Pancreas Of Diabetic Rats Research Articles

Beneficial Effects of Probiotic Lactobacillus paraplantarum BGCG11 on Pancreatic and Duodenum Function in Diabetic Rats.

Diabetes mellitus, as a chronic metabolic disorder, significantly impacts the pancreas and among other organs, affects duodenal function. Emerging evidence suggests that probiotics can exert beneficial effects on gut health and metabolism. In our previous research, we evaluated the probiotic Lactobacillus paraplantarum BGCG11 primarily for its protective properties against diabetic rats' damaged liver and kidneys. In this work, we further examined the effects of probiotic strain BGCG11 on the function of the duodenum and pancreas in diabetic rats. We explored the potential mechanisms underlying the probiotic's effects, focusing on general indicators of diabetes, the architecture and morphology of pancreatic islets, duodenal integrity (measuring the transfer of fluid and serum zonulin level), and the modulation of gut microbiota composition. Our findings reveal the protective and regulatory roles of L. paraplantarum BGCG11 in mitigating diabetes-induced pancreatic and duodenal dysfunction regardless of its application time (pre- or post-treatment), highlighting its therapeutic potential in managing diabetes-related gastrointestinal complications.

Methanol fraction of ethanol extract of Dialium guineense stem bark reduces oxidative stress in STZ-induced diabetic rat pancreas

Methanol fraction of ethanol extract of Dialium guineense stem bark reduces oxidative stress in STZ-induced diabetic rat pancreas

Ameliorating effect of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) on the pancreas of alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Objective: This research work was carried out to investigate the effect of Nutmeg on the histology of pancreas of alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Methodology: Twenty-five Wistar rats weighing 150 g – 180 g were purchased and acclimatized for two weeks. Thereafter, they were divided into five groups designated as A – E with five rats each. Group A serve as the control group, while groups B – C served as the experimental group, and were induced with alloxan. Group A received distilled water only, while groups B – C received Glucophage, 400 mg/kg of Nutmeg and 800 mg/kg of Nutmeg daily for 21 days through orogastric tube. On the 22nd day, the animals were sacrificed via chloroform inhalation, and pancreas were harvested from the rats for histological study. Results: Histopathological findings revealed normal well perfused pancreatic tissue with active Islets of Langerhans (IL), pancreatic acini (PA) and well out-lined acini cells (AC); poorly perfused pancreatic tissue with severe focal areas of Islets of the Langerhans atrophy and severe dissolution of acini; moderate necrotic (N) and pale appearance of the pancreatic acini in R1 however the Islets of the Langerhans in both sections are moderately normal; mild necrotic (N) and pale appearance of the pancreatic acini with mild aggregation of inflammatory cells (AIC); and mild aggregation of inflammatory cells (AIC) with active Islets of the Langerhans (IL) respectively for groups A – E. Conclusion: Nutmeg extract has ameliorating effect on the histology of the pancreas of alloxan-induced rats which improves with increase in the dosages of the extract.

Antidiabetic activity of the aqueous extract of Erigeron floribundus leaves in streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetes model in Wistar rats

BackgroudErigeron floribundus is a herbaceous plant used in traditional Cameroonian medicine to treat diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antidiabetic properties of the aqueous extract of E. floribundus leaves (AEEF) in diabetic rats. MethodsDiabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) in normal rats fasted for 16 h. Subsequently, 30 diabetic male rats were divided into groups and treated orally for 21 days with distilled water (10 mL/kg), glibenclamide (3 mg/kg) and AEEF (300, 400, and 500 mg/kg). Body weight, food and water intake, blood glucose, insulin levels, lipid and oxidative profiles, as well as some markers of liver and kidney function were assessed. Histological sections of the rats' pancreas were taken. ResultsAEEF and glibenclamide significantly increased (p < 0.001) body weight and decreased food and water intake in rats. A decrease in blood glucose (p < 0.001) and an increase in insulin levels (p < 0.001) were observed in the AEEF and glibenclamide groups. AEEF caused a significant (p < 0.001) decrease in the levels of total cholesterol, LDL-c, triglycérides and coronary risk index (CRI), accompanied by a significant (p < 0.001) increase in HDL levels and HOMA-β in rats. AEEF showed an improvement (p < 0.001) in CAT and SOD activity and GSH levels accompanied by a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in malondialdehyde levels. In addition, ALAT and ASAT activity, urea and creatinine levels were significantly reduced (p < 0.001) after treatment with AEEF and glibenclamide. The extract also improved the size of Langerhans Islets in the pancreas of diabetic rats. ConclusionAEEF contains several bioactive compounds conferring antidiabetic, anti-dyslipidemic and antioxidant properties, thus justifying its therapeutic use in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Pancreatic and hepatic histopathology of high-fat diet fed streptozotocin-induced Wistar rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus

In search of new fangled therapeutic agents against type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), an appropriate preclinical disease model is important to ensure the success of subsequent clinical trials. There is an increasing trend in the use of high-fat diet (HFD) fed streptozotocin (STZ)-induced rodent models in investigating novel therapeutic agents against T2DM. Though several studies have been conducted on the development of the aforementioned model they were mainly focused on biochemical characteristics. Only limited studies have focused on histopathological changes which is the gold standard in investigating the treatment-related changes of novel therapeutic agents. Therefore, the present study aimed at assessing the histopathological changes of the pancreas and liver, the two main organs involved in glucose homeostasis, in a newly developed HFD-fed STZ-induced Wistar rat model. For this study, Wistar rats were induced with T2DM by intraperitoneal injection of STZ (30, 40, and 50 mg/kg) which was given after feeding the rats with an HFD consisting of 60% calories from fat for four weeks duration. Diabetic rats were sacrificed after maintaining for further four weeks. The liver and pancreas were excised and hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections were observed using a light microscope. The major histopathological changes in the pancreas of HFD-fed STZ-induced diabetic rats were loss of pancreatic islets, pancreatic islet hypertrophy, and mild fatty change in the exocrine pancreas. In contrast, the liver did not show any degree of fatty change, but the majority showed prominent hydropic degeneration in the hepatocytes. In conclusion, prominent alterations were well noted in the pancreatic and liver tissues of the Wistar rats fed with HFD, followed by STZ (50 mg/kg), and the established model could be useful in investigating and elucidating antidiabetic mechanisms of novel pharmaceutical agents.

Effect of Aqueous Solanum macrocarpon Leaves Extract on Hyperglycemia, Liver Enzymes, and Liver and Pancreas Histology in Alloxan-Induced Diabetes

Solanum macrocarpon (SM) is frequently used for both medicinal and dietary purposes. It has been documented to have hypoglycemic properties in diabetes management. This research delved into the effect of aqueous Solanum macrocarpon leaves extract on blood glucose levels, liver enzymes, antioxidant enzymes, and histology of the liver and pancreas in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. A total of thirty male Wistar rats, with weights ranging from 150 to 200 g, were randomly divided into six groups, each containing five rats. The normal (A) and diabetic control (B) groups received distilled water. The diabetic treated groups (C, D, E, and F) were administered 5 mg of glibenclamide, 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 750 mg/kg of Solanum macrocarpon extract orally for a period of 14 days. Significant reversal of the altered levels of liver enzymes was noted in the results. Positive alterations in blood glucose concentration and antioxidant enzyme activity were also observed. The histological examination showed damage to the hepatic and pancreatic cells of the diabetic untreated rat group, which was mitigated in diabetic rats treated with the aqueous extract. The findings indicate that the aqueous Solanum macrocarpon leaves extract serves as a valuable source of natural antioxidants, promoting both liver function and blood glucose regulation.

Effects of Insulin and Resveratrol Versus Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) on the pancreas of Diabetic Rats (Type-I) (Light and Electron Microscope Study)

Effects of Insulin and Resveratrol Versus Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) on the pancreas of Diabetic Rats (Type-I) (Light and Electron Microscope Study)

The Protective Effects of Vanillic Acid and Vanillic Acid-Coated Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

The production of nanoparticles enhances the bioactivity of biological molecules for drug delivery to diseased sites. This study explains how silver nanoparticle (AgNP) coating enhanced the protection effects of vanillic acid in male diabetic rats with streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced diabetes. Twenty-four rats were divided into four groups (n = 6) for this investigation. The first group (G1) is untreated, whereas diabetes was induced in the other three groups through STZ injection. Diabetic rats that were not getting therapy were included in the second group (G2, STZ-positive), whereas the other diabetic rats were divided into the third group (G3, vanillic acid-treated) and the fourth group (G4, vanillic acid-coated AgNPs treated). The treatment lasted four weeks. In G2, the induction of diabetes significantly (at P = 0.05) increased in serum glucose, glycated proteins, renal indices, interleukin-6 (IL-6), K+, immunoglobulins, and lipid peroxidation, while decreased Ca++, Na+, and other antioxidants in the kidney tissue homogenate. In addition, pathological altered signs were present in the pancreas and kidneys of diabetic rats. The renal and pancreatic tissues were effectively enhanced by vanillic acid or vanillic acid-coated AgNPs, bringing them very close to their prediabetic conditions. Vanillic acid-coated AgNPs offered a stronger defense against STZ-induced diabetes and lessened the effects of hyperglycemia compared to ordinary vanillic acid. Additionally, using vanillic acid coated with silver nanoparticles greatly increased the antioxidant and antidiabetic activity and reduced inflammation when compared to using vanillic acid alone.

