Experimental Diabetic Rats Research Articles

Ameliorative Effect of a Vanadium-thiosemicarbazone Complex on Oxidative Stress in Stomach Tissue of Experimental Diabetic Rats

Recently, we have shown that oral administrations of an oxidovanadium (IV) complex, VOL, with tetradentate thiosemicarbazone ligand normalizes hyperglycemia of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (STZ-rats). For the development of vanadium compounds that exhibit insulin-like behavior, it is essential to know some of the pharmacokinetic properties of these complexes. The goal of the current research is to examine the healing effect of new sythesed VOL complex on the oxidative stress parameters of diabetic stomac tissue. Rats used in the experiments were divided as control, VOL+control, diabetic and diabetic+VOL. The rats were sacrificed after 12 days of the experimental period. The levels of glutathione, lipid peroxidation, non-enzymatic glycosylation, advanced oxidized protein products levels and the activities of some enzymes were measured in stomach tissue of all the experimental animals. Although VOL treatment to diabetic rats increased the stomach glutathione levels; lipid peroxidation, non-enzymatic glycosylation and advanced oxidized protein products levels were decreased. Also, the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and carbonic anhydrase were increased in VOL treated diabetic group. Whereas, lactate dehydrogenase and xanthine oxidase activities were decreased. According to the obtained outcomes, it can be said that VOL treatment has a healing effect on the stomach tissue of diabetic rats. This effect provided by VOL is most likely due to the insulin-like and antioxidant activity of the complex. In conclusion, we can say that VOL may be a suitable candidate for diabetes treatment.

Effect of Lupinus albus Conglutin Gamma Protein on Experimentally Induced Diabetes in Rats

BACKGROUND: Early insulin resistance and a progressive loss of pancreatic β cell function combine to cause type 2 diabetes (T2D), which leads to insufficient insulin production followed by hyperglycemia. Purified from Lupinus albus seed, conglutin gamma (Cγ) is a protein that lowers blood sugar. The primary function of adipocytokines, hormones released by adipose tissue, is to alert important organs to maintain metabolic balance. AIM: This study aimed to identify and compare the role of Cγ and glimepiride in controlling hyperglycemia, insulin secretion, insulin resistance, and hyperlipidemia in high-fat diet (HFD) and low-dose streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetes in experimental rats. METHODS: Male Sprague–Dawley rat groups were divided into seven groups; normal, Cγ control, T2D control, and four T2D groups which received Cγ (30, 60, and 120 mg/kg) and Glimepiride (0.1 mg/kg) treatments. RESULTS: Administration of Cγ successfully eliminated hyperglycemia and increased insulin secretion and sensitivity. In addition, when compared to (STZ+HFD) control rats, treatment with Cγ improved the expression of leptin, adiponectin, and their blood concentrations, as well as the activity of the enzyme chitotriosidase. It also significantly decreased the expression of apelin, nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase and RBP4. CONCLUSION: The present data suggests that Cγ has an effective role in controlling hyperglycemia induced by diabetes through amelioration of leptin, adiponectin, lipid profile, and metabolic syndrome.

Accelerated wound healing induced by spinach extract in experimental model diabetic rats with streptozotocin

Patients with diabetes often have difficult-to-heal wounds. Spinacia oleracea extract comprises anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative compounds; this research, therefore, studied the impact of Spinacia oleracea extracts on ulcer regeneration. This study was conducted on 72 adult Wistar rats (200 pm 20 g). They were randomly divided into six groups of twelve. A: Diabetic group receiving normal saline. B: Non-diabetic group receiving normal saline. C: Diabetic group receiving spinach aqueous extract. D: Diabetic group receiving spinach alcoholic extract. E: preventive group that received aqueous extract for 2 months. F: preventive group that received alcoholic extract for 2 months. Ulcer regeneration, vascular endothelium growth factor, blood sugar, and weight changes were measured on days 3, 7, 14, 21, and 30. Macroscopic investigation of the wounds non-diabetic control group, diabetic group, as well as spinach aqueous and alcoholic extract groups, were compared and there were significant changes (P < 0.05). Pathologic examination in the spinach aqueous and alcoholic extract groups, and nondiabetic group than in the diabetic group revealed significant advances (P < 0.05). On the third and seventh days, Vascular endothelium growth factor detected significant differences between groups (P < 0.05). Results indicate that, in regenerating diabetic ulcers, Spinacia oleracea may be effective. It influences the ulcer structure and speed.

