranged from 0.22mg/mL (Cloves ME) to 0.60mg/mL (Cardamom ME). FRAP (μmol Fe2+/100g dry weight) for Cinnamon, Cardamom (ME) was 2438.5 and 325. Clove (ME) had a significantly higher reducing potential of 6888.5 which might have been attributed by the high amounts of phenolics and flavonoids in the spice. FRAP in spice extracts (WE) was lower with values of 2296.5 and 218.5 and 2310.5, respectively. The highest inhibition of the α-glucosidase was observed by Clove (ME) 86.5%, which also had the highest amylase enzyme inhibition at 71%. However, inhibition of the lipase enzyme was highest by the Cinnamon (WE) extracts 44.3%. The potential of phytochemicals in spices was studied and if consumed in high amounts could offer antioxidative properties and regulate key digestive enzymes which may lead to prevention or decreased progression of diseases such as Cancer, Diabetes and Cardiovascular diseases.

Ameliorating effect of berbamine on hepatic key enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism in high-fat diet and streptozotocin induced type 2 diabetic rats

BackgroundAberrations in the activities of key enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism is well documented in diabetes mellitus. Previous studies have shown that active ingredients in the extracts of Berberis aristata exhibits diverse pharmacological activities in animal models. ObjectiveThe present study was undertaken to investigate whether berbamine (BBM), an alkaloid from the roots of Berberis aristata can ameliorate the altered activities of carbohydrate metabolic enzymes in high fat diet (HFD)/streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. ResultsSupplementation of HFD for 4 weeks followed by intraperitonial administration of single low dose of STZ (40 mg/kg b.w.) to Sprague Dawley rats resulted in significant hyperglycemia with a decline in plasma insulin levels. The rats also exhibited decreased hemoglobin with an increase in glycated hemoglobin levels. The activities of hexokinase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase were decreased whereas increases in the activities of glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase were observed in the hepatic tissues of diabetic control rats. Glycogen content in the hepatic and skeletal muscle tissues were found to be decreased in diabetic rats. Oral administration of BBM for 56 days, dose dependently (50, 100, 200 mg/kg b.w.) improved insulin secretion in diabetic treated rats. Immunohistochemical studies on pancreas revealed a strong immunoreactivity to insulin in BBM treated rats. At the effective dose of 100 mg/kg b.w., BBM restored the altered activities of carbohydrate metabolic enzymes and also improved glycogen content in insulin dependent tissues. ConclusionFrom the biochemical and histochemical data obtained in this study we conclude that BBM ameliorated the activities of metabolic enzymes and maintained glucose homeostasis in HFD/STZ induced diabetic rats and it can be used as a potential phytomedicine for the management of diabetes mellitus.

Modulations of Some Carbohydrate Metabolic Enzymes by Aqueous and Ethanol Buchholzia coriacea Seed Extract in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats

Characterised by abnormal increase in blood glucose level, Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that is associated with complications in carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism. In recent times, medicinal herbs have been implicated in traditional medical practice for the treatment of this ailment. Studies have shown that Buchholzia coriacea seed possesses some anti-hyperglycemic properties that may be useful in the management of diabetes. To this point, present study investigated the effect(s) of oral administration of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Buchholzia coriacea on some carbohydrate metabolism parameters in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Forty (40) adult rats of both sexes were randomly assigned into two groups (normoglycemic and hyperglycemic). While group 1 (normoglycemic) had normal control, metformin, aqueous extract (250mg/kg) and ethanol extract (250 mg/kg) treated sub-groups respectively, Group 2 (hyperglycemic) contained the diabetic control, metformin, aqueous extract (250 mg/kg), and ethanol extracted (250mg/kg) treated sub-groups dosed daily by oral gavage for 14 days. At the end of the treatment, rats were euthanized via cervical dislocation; blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture for statistical analysis. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that dosing with extracts had insignificant effect(s) on body weight of rats. Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) levels were elevated before and after extracts administration. Metformin, aqueous and ethanol extracts significantly reduced (p<0.05) FBG levels. Also, compared with control, total carbohydrate, liver glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin, Lactate Dehydrogenase, Isocitrate dehydrogenase, MDH, SDH, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, G6PD and CcO activities were significantly reduced (p<0.05) in diabetic treated rats. Buccholzia Coriacea was therefore seen to pose hypoglycemic and glycolytic effects, regulating activities of carbohydrate metabolic enzymes. Apparently, there is a scientific merit in the use of the extract in the management of diabetes.

