Liver Tissues Of Diabetic Rats Research Articles

Anti-diabetic mechanism and potential bioactive peptides of casein hydrolysates in STZ/HFD-induced diabetic rats.

Casein hydrolysates have attracted much interest as anti-diabetic food, but their hypoglycemic mechanism and biopeptides are not well understood. This study aimed to explore the anti-diabetic mechanism and potential biopeptides of casein hydrolysates in streptozotocin/high-fat-diet-induced diabetic rats and HepG2 cells. Oral administration of casein hydrolysate prepared with papain-Flavourzyme combination (P-FCH) decreased fasting blood glucose, improved oral glucose tolerance, and reduced HbA1c values in diabetic rats. P-FCH was ineffective in alleviating insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment and insulin sensitivity index) and enhancing hepatic insulin signaling transduction (phosphorylated Akt, hexokinase activity, and pyruvate kinase activity) in diabetic rats. However, P-FCH significantly upregulated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase phosphorylation and glucose transporter-2 expression, inhibited phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase kinase activity, and elevated glycogen content in liver tissue of diabetic rats. Furthermore, P-FCH increased glucose consumption independently in normal and insulin-resistant HepG2 cells without the presence of insulin. The peptide composition of P-FCH was characterized. The potential biopeptides in P-FCH showed the sequence characteristic of a Val at the N-terminal or a Pro at the P2 position, and the hypoglycemic activity of Val-Pro-Leu-Gly (the most potential biopeptide in P-FCH) was verified by oral glucose tolerance test in mice. These results suggested that activation of the non-insulin-mediated AMPK pathway might be the determinant mechanism of P-FCH on the hypoglycemic effect. The novel peptide Val-Pro-Leu-Gly in P-FCH was effective in reducing blood glucose levels when orally administered to mice. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Kısa Süreli Hiperglisemide Prunus spinosa Tarafından Bağışıklık Sistemi ve Hemogram Parametrelerinin Modülasyonu

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the chronic diseases, relationship increased blood glucose level, that requires urgent global attention due to its prevalence and associated complications. DM leads to oxidative stress that plays an important role in the development of various complications in diabetes by suppressing the immune system. Prunus spinosa is a plant that has been used in the treatment of many diseases from past to present, thanks to its high antioxidant activity. Therefore, the present study aims to research the effect of P. spinosa leaf and flower mixture on immune system during the short-term diabetic condition. In the study, 56 Wistar albino male rats divided into 7 groups, one of which control and others six diabetic groups, were used to determine the effects of P. spinosa on adenosine deaminase (ADA), (xanthine oxidase) XO and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities in the liver tissues of diabetic rats as well as on hemogram parameters. Two of these groups were given plant extract in different concentrations (25 and 50 mg/kg bw) and the results were compared with insulin, metformin and acarbose groups. The results showed that both doses administered had a modulating effect on the changing hematological parameters caused by diabetes. Treatment groups significantly decreased ADA, XO, and MPO activities compared to diabetic group. The effects of the PSE50 were found to be more effective than all other treatment. These effects of the plant in diabetesmay be due to its therapeutic immunoregulatory potential. As a result, P. spinosa can be a valuable resource as an adjuvant on diabetes.

Hepatoprotective Effects of Rheum turkestanicum Janisch on High-fat Diet-induced Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Mice

Background:: Consumption of a high-fat diet (HFD) is one of the main causes of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is increasing due to lifestyle changes and is still an important global health issue. Despite the efforts, there is still no common treatment for this disease. Studies have shown that the root of Rheum turkestanicum Janisch has a hypolipidemic effect and a significant antioxidant effect on liver tissue in diabetic rats. However, no experimental study has been performed on the hepatoprotective effects of this herb on HFD-induced NAFLD have been proven. background: Consumption of a high-fat diet (HFD) is one of the main causes of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is increasing due to lifestyle changes and is still an important global health issue. Despite the efforts, there is still no common treatment for this disease. Studies have shown that the root of Rheum turkestanicum Janisch has a hypolipidemic effect and a significant antioxidant effect on liver tissue in diabetic rats. However, no experimental study has been performed on which the hepatoprotective effects of this herb on HFD-induced NAFLD have been proven. Objective:: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Rheum turkestanicum Janisch extract (RTE) on HFD-induced NAFLD in BALB/c mice. Materials and Methods:: The study was performed with two models of prevention and therapeutic effect of RTE. Serum biochemical markers, histopathology, oxidative stress indicators, and qRTPCR were measured to evaluate the effects of RTE on lipid metabolism disorders in mice feeding with HFD. Results:: In the prevention model, compared to the HFD group, RTE treatment decreased the levels of glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol and improved liver profile markers, oxidative stress, and expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism. Conclusion:: The results of this study suggest that RTE has hepatoprotective effects against HFDinduced liver damage by reducing oxidative stress, lipogenesis, and increasing beta-oxidation of free fatty acids.