Vitexin isolated from Acanthus ilicifolius L. leaf enhances GLUT-4 translocation in experimental diabetic rats

Vitexin isolated from Acanthus ilicifolius L. leaf enhances GLUT-4 translocation in experimental diabetic rats

Evaluation of the Effect of Ferula Rigidula Extract on Sperm Parameters, Antioxidant Parameters and Testicular Structure in Male Rats in Experimental Diabetic Condition

The study was conducted to investigate how Ferula rigidula extract affected sperm profile, antioxidant parameters, and stereological profile in experimental diabetic rats. Performed on forty-nine male rats. The rats were randomly assigned to control group, diabetic group, diabetic + Ferula rigidula group 1, diabetic + Ferula rigidula group 2, diabetic + glibenclamide group, Ferula rigidula group 1, and Ferula rigidula group 2. While sperm count, motility, antioxidant parameters, testosterone hormone, germinal epithelial volume, and germinal epithelial height decreased in the diabetic group, abnormal sperm count, malondialdehyde level, and lumen volume increased. When Ferula rigidula (extract) was given to diabetic rats, it brought the stereological findings to the same level as the control group. In addition, it was determined that there were improvements in biochemical parameters, approaching the values of the control group. Specifically, when Ferula rigidula extract was administered alone, testosterone levels and stereological findings improved in group 1. In addition, it was determined that there were significant improvements in sperm parameters. However, it was determined that the positive effect of Ferula rigidula extract was very significant at low doses (250 mg/kg) and decreased at high doses (500 mg/kg). As a result, Ferula rigidula extract has an antioxidant role and can be used to alleviate the problems caused by diabetes in the male reproductive system.

Antiglycative Effect of Combination of Extracts of Capsicum annuum (chilli) and Pyridoxamine Against Glycation in Streptozotocin-induced Experimental Diabetes in Rats

Antiglycative Effect of Combination of Extracts of Capsicum annuum (chilli) and Pyridoxamine Against Glycation in Streptozotocin-induced Experimental Diabetes in Rats

The potential of esculin in ameliorating Type-2 diabetes mellitus induced neuropathy in Wistar rats and probing its inhibitory mechanism of insulin aggregation

Diabetic neuropathy encompasses multiple pathological disturbances, many of which coincide with the pathophysiological mechanisms of neurodegenerative disorders. In the present study, various biophysical techniques like Rayleigh light scattering assay, Thioflavin T assay, far-UV Circular Dichroism spectroscopy, Transmission electron microscopy have unveiled the anti-fibrillatory effect of esculin upon human insulin fibrillation. MTT cytotoxicity assay demonstrated the biocompatibility of esculin and in-vivo studies such as behavioral tests like hot plate test, tail immersion test, acetone drop test, plantar test were performed for validating diabetic neuropathy. Assessment of levels of serum biochemical parameters, oxidative stress parameters, pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as neuron specific markers was done in the current study. Rat brains were subjected to histopathology and their sciatic nerves were subjected to transmission electron microscopy to analyze myelin structure alterations. All these results reveal that esculin ameliorates diabetic neuropathy in experimental diabetic rats. Conclusively, our study demonstrates the anti-amyloidogenic potential of esculin in the form of inhibition of human insulin fibrillation, making it a promising candidate in combating neurodegenerative disorders in the near future and the results of various behavioral, biochemical, and molecular studies reveal that esculin possesses anti-lipidemic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and neuroprotective properties which help in ameliorating diabetic neuropathy in streptozotocin induced diabetic Wistar rats.

Evaluation of the effects of sinapic acid and ellagic acid on sciatic nerve in experimental diabetic rats by immunohistochemical and stereological methods