Retracted: Activities of carbohydrate-metabolism enzymes in pre-drought primed wheat plants under drought stress during grain filling.

Abid M, Tian Z, Hu J, Ullah A, Cui Y, Ali S, Jiang S, Zahoor R, Fan Y, Dong J and Dai T Activities of carbohydrate-metabolism enzymes in pre-drought primed wheat plants under drought stress during grain filling. J Integr Plant Biol Accepted Author Manuscript. doi:10.1111/jipb.12628.

Effects of Dietary Chromium Methionine on Growth Performance, Hematological Characteristics and Carbohydrate Metabolic Enzyme Activities of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)

A 60-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary chromium methionine (Cr-Met) supplementation on growth performance, digestive enzymes, hematological characteristics, and carbohydrate metabolic key enzyme activities in juvenile common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Seven diets (32.2% crude protein, 6% crude lipids of dry matter) were formulated to contain graded levels of Cr3+ (0.31, 0.43, 0.57, 0.73, 1.13, 1.90 and 3.64 mg/kg, respectively). Each diet was randomly assigned to triplicate groups of 60 juvenile common carp (approximately 40.95±4.80 g), which were stocked in plastic tanks. The results indicated that the highest weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed efficiency (FE), and protein efficiency ratio (PER), were observed in fish fed the diet containing 1.13 mg/kg Cr3+. There were no significant differences in the wholebody compositions; however the glycogen levels in the muscle and hepatopancreas in fish fed the basal diet were lower than those fed the other diets. The insulin (INS) and glycogen (GC) concentrations in the serum were not significantly influenced by the dietary Cr-Met levels. However, fish fed the basal diet had higher glucose and cortisol concentrations, and lower insulin receptor (ISR) and LDH concentrations in the serum than those fed diets supplemented with Cr-Met. Fish fed the 1.13 mg/kg Cr3+ diet had significantly higher hexokinase (HK), 6-phosphofructo-1-kinase (6-PFK1), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), glycogen synthase (GS), and lower phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) activities than those fed the basal diet. Based on the two-slope broken line model analysis between SGR and dietary Cr3+ levels, the optimal dietary Cr3+ supplement level was estimated to be 1.09 mg/kg for juvenile common carp.

Antihyperglycemic effect of hesperetin, a citrus flavonoid, extenuates hyperglycemia and exploring the potential role in antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Diabetes is the major health problem in modern civilization which occurs due to inadequate metabolism of carbohydrate and lipid could cause tremendous changes in the metabolic activities of liver. In this study, we investigated the antihyperglycemic, antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic effects of hesperetin, a citrus flavonoid against streptozotocin (STZ)-induced experimental rats. To stimulate diabetes mellitus, rats were injected with STZ intraperitoneally at a single dose of 45mg/kg. STZ induced rats showed marked increase in the level of plasma glucose and significant reduction in the level of plasma insulin. The activities of carbohydrate metabolic enzymes, hepatic glycogen, lipid profiles, enzymic antioxidants in circulatory system and pancreas, hepatic and renal functional markers were explored. Supplementation with hesperetin (40mg/kg b.w) to STZ-induced experimental rats for 45days established a significant decline in plasma glucose and a marked improvement in plasma insulin and glycogen levels in STZ-induced rats. The altered activities of hepatic glucose metabolic enzymes, lipid profiles, enzymic antioxidants and serum biomarkers of liver and kidney toxicity were restored to almost normal. The acquired outcome were compared with glibenclamide (1mg/kg b.w), a standard oral hypoglycemic drug. Hesperetin treatment was found to be efficient in protecting the normal histological manifestation of hepatic, renal and insulin positive β-cells in STZ induced rats. On the basis of current experimental findings, we concluded that administration of hesperetin attenuates the hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia through ameliorating antioxidant competence in STZ-induced experimental rats.