Evening primrose oil ameliorates tissue architecture, apoptosis, and oxidative stress in the pancreas of diabetic rats: Possible role of miR-21.

Activating apoptosis and oxidative stress contributes to the pathogenesis of diabetes. Evening primrose oil (EPO) has been shown to regulate lipid profiles and hyperglycemia under metabolic conditions. This study aimed to examine the effect of EPO on miR-21 expression, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and histological changes in the pancreas of male rats with experimental diabetes induced by streptozotocin (STZ). Thirty-two Wistar rats were divided into four distinct groups: control, diabetic, diabetic + EPO, and EPO. EPO was administered orally at a dose of 500 mg/kg, and STZ was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 35 mg/kg for 28 days. In the end, the effects of treatments were assessed by measuring expressions of miR-21 in the pancreas with real-time PCR, pancreatic histological and immunohistochemical changes examinations, and oxidative stress assessment. In the diabetic group, miR-21 expression and the levels of caspase-3 and malondialdehyde (MDA) were increased compared to the control group, while insulin expression and superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) levels were decreased significantly. Treatment with EPO resulted in a reduction of miR-21 and caspase-3 expression, as well as MDA levels, and an increase in insulin expression and SOD levels compared to the diabetic group. Additionally, supplementation with EPO demonstrated the ability to restore pancreatic tissue features, serum insulin levels, and blood glucose fluctuations. Collectively, the protective impacts of EPO in diabetic rats may be linked to the inhibition of miR-21/caspase-3/oxidative stress pathway, leading to the restoration of pancreatic β-cell function and structure.

Evaluation of Phytochemical Composition, Proximate Analysis and Antioxidant Activity of Justicia Carnea Leaves on Streptozotocin – Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats

Introduction/Aim: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a long-term metabolic condition characterized by consistently high blood sugar levels resulting from issues with insulin secretion, function, or both. This disorder, disrupts the normal breakdown and utilization of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins, leading to a range of complications throughout the body. This study analyzed the proximate and phytochemical compositions of Justicia carnea leaves, a commonly used herbal plant in folk medicine and determined the antioxidant potential of the methanol extract of the leaves in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Standard methods were employed to determine the proximate and phytochemical composition of the plant. For the antioxidant studies, a total of Thirty-six (36) male wistar rats weighing 180 to 200 g (mean weight = 190 ± 10 g) were divided into six (6) groups of six (6) rats each. Group 1 served as the normal control and received only water and grower’s pellet throughout, group 2 was induced with diabetes, but untreated, group 3 animals were induced with diabetes and treated with 50 mg/kg bw of metformin), groups 4, 5 and 6 were induced with diabetes and treated with 100, 200 and 500 mg/kg bw of methanol extract of Justicia carnea leaves respectively. Diabetes mellitus was induced in the rats by intraperitoneal injection of 50 mg/kg bw of STZ. After 21 days of the treatment, the animals were sacrificed and the pancreas, liver and kidney tissues were collected for biochemical analyses. Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, steroids, phenols, and terpenoids, indicating significant bioactive potential. Proximate analysis showed high carbohydrate (47.88%) and moisture (22.12%) content, with lower levels of crude fat (0.23%) and protein (1.26%). A significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in the levels of fasting blood glucose and a significant (p&lt;0.05) decrease in enzymic antioxidants, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase in the pancreas, liver and kidney of diabetic rats were observed. Oral administration of methanol extract of Justicia carnea leaves, significantly (p&lt;0.05) decreased fasting blood glucose and improved the antioxidant status of diabetic rats in a dose dependent manner. Conclusion: This study highlights the significant proximate and phytochemical compositions of Justicia carnea leaves, revealing a high content of essential nutrients and bioactive compounds. The notable antioxidant activity observed, supports the plant’s use in traditional medicine and underscores its potential in the management of oxidative stress-induced diabetic complications.

Bovine umbilical mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned medium increased expression of GLUT-4 in pancreas of diabetic rats induced by nicotinamide-streptozotocin.

