Pancreas Of Diabetic Rats Research Articles

Lupenone is a good anti-inflammatory compound based on the network pharmacology.

The dried rhizome of Musa basjoo Sieb. et Zucc. is Rhizoma Musae. It has been used to treat diabetes in Miao medicine in China. Lupenone was isolated from Rhizoma Musae and has good anti-diabetic activity. Its mechanism of action is unclear. Diabetes is a chronic low-level systemic inflammatory disease, and lupenone has anti-inflammatory activity, but the underlying mechanism is not fully elucidated. In this study, we aimed to construct the drug-target biologic network and predict the anti-inflammatory mechanism of lupenone. The network-based pharmacologic analysis platform was used to identify the target proteins related to inflammation. Furthermore, the effects of lupenone on acute, subacute and diabetic pancreatic inflammation were evaluated. The "component-target-disease" network was constructed using Cytoscape. Lupenone could regulate transcription factor p65, NF-kappa-B inhibitor alpha, transcription factor AP-1, NF-kappa-B essential modulator, nuclear factor NF-kappa-B p105 subunit, epidermal growth factor receptor, hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha and other proteins related to the PI3K-Akt, Toll-like receptor and NF-kappa B signaling pathways. In addition, lupenone significantly decreased acute and subacute inflammation in mice as well as the IL-1β and IFN-γ levels in the pancreas of diabetic rats. The above results provide strong support for studying the molecular mechanism of lupenone in the treatment of diabetes from the perspective of anti-inflammation.

The Influence of Ethanolic Root Extracts of Ruellia tuberosa L. on Pancreatic Protease Activity and MDA Level of Rats (Rattus norvegicus) Induced by MLD-STZ

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolism disorder, indicated by increasing of blood glucose levels, due to lack of insulin secretion or insulin resistance. This study aimed to determine the influence of ethanolic root extracts of Ruellia tuberosa L on protease activity and MDA levels on pancreatic diabetic rats. This experiment used 20 rats in randomized design, that were divided into five groups: negative control, positive control, and three groups of treatments, with doses of 250, 375, and 500 mg/kg bw, respectively for 21 days. The positive control group and therapeutic group were induced by MLD-STZ (multiple-low dose streptozotocin) at dose of 20 mg/kg bw for 5 consecutive days, in order to induce diabetic states. Protease activity and MDA levels were determined by spectrophotometric method. The results showed that ethanolic root extracts of Ruellia tuberosa L. at dose of 250 mg/kg bw was the best dose to decrease significantly protease activity and MDA level in the pancreas of diabetic rats with the percentages of 52.11% and 50.54%, respectively.

Antidiabetic Effects of the Ethanolic Root Extract of Uvaria chamae P. Beauv (Annonaceae) in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats: A Potential Alternative Treatment for Diabetes Mellitus.

Diabetes mellitus has been a menace to mankind from time immemorial. However, a natural product such as U. chamae P. Beauv (Annonaceae) offers alternative treatment for diabetes mellitus. The study aimed at evaluating antidiabetic activity of the ethanolic root extract of U. chamae in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in Sprague Dawley rats after overnight fast with 150 mg/kg alloxan intraperitoneally. After 72 h, those with plasma glucose levels >200 mg/dl were classified as diabetic. Five diabetic rats in each group were treated daily for 14 days orally with 100, 250, and 400 mg/kg of the extract, glibenclamide (71 µg/kg) and pioglitazone (429 µg/kg), respectively, while another group was untreated. Control received 0.5 ml of Acacia senegal. Effects of extract on glucose, other biochemical, and hematological parameters were evaluated. α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of extract and its fractions were also evaluated. Percentage inhibition and IC50 values were determined. Diabetic control was achieved on the 7th day of the study with 100, 250, and 400 mg/kg of the extract showing glucose reduction of 72.14%, 78.75%, and 87.71%, respectively. The HDL-cholesterol levels of diabetic rats treated with extracts were significantly increased. Extract and its fractions caused α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition. Histologically, pancreas of diabetic rats treated with extract showed regenerated islet cells which were not seen in rats treated with glibenclamide and pioglitazone. This study showed that U. chamae has antidiabetic activity which may be through α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition and regeneration of pancreatic beta cells. Also, it may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by increasing HDL-cholesterol levels.