Salutary potential of ethanolic extract of avocado fruit on anomalous carbohydrate metabolic key enzymes in hepatic and renal tissues of hyperglycaemic albino rats.

To assess the beneficial potential of ethanolic extract of avocado fruit on abnormal carbohydrate metabolic key enzymes in hepatic and renal tissues in streptozotocin (STZ) induced hyperglycemic albino rats. Twenty-four male albino rats were randomly divided into four groups with six in each group by simple random sampling method. Group 1 as control rats; Group 2 as STZ induced diabetic rats; Group 3 as diabetic rats treated with avocado fruit extract (AFE), 300 mg/kg as aqueous suspension orally for 30 days; Group 4 as diabetic rats treated with gliclazide (5 mg/kg) in aqueous solution orally for 30 days. The rats were fasted overnight and sacrificed by cervical dislocation and the blood was collected for various biochemical analysis and excision of hepatic and kidney were done for histological analysis. Levels of fasting blood glucose, plasma insulin and glycosylated hemoglobin were estimated. The activities of key enzymes in carbohydrate metabolism such as hexokinase, pyruvate kinase, glucose-6- phosphatase, fructose-1, 6-bisphosphatase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, glycogen synthase and glycogen phosphorylase were assayed by standard methods described in the methodology. Oral administration of AFE significantly improved the altered levels of blood glucose, plasma insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin, and modulated the activities of carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes (P<0.05, respectively). The glycogen content in hepatic tissues was significantly increased in diabetic rats treated with AFE (P<0.05, respectively). AFE plays a pivotal role to maintain normoglycemia in diabetes by modulating the activities of carbohydrate metabolic enzymes.

Oral administration of thymoquinone mitigates the effect of cisplatin on brush border membrane enzymes, energy metabolism and antioxidant system in rat intestine

Cisplatin (CP) is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent that elicits severe gastrointestinal toxicity. Nigella sativa, a member of family Ranunculaceae, is one of the most revered medicinal plant known for its numerous health benefits. Thymoquinone (TQ), a major bioactive component derived from the volatile oil of Nigella sativa seeds, has been shown to improve gastrointestinal functions in animal models of acute gastric/intestinal injury. In view of this, the aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of TQ on CP induced toxicity in rat intestine and to elucidate the mechanism underlying these effects. Rats were divided into four groups viz. control, CP, TQ and CP+TQ. Animals in CP+TQ and TQ groups were orally administered TQ (1.5mg/kg bwt) with and without a single intraperitoneal dose of CP (6mg/kg bwt) respectively. The effect of TQ was determined on CP induced alterations in the activities of brush border membrane (BBM), carbohydrate metabolism, and antioxidant defense enzymes in rat intestine. TQ administration significantly mitigated CP induced decline in the specific activities of BBM marker enzymes, both in the mucosal homogenates and in the BBM vesicles (BBMV) prepared from intestinal mucosa. Furthermore, TQ administration restored the redox and metabolic status of intestinal mucosal tissue in CP treated rats. The biochemical results were supported by histopathological findings that showed extensive damage to intestine in CP treated rats and markedly preserved intestinal histoarchitecture in CP and TQ co-treated group. The biochemical and histological data suggest a protective effect of TQ against CP-induced gastrointestinal damage. Thus, TQ may have a potential for clinical application to counteract the accompanying gastrointestinal toxicity in CP chemotherapy.

Do differences in the activities of carbohydrate metabolism enzymes between Lake Whitefish ecotypes match predictions from transcriptomic studies?