The Effect of Atorvastatin and Continuous Aerobic Exercise on the Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Beta Gene in the Liver Tissue of Diabetic Rats

Background and Objectives Contrary to its weak role in angiogenesis, vascular endothelial growth factor beta (VEGF-β) plays a role in lipid metabolism. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of exercise and atorvastatin on the expression of the VEGF-β gene in the liver tissue of diabetic rats. Subjects and Methods In this study, 25 rats were divided into control, diabetes, diabetes + exercise, diabetes + atorvastatin, and diabetes + atorvastatin + exercise groups. The interventions included eight weeks of aerobic exercise, running on a treadmill, and taking 10 mg of atorvastatin by gavage. After the interventions, the rats were sacrificed, and the liver tissue was analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance and LSD post hoc test. Results The results showed that the induction of diabetes led to a significant decrease in hepatic VEGF-β gene expression and an increase in serum glucose and total cholesterol levels compared to the healthy control group. In the diabetes + exercise and diabetes + atorvastatin + exercise groups, the increase of VEGF-β and the decrease of glucose and cholesterol were significant compared to the control, diabetes, and diabetes + atorvastatin groups. Conclusion According to the results, it can be argued that continuous aerobic exercise can prevent diabetes-induced liver complications by increasing the expression of VEGF-β gene. However, despite the positive effects of atorvastatin on serum glucose and total cholesterol levels, it does not have any significant effect on hepatic VEGF-β gene expression in diabetic rats.

Nano-Stevia reduces the liver injury caused by streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in rats by targeting PEPCK/GCK genes, INSR pathway and apoptosis.

Extensive application of stevia in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) has been proven by a large number of previous studies. We prepared stevia loaded in nanoniosomes (nanostevia) to improve its bioavailability, functionality, and stability and explore its protective effects and underlying mechanisms in the liver of STZ-induced diabetic rats. Single-dose intraperitoneal injection of STZ (50mg/kg body weight) was used to establish diabetic model. The mRNA levels of PEPCK and GCK genes and the protein level of INSR were evaluated by Real time-PCR and Western blot assays, respectively. TUNEL assay was used to detect apoptotic cell death in the liver tissue. Diabetic rats exhibited significantly reduced levels of INSR (*** P < 0.001) as well as elevated levels of PEPCK (*** P < 0.001). Both stevia and nano-stevia were capable of increasing levels of GCK and INSR and reducing levels of PEPCK (## P < 0.01 and ### P < 0.001, respectively). In addition, significantly increased number of apoptotic cell death was seen in the liver tissue of diabetic rats (*** P < 0.001) which was markedly mitigated by treatment with both Stevia and nano-Stevia (#P < 0.05 and ## P < 0.01, respectively). Both stevia and nano-stevia demonstrates potent anti-apoptotic activity in the liver tissue of diabetic rats by targeting PEPCK/GCK genes and INSR pathway. These finding show that nano-stevia has more potential to reduce the liver injury caused by STZ-induced diabetes in rats and hence can be considered a valid agent and alternative therapy for attenuating complications of type 2 DM. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-023-01278-2.

Comparison effect of different combinations of metformin, atorvastatin, captopril and aspirin on oxidative stress markers of stomach and liver tissues of diabetic rats

Comparison effect of different combinations of metformin, atorvastatin, captopril and aspirin on oxidative stress markers of stomach and liver tissues of diabetic rats

Exploring of the ameliorative effects of Nerium (Nerium oleander L.) ethanolic flower extract in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats via biochemical, histological and molecular aspects.

Nerium oleander L. is ethnopharmacologically used for diabetes. Our aim was to investigate the ameliorative effects of ethanolic Nerium flower extract (NFE) in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Seven random groups including control group, NFE group (50mg/kg), diabetic group, glibenclamide group and NFE treated groups (25mg/kg, 75mg/kg, and 225mg/kg) were composed of forty-nine rats. Blood glucose level, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin level, liver damage parameters and lipid profile parameters were investigated. Antioxidant defense system enzyme activities and reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents and immunotoxic and neurotoxic parameters were determined in liver tissue. Additionally, the ameliorative effects of NFE were histopathologically examined in liver. mRNA levels of SLC2A2 gene encoding glucose transporter 2 protein were measured by quantitative real time PCR. NFE caused decrease in glucose level and HbA1c and increase in insulin and C-peptide levels. Additionally, NFE improved liver damage biomarkers and lipid profile parameters in serum. Moreover, lipid peroxidation was prevented and antioxidant enzyme activities in liver were regulated by NFE treatment. Furthermore, anti-immunotoxic and anti-neurotoxic effects of NFE were determined in liver tissue of diabetic rats. Histopathogically, significant liver damages were observed in the diabetic rats. Histopathological changes were decreased partially in the 225mg/kg NFE treated group. SLC2A2 gene expression in liver of diabetic rats significantly reduced compared to healthy rats and NFE treatment (25mg/kg) caused increase in gene expression. Flower extract of Nerium plant may have an antidiabetic potential due to its high phytochemical content.