Ameliorative Effect of Watermelon rind ingestion on the Pancreas of Diabetic Female Albino Rat (Histological, immunohistochemical and morphometric study).

Introduction: Type II diabetes is a multifactorial metabolic disorder that affects more than 348 million people worldwide. The pathway of type II diabetes is characterized both by insulin resistance in muscle, fat, and liver in addition to a relative failure of pancreatic cells. CitrullusLanatus (Watermelon) is one of the few foods naturally rich in amino acids citrulline and lycopene which decrease serum glucose concentration in diabetic rats.Aim of the study: To study the structural changes in diabetic pancreas and the possible role of watermelon rind ingestion in ameliorating the pancreatic changes in experimentally-induced type II diabetes mellitus in rats.Materials and methods: Eighteen female adult albino rats weighing 170g-200g were randomly divided into three equal groups. Diabetes was induced in all the rats except GI by intraperitoneal injection of 120 mg/kg.b.wnicotinamide, followed by streptozotocin (STZ) at a dose of 60mg/kg.b.w. 15 minutes later, to induce type 2 diabetes. Rats were divided into three groups: namely GI control, GII diabetic, GIII diabetic watermelon rind juice treated. The mean values of body weight and the blood glucose levels were assessed. Histological study of the different experimental groups was done using H&E, Mallory trichrome, Orcein, and immunohistochemical stain for detection of eNOS positive endothelial cells. Data obtained by morphometric and statistical studies were discussed in relation to the microscopic findings. Results: Diabetes caused harmful effects on the structure of the pancreas. In addition, watermelon rind improved the histological findings if compared with the diabetic untreated group. Also, watermelon rind treatment showed strong immunohistochemical expression for eNOS. Conclusion: Watermelon rind ingestion in Streptozotocin-induced diabetic female albino rat resulted in ameliorating the structural changes in the pancreas.

Hypoglycaemic effect of capsaicinoids via elevation of insulin level and inhibition of glucose absorption in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

This study investigated the hypoglycemic effect and mechanism of capsaicinoids in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Diabetic rats were orally treated with 3, 6, and 9 mg/kg·bw of capsaicinoids daily for 28 days. Capsaicinoids treatment significantly increased the body weight, serum insulin level, glycogen content, and fecal sugar excretion of diabetic rats. More importantly, significant upregulation of liver X receptor, pancreatic duodenal homeobox-1, glucose-6-phosphatase, glucokinase and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 expression was observed in the liver and pancreas of diabetic rats. Meanwhile, the protein levels of sodium/glucose cotransporter 1, glucose transport protein 2, and glucose transport protein 5 were significantly down-regulated in the ileum. Results showed that the hypoglycemic mechanism of capsaicinoids may be associated with these changes occurred in different gene and protein expression, and suggested that capsaicinoids significantly reduced the blood glucose level via elevation of the insulin level and inhibition of glucose absorption in the ileum.

The effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Crataegus monogyna on hyperglycemia, oxidative stress and pancreatic tissue damage in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common metabolic diseases that causes damage to different tissues through oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Crataegus monogyna on oxidative stress, hyperglycemia and pancreatic tissue damage in diabetic rats.Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male Wistar rats were equally divided into 5 groups including control (normal saline), diabetic control (streptozotocin), intervention (streptozotocin plus C. monogyna extract at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg). After treatment, serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), Ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and glucose were determined. Histological sections of the pancreas were also prepared for histological examination.Results: Treatment of diabetic rats with C. monogyna extract significantly reduced blood glucose level (P < 0.05). Compared with control group MDA was increased and TCA was decreased in diabetic rats (P < 0.05). Treatment of diabetic rats with C. monogyna extract significantly increased TCA and reduced MDA (P < 0.05). In the pancreas of diabetic rats, degeneration of pancreatic acinar cells and formation of dermato space, damage of lobules and Acinii and edema were observed and treatment with C. monogyna extract ameliorated them.Conclusion: The results confirm the role of C. monogyna extract in the treatment of hyperglycemia, stress oxidative indices and pancreatic tissue damage in diabetic rats. Therefore, it might be beneficial in diabetic patients.