Transcriptomic studies are facilitating the search for the molecular bases of adaptation in natural populations, but the impact of these differences in mRNA content on animal physiology are often unknown. One way to determine if molecular changes have the potential to influence animal physiology and performance is to test for correlated changes at higher levels of biological organization, including enzyme activity. Here, we measure the activities of carbohydrate metabolism enzymes to test if previously documented genetic and transcriptomic variation between 'dwarf' and 'normal' Lake Whitefish ecotypes are associated with corresponding changes in enzyme activity (measured as maximal rate, Vmax) in liver and skeletal muscle. We use laboratory-reared fish from the same populations as prior transcriptomic studies and find that white muscle mRNA content is a good predictor of glycolytic and glycogen metabolism enzyme activity, and dwarf whitefish have evolved higher activities than normal whitefish. However, the differences in hepatic mRNA content found between ecotypes in prior studies are not associated with comparable changes in enzyme activity. For example, dwarf whitefish have lower enzyme activities, but higher transcript abundances for two glycolytic enzymes compared to normal whitefish. Overall, we find that transcriptomic studies successfully highlight evolutionary variation in enzyme activities, but not always in the direction predicted, indicating that a variety of tissue-specific regulatory mechanisms contributed to the evolution of energy metabolism in Lake Whitefish.

Evaluation of antidiabetic and antioxidative efficacy of ethyl acetate fraction of methanolic extract of Camellia sinensis (green tea) leaves in streptozotocin induced diabetic albino rat

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objective:&lt;/strong&gt; To investigate the antidiabetic and antioxidative potentiality of ethyl-acetate fraction of methanolic extract of &lt;em&gt;Camellia sinensis&lt;/em&gt; (Green tea) leaves in streptozotocin induced diabetic rat. &lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; Streptozotocin induced diabetic state was confirmed by increased level of fasting blood glucose, decreased level of serum insulin along with inhibition in carbohydrate metabolomics. Oxidative stress was assessed by measuring antioxidative enzyme activities of hepatic and skeleto-muscular tissue. Hepatic &lt;em&gt;Hexokinase-I&lt;/em&gt;, pro-apoptotic &lt;em&gt;Bax&lt;/em&gt; and anti-apoptotic &lt;em&gt;Bcl-2&lt;/em&gt; gene expression patterns were noted by qRT-PCR technique. &lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; After treatment with ethyl-acetate fraction of methanolic extract of &lt;em&gt;Camellia sinensis&lt;/em&gt; (Green tea) leaves at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight/day to diabetic rats for 28 days, a significant (p &amp;lt; 0.05) recovery was noted in fasting blood glucose level, serum insulin level along with activities of carbohydrate metabolic enzymes in hepatic tissue in respect to the vehicle treated diabetic group. This fraction also resulted a significant (p &amp;lt; 0.05) recovery in the activities of antioxidative enzymes in hepatic and skeleto - mascular tissue. In streptozotocin induced diabetic rat the low level of expression of &lt;em&gt;Hexokinase-I&lt;/em&gt;, anti-apoptotic &lt;em&gt;Bcl-2&lt;/em&gt; and high level of expression of pro-apoptotic &lt;em&gt;Bax&lt;/em&gt; gene were observed in hepatic tissue in respect to vehicle treated control. There were recovered significantly after the treatment with the said fraction. &lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;From the results, it may be concluded that ethyl-acetate fraction of methanolic extract of leaves of &lt;em&gt;C. sinensis&lt;/em&gt; has a promising anti-diabetic and antioxidative activities for the management of streptozotocin induced diabetic state.&lt;/p&gt;

Aqueous root extracts of Dicoma anomala (Sond.) extenuates postprandial hyperglycaemia in vitro and its modulation on the activities of carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats

Dicoma anomala Sond (Asteraceae) is widely incorporated as a treatment for diabetes mellitus among the Basotho tribe of the Eastern Free State Province, South Africa. The study examined the antidiabetic effect of the plant via the in vitro inhibition of α-amylase, and α-glucosidase as well as against streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Wistar rats. The in vitro antidiabetic activity of the plant is via the inhibition of α-amylase, and α-glucosidase using water, ethanol, hydro-ethanol and methanol extracts. The effect of administration of aqueous root extract of Dicoma anomala (AQRED) at 125, 250, and 500mg/kg bodyweight (b.w.) on water consumption, feed intake, body-weight, blood glucose, carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes, antioxidant enzymes, glycosylated haemoglobin and lipid profiles was determined in STZ (60mg/kg b.w.)-induced diabetic rats with comparison with glibenclamide (5mg/kg b.w.). While all the extracts of D. anomala showed activity against α-amylase and α-glucosidase, water extract revealed the most effective inhibition with an IC50 of 51.90 and 27.41μg/mL respectively. The water extract displayed competitive and non-competitive inhibitors of α-amylase and α-glucosidase respectively. AQRED reversed towards normal control the elevated food/water intake, blood glucose levels, lipid peroxidation, lipid profiles, glycosylated haemoglobin and activities of gluconeogenesis enzymes with a concomitant decrease in body-weight, activities of enzymatic antioxidants, glycolytic enzymes as well as the high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol level brought-about by STZ administration. The result of our findings proved the antihyperglycaemic activity of the plant and therefore validates the folkloric usage of the herb.

Activity of metabolic enzymes and muscle-specific gene expression in parr and smolts Atlantic salmon Salmo salar L. of different age groups.

This study was conducted to characterize the energy metabolism level and the features of muscle growth regulation during the development of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) inhabiting the Indera River (Kola Peninsula, Russia). The activities of aerobic and anaerobic enzymes (cytochrome c oxidase and lactate dehydrogenase) and carbohydrate metabolism enzymes (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and aldolase) were measured in muscle and liver tissue. Gene expression levels of myosin heavy chain (MyHC), myostatin (MSTN-1a), and myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs-MyoD1a, MyoD1b, MyoD1c, Myf5, myogenin) were measured in the white muscles of salmon parr of ages 0+, 1+, 2+, and 3+ and smolts of ages 2+ and 3+. Multidirectional changes in the activity of enzymes involved in aerobic and anaerobic energy metabolism with age were shown in the white muscles of the parr. The cytochrome c oxidase activity was higher in muscles of underyearlings (0+) and yearlings (1+) and decreased in 2+ and 3+ age groups. The activity of lactate dehydrogenase, in contrast, increased with age. The patterns of changes in expression levels of MyoD1a, MyoD1b, myogenin, MyHC, and MSTN-1a at different ages of the parr were similar. Particularly, the expression of these genes peaked in the yearling parr (1+) and then decreased in elder groups. The differences were revealed in parameters studied between the parr and smolts. The level of aerobic and anaerobic metabolism enzyme activities was higher in the white muscles of smolts than in parr. The activity of carbohydrate metabolism enzymes was decreased in the smolts' livers. The expression levels of MyHC, MyoD1a, MyoD1b, and myogenin were lower in smolts at age 2+ compared to parr. These findings expand our knowledge of age-related and stage-related features of energy metabolism and muscle development regulation in young Atlantic salmon in their natural habitat. The results might be used for monitoring of the salmon population during restoration and rearing.