In our study, we aimed to examine the effects of sinapic acid and ellagic acid on neuropathy caused by diabetes in peripheral nerves. Fifty-six adult Wistar Albino rats Control, Diabetes, Diabetes+Sinapic Acid, Diabetes+Ellagic Acid, Diabetes+Sinapic Acid+Ellagic Acid, Sinapic Acid, Ellagic Acid and as Sinapic Acid+Ellagic Acid, they were randomly divided into eight groups(n:7). A single dose of 50 mg/kg streptozotocin(STZ) was administered intraperitoneally to the groups to be diagnosed with diabetes. Diabetes was accepted as blood glucose value of 250 mg/dL and above. Streptozotocin was given to the diabetes groups, 20 mg/kg/day intragastric Sinapic acid to the Sinapic acid groups, 50 mg/kg/day intragastric Ellagic acid to the Ellagic acid groups for 28 days. At the end of the experiment, 0.5 cm of the right sciatic nerve was removed. It was fixed in 10% formaldehyde. After histological follow-up, it was embedded in paraffin, 5 µm thick sections were taken. Immunohistochemical staining with Fibrinogen alpha, Laminin β-1 and Collagen IV antibodies and stereological evaluation was performed by Physical Dissector Combination method. Collagen IV was used in control, diabetes and treatment groups showed similar immunostaining. Fibrinogen alpha was observed to be increased in the vessel wall in the diabetes group, while the uptake was minimal in the control and treatment groups. While Laminin β-1 was increased in the diabetes group compared to the control group, immunostaining was observed in the treatment groups similar to the control group. It was observed that the total nerve area diabetes group decreased significantly compared to the control group, and the treatment groups, except for D+EA group were similar to the control group, but there was no statistically significant difference. The axon numbers in the diabetes group decreased significantly compared to the control group, and the treatment groups were similar to the control group, and there was no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). It was determined that Sinapic Acid and Ellagic acid had positive effects on the nervous tissue in diabetic neuropathy.

Comparison of the anti-diabetic and nephroprotective activities of vitamin E, metformin, and Nigella sativa oil on kidney in experimental diabetic rats.

In this study, we aimed to evaluate and compare the nephroprotective and possible anti-diabetic effects of vitamin E, metformin, and Nigella sativa. Thirty male Wistar Albino rats were randomly divided into control, experimental diabetes (DM), vitamin E + DM, Metformin + DM, and N. sativa + DM. For experimental diabetes induction, IP 45 mg/kg streptozotocin was administered. Rats in vitamin E + DM, Metformin + DM, and N. sativa + DM received 100 mg/kg vitamin E, 100 mg/kg metformin, and 2.5 ml/kg N. sativa oil for 56 days. After the experiment, all animals were sacrificed, and blood and kidney samples were collected. The blood urea level of the DM group was significantly higher (P<0.01) than the control group. Urea levels in vitamin E, metformin, and N. sativa groups were similar to the control group (P>0.05) but significantly different from the DM group (P<0.01). Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-9 immunopositivity intensity were quite low in the control group, and similar to the N. sativa group (P>0.05). Bcl-2 immunopositivity density was highest in the N. sativa group, similar to the control group in terms of percentile area (P>0.05). When all three treatment methods were compared in terms of their effectiveness in alleviating DM and DN, it was determined that the most successful result was obtained with N. sativa oil.

Encapsulation and Assessment of Antidiabetic Potential of α-Lactalbumin-Derived Hydrolysates.

Dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) is an exopeptidase mainly present in epithelial tissues of the liver, kidney, and intestine. It is involved in the cleavage of a variety of substrates including the incretin hormones like glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 binds to the GLP-1 receptors of pancreatic β-cells and leads to β-cell proliferation and increases insulin secretion through associated gene expression. In diabetes, a constant increase in the glucose level leads to glucotoxicity, which destroys pancreatic β-cells, decreases the insulin level, and further increases the blood glucose level. Inhibition of DPP-IV is one of the strategies for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. In recent years, peptides derived from a variety of dietary proteins have been reported to exhibit inhibitory activity against the DPP-IV enzyme. Such peptides should also be protected from the action of digestive enzymes to keep their bioactivity intact. Therefore, the present investigation was aimed to evaluate the in vitro DPP-IV inhibition potential and in vivo antidiabetic potential of α-lactalbumin in non-encapsulated hydrolysate (NEH), freeze-dried encapsulated hydrolysate (FDEH), and emulsified encapsulated hydrolysate (EEH) forms. Percent DPP-IV inhibition by the NEH, FDEH, and EEH after simulated gastrointestinal digestion was 36 ± 2.28, 54 ± 2.02, and 64 ± 2.02, respectively. The oral administration of the NEH, FDEH, and EEH at a dose of 300 mg/kg body weight was evaluated in nicotinamide-streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic experimental rats in a study of 30 days. Rats in the diabetic control group showed an increase in the blood glucose level and liver function enzymes and a decrease in GLP-1, insulin, and antioxidative enzymes. Administration of hydrolysates reversed the parameters by lowering the blood glucose level and increasing GLP-1 and insulin levels in plasma. The blood lipid profile, liver enzyme (ALT, AST, and AP) levels, and catalase and superoxide dismutase activity were also found to be normalized and better managed in experimental diabetic rats.