Antidiabetic and Immunomodulatory Effects of Oleuropein and Vitamin C in Diabetic Male Rats

The present work was designed to study the antidiabetic and immunomodulatory effects of olive leaf polyphenol (Oleuropein) and vitamin C in diabetic male rats. Diabetes was induced by a single i.p. dose of STZ (40 mg/kg b.w.). Pure oleuropein compound (5 mg/kg b.w.) and vit. C (150 mg/kg b.w.) were orally administered once per a day for 15 days after diabetes induction. Oleuropein and vitamin C showed a significant role in attenuating the blood glucose, insulin, pancreatic amylase, and hexokinase alterations and caused an elevation of antioxidant enzymes in diabetic rats. Oleuropein and vitamin C showed a hematopoetic action as documented by the increase in RBC, Hb, Hct, PLt, decrease in WBC and improved RBC structure. Oleuropein and vitamin C significantly attenuated the oxidative status of diabetic rats. Oleuropein and vitamin C improved the different changes in some cytokines and interlukines and decreases the gene expression of TNF-, COX2, and caspase3 involved in apoptosis and inflammation. The immunohistochemical sections of pancreas in the diabetic rats treated with oleuropein and vitamin C showed a high intensity of insulin in -cells. Oleuropein as a natural active compound has antioxidant activity more or less like vitamin C to attenuate the effect of STZ-induced diabetes.

Glucose Lowering Activity of the Aqueous Extract of Warionia saharae in Normal and Diabetic Rats.

Warionia saharae is a medicinal plant used in the Morocco for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of the aqueous extract of this plant on blood glucose levels in diabetic rats. The current study was carried out to investigate the effect of a single dose and daily oral administration for 15 days of the Aerial Part Aqueous Extract (A.P.A.E) of Warionia saharae (W. saharae) at a dose of 5 mg/kg body weight on blood glucose levels and the histopathological changes in liver and pancreas both in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (STZ). Also, the effect of this extract to improve glucose tolerance in normal rats was demonstrated. Single oral administration of W. saharae A.P.A.E reduced blood glucose levels 6 h after administration in normal rats and in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Furthermore, blood glucose levels were decreased in normal and STZ-induced diabetic rats after 15 days of treatment. The aqueous extract of W. saharae was shown to improve the increase on blood glucose levels in normal treated rats significantly (p< 0.001) 90 min after glucose administration as compared to the control groups. In conclusion, the results show that APAE of W. saharae possesses significant antihyperglycemic and hypoglycemic activity.

Effect of nociceptin on insulin release in normal and diabetic rat pancreas.

Nociceptin (NC), also known as Orphanin FQ, is a brain peptide involved in the regulation of pain, but its role in the endocrine pancreas is poorly understood. The present study examines the pattern of distribution of NC and its effect on insulin and glucagon secretion after the onset of diabetes mellitus (DM). Male Wistar rats weighing 150-200g were made diabetic with streptozotocin (60mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneally). Four weeks after the induction of DM, pancreatic tissues were retrieved and processed for immunofluorescence, immunoelectron microscopy, and insulin and glucagon secretion. Isolated islets from non-diabetic and diabetic rats were used to determine the effect of NC on insulin release. NC was discerned in islet cells of non-diabetic control and diabetic rat pancreata. NC co-localized only with insulin in pancreatic beta cells. NC did not co-localize with either glucagon or somatostatin or pancreatic polypeptide. The number of NC-positive cells was markedly (p < 0.001) reduced after the onset of DM. Electron microscopy study showed that NC is located with insulin in the same secretory granules of the beta cells of both non-diabetic and diabetic rat pancreas. NC inhibits insulin release markedly (p < 0.05) from pancreatic tissue fragments of non-diabetic and diabetic rats. In contrast, NC at 10-12M stimulates insulin release in isolated islets of DM rats. In conclusion, NC co-localizes with insulin only in the islet of Langerhans. The co-localization of NC with insulin suggests a role for NC in the regulation of pancreatic beta cell function.