Evaluation of anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic effects of &lt;em&gt;Naravelia zeylanica&lt;/em&gt; in streptozotocin- induced diabetic rats

&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Naravelia zeylanica&lt;/em&gt; DC (Ranunculaceae), a woody climber, have been used from ancient times to treat various ailments like rheumatoid arthritis, skin diseases, wound and ulcer. The present study was designed to investigate the anti-hyperglycemic activity of methanolic extract of &lt;em&gt;Naravelia zeylanica&lt;/em&gt; (NZYM) using experimental diabetic model. Diabetes was induced in&lt;strong&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;wistar rats by a single dose of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg i.p.) (STZ) and treated with NZYM at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg for 45 days. Glibenclamide (5 mg/kg b.w.) was used as standard drug. Blood glucose and body weight were monitored at regular intervals and the levels of serum insulin, lipid and the carbohydrate metabolic enzyme in the liver were measured at the end of the study. Oral administration of NZYM and glibenclamide significantly reduced the blood glucose level (&lt;em&gt;p&amp;lt;0.05&lt;/em&gt;), with increased serum insulin and significant alteration in lipid profiles and liver carbohydrate enzymes (&lt;em&gt;p&amp;lt;0.05&lt;/em&gt;) after 45 days. Furthermore, the biochemical parameters correlated with the histopathological changes in the pancreas of STZ-induced diabetic rats, which structurally proved the efficacy of NZYM. The findings suggest that NZYM possess anti-hyperglycemic activity and anti-hyperlipidemic properties and restored STZ-induced pancreatic damage in diabetic rats. NZYM might therefore have a beneficial effect in treatment of diabetes mediated through regulation of carbohydrate metabolic enzyme activities. &lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Oral administration of Nigella sativa oil ameliorates the effect of cisplatin on brush border membrane enzymes, carbohydrate metabolism and antioxidant system in rat intestine

Cisplatin (CP) is an effective chemotherapeutic agent that induces gastrointestinal toxicity. Nigella sativa oil (NSO) has been shown to be beneficial in a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders. The present study investigates the possible protective effect of NSO on CP-induced gastrointestinal toxicity. NSO administration (2ml/kg bwt, orally), prior to and following, a single dose CP treatment (6mg/kg bwt. ip), significantly attenuated the CP-induced decrease in brush border membrane (BBM) enzyme activities in intestinal homogenates and BBM vesicles (BBMV). NSO administration also mitigated CP induced alterations in the activities of carbohydrate metabolism enzymes and in the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant parameters in the intestine. The results suggest that NSO by empowering the endogenous antioxidant system improves intestinal redox and metabolic status and restores BBM integrity in CP treated rats. Histopathological studies supported the biochemical findings. Thus, NSO may help prevent the accompanying gastrointestinal dysfunction in CP chemotherapy.

Ameliorating effect of betanin, a natural chromoalkaloid by modulating hepatic carbohydrate metabolic enzyme activities and glycogen content in streptozotocin – nicotinamide induced experimental rats

Betanin, a chromoalkaloid of beetroot, has shown significant biological effects of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic activities. So, we attempted to determine whether betanin (a natural pigment) would be protective against hyperglycemia in streptozotocin (STZ) - nicotinamide (NA) induced diabetic rats. Rats were injected with STZ (40mg/kgb.w.) 15 mins after the administration of NA (110mg/kgb.w.) by intraperitonially (i.p.) 30days for the induction of experimental diabetes mellitus. After 72h diabetic rats were treated with betanin orally at a doses of 10, 20 and 40mg/kg b.w., respectively in a dose dependent manner and glibenclamide (600μg/kgb.w.). The promising character of betanin against diabetic rats was evaluated by performing the various biochemical parameters and histomorphological changes in liver and pancreas. Among the three doses, 20mg/kgb.w. of betanin was able to positively regulate plasma glucose, insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and hemoglobin (Hb) levels by significantly increasing the activity of glycolytic enzyme (glucokinase and pyruvate kinase), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and significantly decreasing the activity of gluconeogenic enzymes (glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase) thereby increasing the glycogen content in the liver. We put forward that betanin could significantly restore the levels of carbohydrate metabolic key enzymes to near normal in diabetic rat. Immunohistochemical observation of pancreas revealed that betanin treated diabetic rats showed increased insulin immunoreactive β-cells, which confirmed the biochemical findings. Taken together, present study suggests that betanin modulates the carbohydrate metabolism and has beneficial effects in glucose homeostasis.