Motor skills training-induced activation of descending pathways mediating cortical command to hindlimb motoneurons in experimental diabetic rats

Diabetes disrupts the corticospinal tract (CST) system components that control hindlimb and trunk movement, resulting in weakness of the lower extremities. However, there is no information about a method to improve these disorders. This study aimed to investigate the rehabilitative effects of 2 weeks of aerobic training (AT) and complex motor skills training (ST) on motor disorders in streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetic rats. In this study, electrophysiological mapping of the motor cortex showed that the diabetes mellitus (DM)-ST group had a larger motor cortical area compared to the DM-AT group and sedentary diabetic animals. Moreover, hand grip strength and rotarod latency increased in the DM-ST group; however, these two parameters did not change in the DM-AT group, as well as in control and sedentary diabetic rats. Furthermore, in the DM-ST group, cortical stimulation-induced and motor-evoked potentials were preserved after the interception of the CST; however, this potential disappeared after additional lesions were made on lateral funiculus, suggesting that their function extends to activating motor descending pathways other than the CST locating lateral funiculus. According to immunohistochemical analysis, the larger fibers present on the dorsal part of the lateral funiculus, which corresponds to the rubrospinal tract of the DM-ST group, expressed the phosphorylated growth-associated protein, 43 kD, which is a specific marker of axons with plastic changes. Additionally, electrical stimulation of the red nucleus revealed expansion of the hindlimb-responsible area and increased motor-evoked potentials of the hindlimb in the DM-ST group, suggesting a strengthening of synaptic connections between the red nucleus and spinal interneurons driving motoneurons. These results reveal that ST induces plastic changes in the rubrospinal tract in a diabetic model, which can compensate for diabetes by disrupting the CST system components that control the hindlimb. This finding suggests that ST can be a novel rehabilitation strategy to improve motor dysfunctions in diabetic patients.

Antidiabetic and antioxidative effects of Lepisanthes fruticosa fruit seed extract in type 2 diabetic experimental rats

Lepisanthes fruticosa (Roxb) Leenh or locally known as ceri Terengganu is an underutilised fruit species from the Sapindaceae family. The species was previously identified as a potent antioxidant source, but scientific information is still lacking and limited to in vitro. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the in vivo antidiabetic and antioxidative effects of L. fruticosa fruit seed extract (LFSE) in a high-fat diet, streptozotocin (HFD/STZ)-induced Sprague Dawley rats. After 8 weeks of HFD feeding, a low-dose STZ (35 mg/kg body weight) was injected to induce type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Two dosages of LFSE (300 and 600 mg/kg body weight) were orally administered to diabetic rats for 4 weeks. High dosage LFSE (600 mg/kg body weight) showed a more pronounced effect in anti-hyperglycemic activities as indicated by both sub-chronic and acute studies. The glucose-lowering ability of LFSE was supported by its improved serum insulin level (40%) as compared to diabetic control. LFSE (600 mg/kg) also resulted in a significant (P&lt;0.05) increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) (20%) and catalase (CAT) (43%) activities, with a significant (P&lt;0.05) decrease in lipid peroxidation (28%) as compared to diabetic control. With regard to lipid profile, low dosage LFSE (300 mg/kg) led to a significant (P&lt;0.05) improvement in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) (39%). Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis of LFSE showed the presence of various phytochemicals with antidiabetic and antioxidant properties, with α-kojibiose, genistein-7,4'-di-O-β-D-glucoside and soyacerebroside II being the predominant ones. The findings may suggest that L. fruticosa fruit seed extract is potential in reducing hyperglycaemia and enhancing antioxidant status in HFD/STZ-induced diabetic rats. Therefore, it can be concluded that L. fruticosa fruit species may be considered as a promising candidate for a new and safe alternative remedy for the prevention and treatment of T2DM.

Effects of oleanolic acid administration on renal NF-kB, IL-18, IL-6, YKL-40, and KIM-1 in experimental diabetic rats.

Neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy, known as the triopathy of diabetes, are the consequences of microvascular complications of diabetes. The present study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of oleanolic acid (OA) administration against diabetic nephropathy considering biochemical and histopathological parameters. The rats with fasting blood glucose levels of 200 mg/dl and above were considered diabetic after induction of diabetes via injecting STZ. The other half of the rats were not injected with STZ (healthy rats). Both healthy and diabetic rats were then divided randomly into two subgroups to be administered with either OA (5 mg/kg) with 1 ml tap water by oral gavage or 1 ml tap water in the same route for 21 days. Serum urea-N, Ca, P, and Mg as well as renal tissue MDA, SOD, NF-κB, IL-6, IL-18, AMPK, YKL-40, and KIM-1 levels were measured. OA administration partially decreased levels of serum urea-N and P, as well as levels of renal tissue MDA and inflammation markers (NF-κB, IL-6, IL-18, YKL-40, and KIM-1) in the diabetic rats. It also partially increased serum Ca and renal tissue AMPK levels in diabetic rats. These positive effects were also seen in renal tissue histopathology. OA treatment partially alleviated renal damage inflammatory and oxidative profiles in diabetic rats.

Importance of curcumin effect and asprosin level on glucose metabolism in diabetic rats

Asprosin is a new hormone secreted mainly from white adipose tissue. It may be associated with the pathogenesis of obesity, diabetes and some metabolic diseases. The changes in plasma asprosin levels of experimental diabetic rats and the relation of these changes with liver glucose metabolism and some diabetes parameters were investigated, and the effects of metformin, gliclazide or curcumin treatment on plasma asprosin levels were tried. The study was designed as an animal model in diabetic rats The albino rats were divided into five groups. To induce diabetes, a single dose of STZ was injected intraperitoneally. Diabetics rats were treated intragastrically with metformin (D+Metformin group), gliclazide (D+Giliclazide group) or 20 curcumin (D+Curcumin group) for eight weeks. Fasting blood glucose, insulin levels and other parameters were measured. Plasma asporsin levels of untreated diabetic rats increased significantly (P&lt;.001). Although the plasma asprosin levels of diabetic rats treated with the rugs were significantly lower (P&lt;.001). Fasting blood glucose levels of diabetic rats treated with the drugs were found to be remarkably lower than the diabetic control values (P&lt;.001, respectively). There was no significant difference in the insulin levels and HOMA-IR between these three groups. Curcumin treatment provides significant improvements in plasma asprosin level and diabetes parameters. The increase in plasma asprosin level in diabetic rats may be one of the main reasons that facilitate the development of the disease or is responsible for its pathogenesis. Our findings support the idea that curcumin may be an important treatment option for diabetes.

Impact of Glyphosate on the Development of Insulin Resistance in Experimental Diabetic Rats: Role of NFκB Signalling Pathways.

Glyphosate, an endocrine disruptor, has an adverse impact on human health through food and also has the potential to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can lead to metabolic diseases. Glyphosate consumption from food has been shown to have a substantial part in insulin resistance, making it a severe concern to those with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). However, minimal evidence exists on how glyphosate impacts insulin-mediated glucose oxidation in the liver. Hence the current study was performed to explore the potential of glyphosate toxicity on insulin signaling in the liver of experimental animals. For 16 weeks, male albino Wistar rats were given 50 mg, 100 mg and 250 mg/kg b. wt. of glyphosate orally. In the current study, glyphosate exposure group was linked to a rise in fasting sugar and insulin as well as a drop in serum testosterone. At the same time, in a dose dependent fashion, glyphosate exposure showed alternations in glucose metabolic enzymes. Glyphosate exposure resulted in a raise in H2O2 formation, LPO and a reduction in antioxidant levels those results in impact on membrane integrity and insulin receptor efficacy in the liver. It also registered a reduced levels of mRNA and protein expression of insulin receptor (IR), glucose transporter-2 (GLUT2) with concomitant increase in the production of proinflammatory factors such as JNK, IKKβ, NFkB, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α as well as transcriptional factors like SREBP1c and PPAR-γ leading to pro-inflammation and cirrhosis in the liver which results in the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Our present findings for the first time providing an evidence that exposure of glyphosate develops insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes by aggravating NFkB signaling pathway in liver.

Periodontal ligament regulatory role in experimental diabetic rat model of periodontium remodelling.