Pharmacological potential of methanol extract of Anacardium occidentale stem bark on alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Background: The anti-hyperglycemic potential of methanol stem bark extract of Anacardium occidentale (MSBEAO) was investigated using an alloxan-induced diabetic rat model. Alloxan administration induces the generation of free radicals which can affect antioxidant status resulting in the disruption of the β-cells of the pancreas. Therefore, this study examines the antioxidant potential of the plant extract and the ameliorating effect on the pancreas of alloxan-induced diabetic rats.&#x0D; Methods: Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 150 mg/kg body weight of alloxan monohydrate. MSBEAO, at a concentration of 100 or 200 mg/kg b.w. was orally administered to alloxan-induced diabetic rats and normal rats. The hypoglycemic effect, oral glucose tolerance test, and biochemical assay of alloxan-induced diabetic rats were assayed using standard procedures.&#x0D; Results: Preliminary phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, carbohydrates, and phenols at moderate concentrations. The lethality dose (LD50) of the plant extract was found to be equal to or less than 5000 mg/kg b.w. The hypoglycemic effect of the extract on the non-diabetic rats revealed a significant (p&lt;0.05) decrease in the blood glucose concentration of animals administered with 1 g/kg b.w. of the extract, compared to normal control rats administered with normal saline. In the oral glucose tolerance test, the methanol extract exerted the highest response, similar to glibenclamide after 15 and 30 minutes of administration, compared to the control rats. The methanol extract yielded the highest blood glucose lowering effects after 9 days of treatment (p&lt;0.05), compared to diabetic rats administered with normal saline and 0.3 mg/kg b.w. of glibenclamide. Administration of the extract at 200 mg/kg b.w. showed improved pancreas architecture and regeneration of the β-cells, compared with the pancreas of animals in the other groups.&#x0D; Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that MSBEAO is a potentially effective agent for the management of diabetes which might result from the antioxidant-generating capacity of the stem bark.

Melatonin increases magnesium concentrations in white adipose tissue and pancreas of diabetic obese rats

Melatonin is a natural bioactive compound, whose intake by obese diabetic Zucker (ZDF) rats improves this pathology. Hypomagnesaemia has also been observed in diabetes, and magnesium (Mg) is known to play an essential role in carbohydrate metabolism. In this study we have determined the effect of melatonin intake on Mg concentrations in white adipose tissues and organs in ZDF rats. This study reveals for the first time that melatonin intake increases Mg concentrations in subcutaneous lumbar, visceral, omentum, and gonadal adipose tissue and in the pancreas. These findings may be related to an improvement in the homeostatic regulation of adipocytokines produced by white adipose tissues, and to a reduction in plasmatic oxidative stress, which would lead to a decrease in insulin resistance and improvement in glucose homeostasis. These results open up the beneficial use of melatonin for the development of functional foods to ameliorate glucose homeostasis in obesity-associated diabetes.

Evaluation of Antidiabetic Potential of Sarcostemma brevistigma Wight &amp; Arn. Using Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Murine Model

A multimillion-dollar boom is achieved every year by the ethnopharmaceutical companies, creating awareness around the globe to use herbal medicines to stay and live a healthy life. Nearly, two-thirds of the plants were discovered for herbal remedies, and some plants are even endangered to get extinct from the globe for their repeated utility. Sarcostemma brevistigma is one among the undiscovered medicinal plants which belongs to the family Asclepiadaceae found distributed in Indian states of Bihar, Bengal, Konkan, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. This study was intended to determine the antidiabetic property of plant extract of Sarcostemma brevistigma evidenced by biochemical parameters, antioxidant activity, with the histopathological analysis in diabetic induced mice. Animals that were orally treated with the S. brevistigma extract showed blood glucose lowering effect when compared to the alloxan-induced mice, i.e., from 391.5 ± 6.3 to 193.6 ± 4.3mg/dL. There is the significant increase in insulin level (P < 0.05) (27.97 ± 1.6mIU/L) which is comparable to the metformin administered test group (30.35 ± 0.6mIU/L). A significant difference (P < 0.05) of both ALT and AST levels were observed when compared to the other groups. A significant increase in antioxidant activity (reduced glutathione, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase) in plant extract administered group was observed when compared to the other treatment groups. Histopathological studies showed abnormalities in the liver, pancreas, kidney, lungs, heart, and spleen of alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The abnormalities were found to be normalized to a considerable extent after treatment with S. brevistigma extract. The results stood as evidence for S. brevistigma as an active antidiabetic herbal plant.