Fish Oil Supplementation Ameliorates Long Term Cisplatin Treatment Induced Toxicity and Oxidative Damage in Rat Kidney

Background: Cisplatin (CP) is an effective chemotherapeutic agent widely used against various malignancies. However, CP exerts several side effects through oxidative stress by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). The major side effect of CP chemotherapy is dose dependent nephrotoxicity that limits its clinical usage. We have previously shown that fish oil (FO) supplementation ameliorated gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity as evident by increase in the activities of brush border membrane (BBM) and free radical scavenging enzymes in rat kidney. In the present study we aimed to investigate whether fish oil (FO) can prevent the long term CP-induced nephrotoxic effects. Methods: Rats were divided into four groups viz. control, CP, CPF and FO alone group. Rats in the groups CPF and FO were fed experimental diet prior to and simultaneously with or without CP treatment (3 mg/kg bwt i.p) respectively. Results: FO supplementation to CP treated significantly mitigated the CP induced increase in serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and decrease in the activities of brush border membrane (BBM) enzymes in renal cortical and medullary homogenates as well as in isolated BBM vesicles (BBMV). FO consumption also reduced CP induced alterations in the activities of carbohydrate metabolism enzymes and in the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant parameters. Conclusion: These results suggest that FO have potential to abrogate CP induced nephrotoxicity and can be a useful adjuvant in long term CP chemotherapy without any side effects. Moreover, the inherent anti-cancer properties of FO with CP treatment may exhibits synergistic beneficial effects.

Geraniol, a natural monoterpene, ameliorates hyperglycemia by attenuating the key enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Context: Geraniol, an acyclic monoterpene alcohol is found in medicinal plants, is used traditionally for several medical purposes including diabetes. Objectives: The present study evaluates the antihyperglycemic potential of geraniol on key enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Materials and methods: Diabetes was induced in experimental rats, by a single intraperitoneal (i.p) injection of STZ [40 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)]. Different doses of geraniol (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w.) and glyclazide (5 mg/kg b.w.) were administrated orally to diabetic rats for 45 days. Body weight, food intake, plasma glucose, insulin, blood haemoglobin (Hb), glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), hepatic glucose metabolic enzymes and glycogen were examined. Results: The LD50 value of geraniol is 3600 mg/kg b.w. at oral administration in rats. Administration of geraniol in a dose-dependent manner (100, 200, 400 mg/kg b.w.) and glyclazide (5 mg/kg b.w.) for 45 days significantly improved the levels of insulin, Hb and decreased plasma glucose, HbA1C in diabetic-treated rats. Geraniol at its effective dose (200 mg/kg b.w.) ameliorated the altered activities of carbohydrate metabolic enzymes near normal effects compared with two other doses (100 and 400 mg/kg b.w.). Geraniol treatment to diabetic rats improved hepatic glycogen content suggesting its anti-hyperglycemic potential. Geraniol supplement was found to preserve the normal histological appearance of hepatic cells and pancreatic β-cells in diabetic rats. Discussion and conclusions: The present findings suggest that geraniol can potentially ameliorate key enzymes of glucose metabolism in experimental diabetes even though clinical studies used to evaluate this possibility are warranted.

Protective effect of Nigella sativa oil on cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative damage in rat kidney