Diabetes, among multiple systemic harmful health issues, also may deteriorate normal regenerative and reparative functions of periodontium. The aim of this research was to study the role of periodontal ligament in tissue remodelling under the orthodontic appliance stimulation in two rat experimental models (healthy Wistar rats and Goto-Kakizaki, rodent model of non-obese type 2 diabetes). Four groups of rats were defined: Wistar (WI; n = 8) and Goto-Kakizaki (GK; n = 8) control groups without orthodontic appliances, and Wistar (n = 16) and Goto-Kakizaki (n = 16) appliance groups with orthodontic appliances. After 42 days, rats were sacrificed and histopathology descriptive analysis about periodontal ligament and adjacent structures was performed as well as cellularity of periodontal ligament and Kappa curvature of tooth roots were measured. Goto-Kakizaki control rats showed statistically significantly higher cellularity in comparison with Wistar control rats (p < 0.001). Both applied groups (WI 44.63 ± 6.68; GK 79.58 ± 10.06) also showed statistically significantly higher cellularity (p < 0.001) in comparison with control groups (WI 34.48 ± 6.92; GK 45.31 ± 11.18). Applied groups (WI 0.197 ± 0.2; GK 0.126 ± 0.083) had statistically significant higher values of Kappa curvature in comparison with control groups (WI 0.023 ± 0.011; GK 0.037 ± 0.011) (WI appliance vs. WI control: p < 0.001; GK appliance vs. GK control: p < 0.05). Agitated periodontal ligament caused different degrees of cementoclasia and additionally dentinoclasia, altering the natural root curvature. Although not significantly different (WI and GK appliance groups) according to degree of molar roots odontoclasia, higher cellularity of agitated GK periodontal ligament could be influencing factor for, as previously reported, elevated osteoclast mobilization and possible prolonged periodontium reconstitution.

Antihyperglycemic, Antihyperlipidemic and Antioxidant Effects of Eclipta prostrata L. Aqueous Extract in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

With the rising prevalence of diabetes mellitus around the world, researchers have been searching for a new treatment option that is both more effective and safer than chemotherapy. This study evaluated the antidiabetic activities of aqueous extracts of Eclipta prostrataL. in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. The rats were randomized into six groups: Normal control, STZ-induced diabetic rats (50 mg/kg), STZ + EPE (100 mg/kg), STZ + EPE (200 mg/kg), STZ+glibenclamide (600 µg/kg) and EPE alone (200 mg/kg). The STZ-induced diabetic rats showed significantly (p&lt;0.05) elevated glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile, hepatic, and kidney markers, while significantly (p&lt;0.05) decreased insulin levels. The changes in activities of carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes such as glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose-1,6–bisphosphatase were significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased in diabetic rats, while the activity of glucokinase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase were significantly (p&lt;0.05) reduced. Oral treatment of STZ-induced diabetic rats with E. prostrata(100 and 200 mg/kg) and glibenclamide (600 µg/kg) prevented the alteration as mentioned earlier and brought back them to near normalcy. The current findings in experimental diabetic rats suggest that oral treatment with E. prostrate ameliorated carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes, showed total cholesterol-lowering effects, improved serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels and exhibited intriguing antioxidant activities.

Antidiabetic activity of Solanum torvum fruit extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Solanum torvum Swartz, a medicinal plant belonging to the family Solanaceae, is an important medicinal plant widely distributed throughout the world and used as medicine to treat diabetes, hypertension, tooth decay, and reproductive problems in traditional systems of medicine around the world including Malaysia. The objective of this study was to investigate hypoglycemic, antilipidemic, and hepatoprotective activities, histopathology of the pancreas, and specific glucose regulating gene expression of the ethanolic extract of S. torvum fruit in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Sprague-Dawley rats. Acute toxicity study was done according to OECD-423 guidelines. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg) in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Experimental diabetic rats were divided into six different groups; normal, diabetic control, and glibenclamide at 6 mg/kg body weight, and the other three groups of animals were treated with oral administration of ethanolic extract of S. torvum fruit at 120, 160, and 200 mg/kg for 28 days. The effect of ethanolic extract of S. torvum fruit on body weight, blood glucose, lipid profile, liver enzymes, histopathology of pancreas, and gene expression of glucose transporter 2 (slc2a2), and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PCK1) was determined by RT-PCR. Acute toxicity studies showed LD50 of ethanolic extract of S. torvum fruit to be at the dose of 1600 mg/kg body weight. Blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins, very low-density lipoproteins, serum alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase were significantly reduced, whereas high-density lipoproteins were significantly increased in S. torvum fruit (200 mg/kg)-treated rats. Histopathological study of the pancreas showed an increase in number, size, and regeneration of β-cell of islets of Langerhans. Gene expression studies revealed the lower expression of slc2a2 and PCK1 in treated animals when compared to diabetic control. Ethanolic extract of S. torvum fruits showed hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and hepatoprotective activity in streptozocin-induced diabetic rats. Histopathological studies revealed regeneration of β cells of islets of Langerhans. Gene expression studies indicated lower expression of slc2a2 and PCK1 in treated animals when compared to diabetic control, indicating that the treated animals prefer the gluconeogenesis pathway.