Cepharanthine improves glycemic status and slows the progression of renal and vascular injury in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats

We have previously demonstrated that Cepharanthine improves glycemic status and reduces renal injury in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats via antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory mechanisms. However, the hypoglycemic mechanism of Cepharanthine remains unclear. We hypothesize that Cepharanthine reduces blood glucose in steptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats via restoring pancreatic β‐cells mass and insulin secretion. Diabetes was induced by a single i.p. injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg) in male Sprague Dawley rats. Control and diabetic rats were treated with Cepharanthine (10 mg/kg/day, i.p.) for six weeks (n=6–8). Cepharanthine treatment significantly reduced blood glucose levels and increased plasma insulin levels in diabetic rats (blood glucose was 290± 67 in Cepharanthine treated diabetic rats vs. 550±17 mg/dl in non‐treated diabetic rats, P&lt;0.05). The percentage of TUNEL positive cells was significantly elevated in the pancreas of diabetic rats and these changes was reduced by Cepharanthine treatment (P&lt;0.05). Immunohistochemcial analysis revealed a decrease in pancreatic islet‐specific glucose‐6‐phosphatase catalytic subunit related protein (IGRP) and an increase in pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (PDX‐1) expression levels in Cepharanthine treated vs. non treated diabetic rats (P&lt;0.05). Cepharanthine also improved vascular endothelial function as it significantly attenuated the impairment in aortic ring relaxation to acetylcholine in diabetic rats. Moreover, Cepharanthine reduced markers of renal injury and inflammation and slowed the progression of renal fibrosis as evidenced by the reduction in levels of albuminuria, podocalyxin excretion, renal ICAM‐1 and TGF‐β in diabetic rats. The reduction in renal inflammation and injury was associated with decreased in renal caspase 3 expression in Cepharanthine treated diabetic rats. These data suggest that Cepharanthine halts the progression of streptozotocin‐induced diabetic complications in rats via reduced pancreatic β‐cells apoptosis and increased β‐cells maturation and subsequently insulin release probably via the regulation of the PDX‐1 and IGRP transcription factors of pancreatic β‐cells.Support or Funding InformationThe work was supported by bridge funding grant from Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia to Dr. Ahmed A. ElmarakbyThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Okra (Abelmoscus esculentus) Improved Islets Structure, and Down-Regulated PPARs Gene Expression in Pancreas of High-Fat Diet and Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

Objective Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is a tropical vegetable that is rich in carbohydrates, fibers, proteins and natural antioxidants. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Okra powder on pancreatic islets and its action on the expression of PPAR-γ and PPAR-α genes in pancreas of high-fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin- induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods In this experimental study, diabetes was induced by feeding HFD (60% fat) for 30 days followed by an injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 35 mg/kg). Okra powder (200 mg/kg) was given orally for 30 days after diabetes induction. At the end of the experiment, pancreas tissues were removed and stained by haematoxylin and Eozine and aldehyde fuchsin for determination of the number of β-cells in pancreatic islets. Fasting blood sugar (FBS), Triglycerides (TG), cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and insulin levels were measured in serum. Moreover, PPAR-γ and PPAR-α mRNAs expression were measured in pancreas using real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. Results Okra supplementation significantly decreased the elevated levels of FBS, total cholesterol, and TG and attenuated homeostasis model assessment of basal insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index in diabetic rats. The expression levels of PPAR-γ and PPAR-α genes that were elevated in diabetic rats, attenuated in okra-treated rats (P<0.05). Furthermore, okra improved the histological damages of pancreas including vacuolization and decreased β-cells mass, in diabetic rats. ConclusionOur findings confirmed the potential anti-hyperglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of Okra. These changes were associated with reduced pancreatic tissue damage. Down-regulation of PPARs genes in the pancreas of diabetic rats after treatment with okra, demonstrates that okra may improve glucose homeostasis and β-cells impairment in diabetes through a PPAR-dependent mechanism.