Diabetes is a degenerative disease associated with metabolic disorders. The majority of people have type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) insulin resistance due to an unhealthy lifestyle. The development of DM treatment is also growing, one of which is using conditioned medium. This study aims to determine the effect of Bovine umbilical mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned medium (BUMSC-CM) on nicotinamide (NA) and streptozotocin (STZ) induced rats as an animal model of DM. The study began with the in vitro docking of Cholecalciferol with aldolase reductase and glucokinase. In the in vivo study, animal models were divided into five groups: group A (negative control), group B (diabetic rats), group C (NA+STZ+Metformin), group D (NA+STZ+ BUMSC-CM 0.2 ml/kg BW), and group E (NA+STZ+ BUMSC-CM 0.5 ml/kg BW). Blood sugar levels were checked, and BUMSC-CM was administered by intramuscular injection at four-day intervals for a duration of 16 days. Blood sugar levels were also sampled, and GLUT4 histochemical and immunohistochemical staining was performed. The results showed that Cholecalciferol can bind to aldolase reductase ASP43 and TYR48 and bind to glucokinase at TYR214 with hydrogen bonds. BUMSC-CM administration was able to reduce blood sugar well. In addition, BUMSC-CM also helped repair the tissue structure of the pancreas damaged by inflammation from STZ administration. This study can be concluded that the administration of BUMSC-CM can be an alternative cell-free therapy for patients with DM.

Antidiabetic Power of Belalai gajah Plant (Clinacanthus nutans)

This study aims to determine the decrease in rat blood glucose levels, MDA levels, and the histopathological description of pancreas after giving ethanol extract of belalai gajah plant. This study used 25 rats, grouped into 5, namely normal control, negative control (CMC-Na 0.5% dose 2 mL/200 g b.w), positive control (glibenclamide dose 0.09 mg /200 g b.w), belalai gajah plant ethanol extract (dose 30 mg/200 g b.w., and 60 mg/200 g b.w). Prior to treatment, the rats were induced into diabetes with streptozotocin-nicotinamide. The content of belalai gajah plant was tested phytochemically and antidiabetic. Potential of belalai gajah plant was tested by induction for 14 days. The results showed that ethanol extract of belalai gajah plant contained alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, and phenolics. The decrease in blood glucose and MDA levels in the group given the ethanol extract of belalai gajah plant at dose of 60 mg/200 g b.w. was the same as the dose of glibenclamide 0.09 mg/200 g b.w. The results of histopathological of pancreas showed that the ethanol extract of belalai gajah plant at dose of 60 mg/200 g b.w. could improve the structure of Langerhans islets in the pancreas of diabetic rats

The protective effect of Lemon Peel Essential Oil on Pancreas and Brain Oxidative Stress and Inflammation induced by Streptozotocin-Nicotinamide in rats: Behavioral and Biochemical Evidences

The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of Moroccan lemon peel essential oil (LPEO) on various aspects such as anti-hyperglycemic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anxiolytic activities in diabetic rats. The animals were divided into five groups: normal control group, diabetic control group, diabetic group treated with metformin (300mg/kg), and two diabetic groups treated with LPEO at doses of 0.6ml/kg and 1.2ml/kg, respectively. T2DM was induced in the rats by administering intraperitoneal injections of Streptozotocin and Nicotinamide. Treatment with LPEO or metformin was initiated immediately after confirming the presence of hyperglycemia and continued for a duration of four weeks. Anxiety-related behavior in the rats was assessed using two behavioral tests. 24 hours after conducting the behavioral tests, all rats were anesthetized, and blood samples were taken for the analysis of lipid parameters. The pancreas and brain were dissected to assess TNF-alpha, SOD, and MDA levels. Treatments with LPEO contributed significantly to the preservation of lipid profile and reduction of the atherosclerosis index in diabetic rats (p&lt;.05). Additionally, there was a notable decrease in MDA and TNF-α concentration in the pancreas and brain of diabetic rats treated with LPEO associated with a remarkable increase in SOD activity in the pancreas and brain compared to diabetic control group (p&lt;.05). Lastly, both LPEO and metformin treatments demonstrated significant improvements in anxiety-related behavior in this rat model (p&lt;.05). These positive effects could potentially be attributed to the potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of both treatments.