The Effects of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Silk Cocoon on Hypothalamic-Pituitary -Gonadal Axis in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Male Rats.

Background Diabetes mellitus impairs the reproductive system by damaging the glands and changing their function and hormone secretions. Given the previous studies on medical properties of silk cocoon, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of silk cocoon on pituitary-gonadal axis hormones and the testis changes in diabetic male rats. Methods In this experimental study, 35 male rats were divided into 5 equal groups. Control (C), nontreated diabetic rats (DNT1), and experimental diabetic rats treated (DT1) with a silk cocoon extract at concentrations of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg for 56 days. Diabetes was induced by an injection of streptozotocin. Blood sampling was performed by the tail and heart after fasting. Body weight, serum levels of glucose, prolactin, leptin, inhibin A, IGF-2, activin A, insulin, LH, testosterone, FSH, and GnRH were measured along with the testis weight and diameter as the outcome of the study. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 20. Results Investigation of hormonal factors indicated that all diabetic groups had higher prolactin, inhibin A levels than those in C group and lower leptin, IGF-2, activin A, insulin, LH, testosterone, FSH, and GnRH levels than controls. Silk cocoon treatment significantly decreased prolactin and inhibin in comparison of DNT1 group. While there was a significant increase in leptin, IGF-2, activin A, insulin, LH, testosterone, FSH, and GnRH levels compared with DNT1 (P < 0.05). A significant decrease in both the testis weights and diameters was observed in diabetic male rats compared to controls (P < 0.05). While silk cocoon treatment improved gonadal weight, the diameter of tunica albuginea, and seminiferous tubules as long as increased in numbers of spermatocytes and Sertoli-Leydig cells. Spermatogonia, spermatocyte, spermatid, spermatozoid, Sertoli cells, and Leydig cell count were significantly lower in the DNT1 group in comparison with the control group, while all groups receiving the highest dose of SC800 mg/kg daily had a higher count of cells than the DNT1 group. Conclusion It seems that silk cocoon treatment decreases the effects of diabetes on hypothalamic-pituitary–gonadal axis.

Evaluation of Antidiabetic activity of the marine gastropod, Turbinella pyrum from Gulf of Mannar, India

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder and is becoming the world’s third “killer” together with cancer, cerebro and cardiovascular diseases due to its wide spread prevalence, morbidity and mortality. Modern anti-diabetic agents produce undesirable adverse effects. As a result, alternative therapy is required. A shift towards marine natural products is desperately needed. Hence, this research was carried to examine the antidiabetic activity of methanolic extract of Turbinella pyrum. Alloxan was induced to get experimental diabetes animals in albino rats. A comparison was made between the action of methanolic extract of Turbinella pyrum extracts and a known antidiabetic drug glibenclamide (600 μg/kg body wt). An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was also performed in experimental diabetic rats. The diabetic rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=6/group). Group I served as control and received distilled water. Group II served as standard (Glibenclamide 600μg/kg). Group III and IV received the methanolic extract of Turbinella pyrum at a dose of 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg respectively. Maximum effect was observed at 3 hours with the low (200 mg/kg) and high (400 mg/kg) doses of methanolic extract of Turbinella pyrum which exerted more pronounced effects (87.33mg/dl and 57.17mg/dl). The effects of methanolic extract of Turbinella pyrum were more than that of the standard drug glibenclamide. Treatment of diabetic rats with the methanolic extract of Turbinella pyrum improved the body weight that is 15.49g and 16.75g at 200 and 400mg/kg doses respectively. The glibenclamide treated diabetic rats also showed improved body weight (13.88). These results demonstrate significant antidiabetic potential of the methanolic extract of Turbinella pyrum (p&lt;0.01) and can be used for drug production in pharmaceutical industries.