BackgroundNephrotoxicity is a severe complication in patients undergoing cisplatin (CP) chemotherapy. Previous studies in our lab have shown that administration of a single dose of CP results in decrease in the activities of brush border membrane (BBM) and free radical scavenging enzymes and induces oxidative stress in rat kidney. Nigella sativa, is one of the most revered medicinal plant known for its numerous health benefits. Nigella sativa seed/oil has been shown to improve kidney functions in animal models of acute kidney injury. ObjectiveThe present study was undertaken to investigate whether Nigella sativa oil (NSO) can prevent the CP-induced nephrotoxic effects. ResultsThe effect of NSO was determined on CP induced alterations in various serum parameters and on enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism, BBM and antioxidant defense system in renal cortex and medulla. Administration of NSO (2ml/kg bwt. orally), prior to and following a single dose CP treatment (6mg/kg bwt. i.p), significantly attenuated the CP induced increase in serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and decrease in the activities of BBM enzymes in renal cortical and medullary homogenates as well as in isolated BBM vesicles (BBMV). NSO administration also precluded CP induced alterations in the activities of carbohydrate metabolism enzymes and in the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant parameters. Histopathological observations showed extensive kidney damage in CP treated animals and remarkably reduced renal injury in CP and NSO co-treated group. ConclusionThe biochemical and histological data suggest a protective effect of NSO against CP-induced acute kidney injury.

Protective potential of Averrhoa bilimbi fruits in ameliorating the hepatic key enzymes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Back groundDiabetes is a mutifactorial disease which leads to several complications. Currently available drug regimens for management of diabetes have certain drawbacks. Need for safer and effective medicines from natural sources having potent antidiabetic activity. Averrhoa bilimbi Linn. (Oxalidaceae) is a medicinal plant and is reported to possess hypoglycemic activity. ObjectiveTo investigate the antidiabetic potential of Averrhoa bilimbi fruit extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. MethodsDiabetes was induced in male Sprague Dawley rats by single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (40mg/kg body weight). The diabetic rats were treated orally with ethyl acetate fraction of A. bilimbi fruits (ABE) (25mg/kg body weight) and metformin (100mg/kg body weight) by intragastric intubation for 60days. After 60days, the rats were sacrificed; blood, liver and pancreas were collected. Several indices such as blood glucose, plasma insulin, toxicity markers and the activities of carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes were assayed. The phytochemicals present in the ABE was identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. ResultsABE significantly (p<0.05) reduced the level of blood glucose and hepatic toxicity markers and increased plasma insulin in diabetic rats. ABE modulated the activities of carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes, significantly increased the activities of hexokinase (59%) and pyruvate kinase (68%) and reduced the activities of glucose-6-phosphatase (32%) and fructose-1, 6-bisphosphatase (20%). The histological studies of the pancreas also supported our findings. The results were compared with metformin, a standard oral hypoglycemic drug. GC–MS analysis of ABE revealed the presence of 11 chemical constituents in the extract. ConclusionsABE exerts its antidiabetic effect by promoting glucose metabolism via glycolysis and inhibiting hepatic endogenous glucose production via gluconeogenesis.

Beneficial effect of carvone, a dietary monoterpene ameliorates hyperglycemia by regulating the key enzymes activities of carbohydrate metabolism in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic/endocrine disorder characterized by inadequate control of carbohydrate metabolism and causes serious health issues. This study evaluates the effect of carvone, a novel monoterpene ketone, on carbohydrate metabolic enzymes in the liver of normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (40mg/kg b.w). STZ intoxication led to a significant increase in the levels of plasma glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and decrease in the levels of insulin and hemoglobin (Hb). The activities of carbohydrate metabolic enzymes, glycogen, enzymatic antioxidants in pancreas and hepatic markers content were also altered. The daily oral administration of carvone (50mg/kg b.w) to diabetic rats for 30days resulted a significant decline in the levels of plasma glucose, HbA1c and significant improve in the levels of Hb and insulin. The reversed activities of carbohydrate metabolic enzymes, enzymic antioxidants and hepatic marker enzymes in diabetic rats were renovated to near normal level by the administration of carvone. The obtained results were compared with glyclazide, a standard oral hypoglycemia drug. Histopathological analysis of liver and pancreas and immunohistochemistry of pancreas revealed that treatment with carvone reduced the STZ-induced damage to hepatic and β-cells of the pancreas. From our results, carvone regulates carbohydrate metabolism by ameliorating the key enzymes in the hepatic tissues of STZ-induced diabetic rats however further studies and safety studies are needed to validate the effects of carvone.