Antidiabetic Effect of Combined Leaf Extracts of Portulaca oleracea L., Beta vulgaris L., and Cichorium intybus L. in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

Purslane (P), chard (CHA), and chicory (CHI) leaf extracts are individually and traditionally used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Polyphenols, flavonoids, the polyphenolic profile of the extracts, and their antioxidant activity were determined. This study evaluated the antidiabetic activity of combinations of these extracts in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Diabetic groups were administered orally and daily for 40 days with the investigated extracts at 250 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) or metformin (100 mg/kg b.w.) as a drug. Fasting blood glucose, oral glucose tolerance, insulin, and fructosamine were assessed. The combined extracts with high levels of P or CHI exerted potent hypoglycemic activity compared with metformin in addition to the restoration of the histopathological changes in the liver and pancreas of diabetic rats to a near-normal state. Therefore, these combined extracts could be developed as natural drugs for diabetes.

Effect of ethanolic leaf extract of Mucuna pruriens (velvet bean) on the pancreas and pituitary gland of alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Objective: This study was carried out to find out the effects of ethanolic leaf extract of Mucuna pruriens on the pancreas and pituitary gland alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Methodology: Twenty-five (25) male rats weighing between 160 g - 200 g were purchased and acclimatized for two weeks, after which they were divided into 7 groups of 5 rats each and housed in cages. The groups were designated as groups A, B, C, D and E. Groups B - E were induced with diabetes using alloxan. Groups A and B served as control groups and received only distilled water; while groups C – D diabetic that served as test groups received Glucophage, 400 mg/kg of M. pruriens and 800 mg/kg of M. pruriens respectively for 21 days via oral route with the aid of oral intubation tube. On the 22nd day, the animals were sacrificed via chloroform inhalation, and testes were harvested for histological studies. Result: There were poorly perfused pancreatic tissue with severe focal areas of Islets of Langerhans atrophy, and moderate to severe degeneration with necrosis of the anterior pituitary, severe scanty cytoplasm with either eosinophil or basophilic focal loss of tissues of the pancreas and pituitary gland respectively in group B when compared with the control group A and group C that received water and Glucophage respectively. These effects were ameliorated in Groups C - D that received variable doses of the ethanolic leaf extracts of M. prurines. Conclusion: Leaf extracts of M. pruriens have ameliorating/antidiabetic effect on the histology of pancreas and pituitary gland of alloxan-induced rats.

Antihyperglycemic and Histological Effect of Aloe vera on Alloxan-Induced Diabetes in Wistar Rats

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia and is associated with various complications if not properly managed. Aloe vera, a medicinal plant with diverse pharmacological properties, has shown promise as a potential therapeutic intervention for diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the antihyperglycemic and histological effects of Aloe vera in an alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rat model. Method: Forty-eight Wistar rats were divided into six groups and treated with different regimens of Aloe vera and metformin, a standard antidiabetic drug. The effects of the treatments on blood glucose levels and histology of the pancreas, liver, and kidney were evaluated. Result: The results of the study revealed that alloxan injection induced hyperglycemia and pathological changes in the pancreas, liver and kidney of Wistar rats. The treatment with 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg of Aloe vera significantly reduced blood glucose levels in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, Aloe vera administration preserved the histological integrity of the pancreas, liver, and kidney in diabetic rats. This preservation of organ histology can be attributed to the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and tissue-protective properties of Aloe vera. Conclusion: Aloe vera demonstrated antihyperglycemic effects and preserved organ histology in an alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rat model. The bioactive compounds present in Aloe vera are believed to contribute to these effects. Aloe vera holds potential as an alternative or adjunctive therapy for diabetes management, but its clinical efficacy and safety need to be further explored.

Antihyperglycemic effect of extra virgin sacha inchi oil in type 2 diabetic rats: Mechanisms involved in pancreatic β-cell function and apoptosis

Background and aimThe purpose of the study was to investigate the anti-hyperglycemic effect of extra virgin sacha inchi oil (EVSIO) and its possible mechanisms and actions against pancreatic β-cell death and dysfunction in type 2 diabetic (T2D) rats. Experimental procedureT2D rats were induced with a high-fat diet and low-dose of streptozotocin. The rats were then treated for 5 weeks with EVSIO (0.5, 1, and 2 ml/kg), or pioglitazone. Biochemical and histopathological studies, oxidative and inflammatory markers, and expression of apoptotic-related proteins were then evaluated. ResultsEVSIO treatment exhibited a dose-dependent reduction of fasting blood glucose, area under the curve of glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in the diabetic rats, while improved pancreatic β-function was demonstrated by increasing pancreatic and serum insulin levels. EVSIO treatment effectively lowered atrophic pancreatic islets and reduced the level of serum and pancreatic MDA in the diabetic rats. In addition to serum and pancreatic GPx activities in the diabetic rats, EVSIO also augmented serum SOD. Increased levels of NF-κB, TNF-α and IL-6 present in the diabetic rats were greatly reduced by EVSIO treatment. Furthermore, EVSIO revealed an anti-apoptotic effect on the diabetic rat pancreas by upregulating Bcl-2, and downregulating Bax and cleaved caspase-3 protein expression. ConclusionThe overall study results demonstrated the potential anti-hyperglycemic effect of EVSIO in the diabetic rats. The beneficial effects of EVSIO may be attributed to its ability to improve pancreatic β-cell function and ameliorate β-cell apoptosis by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines.