Antioxidant potential of Buriti (Mauritia flexuosa) pulp flour in diabetic rats

Buriti pulp flour (BPF) contains significant levels of antioxidants. This study evaluated the effect of BPF on biomarkers of oxidative damage in the liver, heart, and pancreas of diabetic rats. The chemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and polyphenol content of BPF were determined. Thirty-six female Fisher rats were divided into four groups: control (C); control + BPF (CB); diabetic (D); diabetic + BPF (DB). Diabetes was induced by treatment with streptozotocin. Thirty days after the induction of diabetes, glucose, total cholesterol and triacylglycerides serum levels, aminotransferase and paraoxonase activities were evaluated. Oxidative damage to lipids and proteins was assessed through thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and protein carbonyl analyses, respectively. Histopathological analyses were also performed. BPF contained high concentrations of phenolic compounds, lipids, and fibers, and exhibited a high capacity to neutralize the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical. Diabetes was evidenced by equivalent high levels of glucose in plasma from rats in the D and DB groups. Diabetic rats in both groups also presented the same increased activity of aminotransferases. Protein carbonyl levels were increased in liver, heart, and pancreas in the D compared with C group. Although treatment with BPF did not result in any histopathological alterations, it reduced significantly the levels of TBARS in the heart and protein carbonyls in the liver and heart. No effect on blood glucose and tissue histology was observed following treatment with BPF. However, BPF diminished oxidative damage in liver and heart, indicating a possible antioxidant potential in vivo, in addition to in vitro.

Hepatic, Pancreatic, and Renal Histo-Morphologic Alterations in Administration of Aqueous and Ethanol Seed Extract of Buchholzia Coriacea in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Physiologically, Insulin is a hormone that helps the body’s cells to absorb glucose (sugar) so it can be used as a source of energy. In diabetics however, due to pancreatic production of insufficient amounts of insulin or failure of body’s cells to respond to available insulin, blood and urine glucose levels build up to cause excessive urination, thirst, hunger, and problems with fat and protein break down. Recently, medicinal herbs have been implicated in traditional medical practice for the treatment of this ailment (Diabetes Mellitus, DM). Present study sought to investigate the effect(s) of oral administration of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Buchholzia Coriacea on the liver, pancreas and kidney in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Forty adult rats of both sexes were randomly assigned into two groups (normoglycemic and hyperglycemic). While group 1 (normoglycemic) had normal control, metformin, aqueous extract (250 mg/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 (250 mg/kg) treated sub-groups dosed daily by oral gavage for 14 days. At the end of treatment, rats were euthanized via cervical dislocation; with selected visceral (liver, pancreas and kidney) harvested and observed for histo-architectural changes. Blood samples were also collected and checked for sugar levels. Slight modulations were seen in the histo- morphology of the pancreas, liver and renal tissues as Buccholzia Coriacea apparently posed some hypoglycemic effects. Hitherto, there was an appreciable improvement and merit in the use of the extract in the management of diabetes across groups.

Antioxidant Activities of Basella alba Aqueous Leave Extract In Blood, Pancreas, and Gonadal Tissues of Diabetic Male Wistar Rats.

Background:Oxidative stress is frequently identified as a key element in the pathophysiology of many complications of diabetes mellitus, including reproductive complications. The antioxidant potential of medicinal plants have been suggested for therapeutic focus of diseases in recent reports.Objective:To investigate the effect of Basella alba (Ba) aqueous leave extract on diabetes-induced oxidative stress.Materials and Methods:Forty male Wistar rats (8–10 weeks) were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10) and treated as follows; Control (C + Ns) and Diabetic (D + Ns) animals received oral normal saline 0.5 ml/100 g body weight daily, while Healthy Treatment (H + Ba) and Diabetic Treatment (D + Ba) rats were given Ba extract at an oral dose of 200 mg/kg body weight daily. Treatment was by gavage and lasted 4 weeks in all groups. Diabetes was induced in D + Ns and D + Ba rats by single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg) and fasting blood sugar (FBS) recorded weekly in all rats afterwards. Animals were euthanized at the end of the experiment and blood samples, pancreas, testes, and epididymis were preserved for analysis of oxidative stress biomarkers.Results:Oral administration of aqueous leave extract of Ba significantly (P < 0.0001) lowered FBS in D + Ba rats. There was significantly higher blood superoxide dismutase activity and serum ferric reducing antioxidant power, but lower serum concentration of conjugated dienes and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in D + Ba compared to D + Ns rats (P < 0.05).Conclusion:Ba exerts antioxidant effects in the gonads by enhancing antioxidant parameters in circulating blood, but not necessarily in the gonadal tissues.SUMMARY Oral treatment of diabetic rats with aqueous leave extract of Basella alba exerts antioxidant effects in the gonads by enhancing antioxidant parameters in circulating blood, but not necessarily in the gonadal tissues. Abbreviations Used: AP – Antioxidant parameters, Ba – Basella alba, CAT – Catalase, CDs - Conjugated dienes, DM – Diabetes mellitus, FBS – Fasting blood sugar, FRAP - Ferric reducing antioxidant power, GSH - reduced glutathione, Ns – Normal saline, ORAC - oxygen radical antioxidant capacity, RNS - reactive nitrogen species, ROS - reactive oxygen species, SOD - superoxide dismutase, TAC - Total antioxidant capacity, TBARS - thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TEAC - trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity.