"Protective Property of Ethanol Extract of C. Sativus on STZ-Induced Diabetic Rat Pancreas"

"Protective Property of Ethanol Extract of C. Sativus on STZ-Induced Diabetic Rat Pancreas"

Melatonin downregulates the increased hepatic alpha-fetoprotein expression and restores pancreatic beta cells in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model: a clinical, biochemical, immunohistochemical, and descriptive histopathological study.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder. Hepatopathy is one of the serious effects of DM Melatonin (MT) is a potent endogenous antioxidant that can control insulin output. However, little information is available about the potential association between melatonin and hepatic alpha-fetoprotein expression in diabetes. This study was conducted to assess the influence of MT on diabetes-related hepatic injuries and to determine how β-cells of the pancreas in diabetic rats respond to MT administration. Forty rats were assigned to four groups at random (ten animals per group). Group I served as a normal control group. Group II was induced with DM, and a single dose of freshly prepared streptozotocin (45 mg/kg body weight) was intraperitoneally injected. In Group III, rats received 10 mg/kg/day of intraperitoneal melatonin (IP MT) intraperitoneally over a period of 4 weeks. In Group IV (DM + MT), following the induction of diabetes, rats received MT (the same as in Group III). Fasting blood sugar, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and serum insulin levels were assessed at the end of the experimental period. Serum liver function tests were performed. The pancreas and liver were examined histopathologically and immunohistochemically for insulin and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) antibodies, respectively. MT was found to significantly modulate the raised blood glucose, HbA1c, and insulin levels induced by diabetes, as well as the decreased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Furthermore, MT attenuated diabetic degenerative changes in the pancreas and the hepatic histological structure, increased the β-cell percentage area, and decreased AFP expression in the liver tissue. It attenuated diabetes-induced hepatic injury by restoring pancreatic β-cells; its antioxidant effect also reduced hepatocyte injury. Collectively, the present study confirmed the potential benefits of MT in downregulating the increased hepatic alpha-fetoprotein expression and in restoring pancreatic β-cells in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model, suggesting its promising role in the treatment of diabetes.

Hepatorenal Protective Functions of Coconut Water in Alloxan-Induced Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Coconut water is a natural product reported to contain antioxidant compounds with beneficial health effects. This study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic effect of mature coconut water on some biochemical parameters of liver and kidney functions, and histological architecture of the pancreas in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Twenty-four (24) Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups, (n=6). Group I (negative control) rats were fed with rat chow and drinking water ad libitum and did not receive alloxan. Group II (positive control) received a single intraperitoneal dose of 150mg/kg body weight of alloxan to induce type 1 diabetes mellitus. Groups III and IV received a single intraperitoneal dose of 150mg/kg body weight of alloxan and were treated with 1ml/kg of mature coconut water for 3 weeks and 2mg/kg of glibenclamide for 3 weeks respectively by oral administration. On day 21, blood samples were collected for liver and kidney function tests. Liver function tests for Group II showed elevated aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), albumin, total protein, total bilirubin, and low alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (p&lt;0.05). When compared with Group II, Group III showed elevated liver function parameters except ALT that was reduced (p&lt;0.05). Group IV showed elevated AST, total bilirubin, and reduced ALT, ALP, albumin, and total protein (p&lt;0.05). Kidney function tests showed that rats in Group II had significantly high creatinine, urea, bicarbonate, potassium, and sodium (p&lt;0.05). Group III had lowered creatinine, potassium levels, but with elevated urea, bicarbonate, and sodium levels (p&lt;0.05). Group IV had lowered creatinine, urea, bicarbonate, potassium levels, but with elevated sodium levels (p&lt;0.05). This study indicates that mature coconut water can be included in the treatment regimen for diabetes mellitus due to its hepatorenal protective functions.