Evaluation of protective effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Cassia fistula Linn. Pod on pancreas in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with oxidative stress. Medicinal plants and herbs are the rich sources of antioxidants which ameliorate oxidative stress-induced diabetic complications and could play an important role in the management of diabetes. Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of 70% ethanolic extract of Cassia fistula pod on pancreas in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (60 mg/kg b.wt.). The diabetic rats were administered orally with C. fistula pod extract at three different doses (100, 250, and 500 mg/kg b.wt./day) for 60 days. The results were compared with standard drug glibenclamide (5 mg/kg b.wt./day) treated rats. Relative pancreatic weight and serum insulin level were determined. Histopathological changes and oxidative stress parameters, i.e., lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substance [TBARS]) and antioxidative defense markers (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, and ascorbic acid), in the pancreas were investigated. Results: Oral administration of C. fistula pod extract (100, 250, and 500 mg/kg b.wt./day) or glibenclamide in diabetic rats significantly improved serum insulin level, total protein concentration, relative pancreatic weight, and mean diameter of islets of Langerhans as compared to diabetic control rats. Furthermore, treatment with extract also reduced TBARS levels and improved the levels of antioxidant markers in the pancreas. The histomorphological picture of the pancreas showed marked restoration of islets morphology. These results were comparable with glibenclamide. Conclusions: The results of the present study showed that C. fistula pod extract possesses significant antidiabetic activity though enhanced insulin secretion, improvement of antioxidative status of pancreas, and preservation of the integrity of pancreatic islets. Abbreviations used: b.wt.: Body weight; CAT: Catalase; DM: Diabetes mellitus; DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid; GSH: Glutathione; ROS: Reactive oxygen species; SOD: Superoxide dismutase; STZ: Streptozotocin; TBARS: Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances.

Crab Shell Extract Improves Serum Biochemical Markers and Histological Changes of Pancreas in Diabetic Rats

Crab Shell Extract Improves Serum Biochemical Markers and Histological Changes of Pancreas in Diabetic Rats

Quercetin improves endothelial function in diabetic rats through inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated oxidative stress

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress attributes a crucial role in diabetes-induced endothelial dysfunction. The present study investigated the effects of quercetin, a potent antioxidant on the attenuation of ER stress-modulated endothelial dysfunction in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Oral administration of quercetin for six weeks to diabetic rats dose-dependently reduced the blood glucose levels and improved insulin secretion. Histopathological examination of pancreatic tissues in diabetic rats showed pathological changes such as shrunken islets, reduction in islet area and distorted β-cells, which were found to be restored by quercetin treatment. In addition, quercetin reduced the pancreatic ER stress-induced endothelial dysfunction as assessed by immunohistochemical analysis of C/ERB homologous protein (CHOP) and endothelin-1 (ET-1). Moreover, quercetin administration progressively increased the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor, VEGFR2 in diabetes rats. Quercetin-mediated decrease in the nitric oxide (NO∙) and cyclic 3′,5′- guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels were also observed in the diabetic rats. Quercetin treatment reduced the lipid peroxidation in the diabetic rats, meanwhile increased the total antioxidant capacity in the pancreas from diabetic rats. Altogether, these results demonstrated the vasoprotective effect of quercetin against STZ-induced ER stress in the pancreas of diabetic rats.