Effects of Vitamin D on asprosin and meteorin-like protein in liver tissue of diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus (DM), a considerable concern for public health, serves as a predisposing factor for numerous diseases. Asprosin and meteorin-like protein (metrnl) are two peptides that play essential roles in glucose and energy metabolism. This study investigated the possible therapeutic potential of vitamin D (Vit D) against diabetes-induced liver damage in terms of asprosin and metrnl proteins. The study comprised four distinct groups: control, DM (60 mg/kg streptozotocin), Vit D (200 IU/kg), and DM+Vit D. Asprosin and metrnl levels were determined using both ELISA and immunohistochemical methods. Additionally, Total Oxidant Status (TOS) and Total Antioxidant Status (TAS) levels were assessed using the ELISA method. Asprosin and TOS levels increased in the DM group, whereas TAS and metrnl levels decreased. In the DM+Vit D group, metrnl levels increased while asprosin and TOS levels decreased significantly. These findings suggest that Vit D had protective effects against diabetes-induced liver damage and improved asprosin and metrnl levels. It has been concluded that Vit D could be considered as an attractive therapeutic agent target for asprosin and metrnl, which have positive effects on diabetes.

The effect of melatonin on glycoprotein levels and oxidative liver injury in experimental diabetes.

In this present study, the duration of melatonin (Mel) administered to diabetic rats was prolonged so as to examine its effects on the biochemical liver parameters of diabetic rats. In the experiment, Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided randomly into fivegroups; the control, diabetic + Mel, diabetic, diabetic + insulin, and diabetic + Mel + insulin. Diabetes mellitus was induced by administration of a single dose of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) intraperitoneally and rats were given vehicle as a solvent for Mel every day for 12 weeks. In the diabetic + Melgroup, diabetic rats were administered Mel (10 mg/kg/day) for 12 weeks to treat diabetes. The diabetic + insulin group were diabetic rats given insulin (6 U/kg) subcutaneously for 12 weeks. The diabetic + Mel + insulin rats received insulin and Mel at the same dose and time. At the end of the experiment, the animals were decapitated and liver tissues were taken. The protective effect of Melon liver tissue of diabetic rats was investigated, total antioxidant status, total oxidant status, reactive oxygen species, oxidative stress index, adenosine deaminase, xanthine oxidase, paraoxonase 1, sodium/potassium ATPase, myeloperoxidase, γ-glutamyl transferase, sorbitol dehydrogenase, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, homocysteine, nitric oxide, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and glycoprotein levels were determined in liver tissues. Treatment with Meland/or insulin has been found to have a protective effect on biochemical parameters. The results showed that administration of Melto diabetic rats prevented the distortion of the studied biochemical parameters of liver tissues.

Determination of the effects of Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) oil and Dandelion (Taraxacum Officinale) extract on Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) and Interleukin 6 (IL-6) release in liver tissue of diabetic rats

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) oil and Dandelion (Taraxacum Officinale) extract on Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) and Interleukin 6 (IL-6) release in liver tissue of diabetic rats. Material and Method: Experimental groups were created as control, sham, chia, dandelion, diabetes (DM), diabetes+chia (DC), and diabetes +dandelion (DD). Body weight and blood glucose measurements were taken on the 1st, 3rd, and 17th days of the study and evaluated statistically. A one-way ANOVA test was performed to determine the differences between the groups. The Duncan test was used to compare significant differences between groups. At the end of the study, Masson's trichrome staining and Hematoxylin-Eosin staining were employed for histological examinations of liver tissues, and the distribution of TNF-α and IL-6 was examined by applying the Streptavidin-biotin peroxidase method. Results: It was determined that body weight and blood glucose measurements were significantly decrease for the DC group compared to other groups. Immunoreactivity of TNF-α and IL-6 was found to decrease in DC and DD groups at close to the control levels. Conclusion: Based on our results, it was thought that the use of chia and dandelion in diabetes may contribute to the alleviation of disease-related complications by having a positive effect on proinflammatory cytokine levels.

Antioxidant Potential of Non-Extractable Fractions of Dried Persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

Oxidative stress causes the progression of diabetes and its complications; thus, maintaining the balance between reactive oxygen species produced by hyperglycemia and the antioxidant defense system is important. We herein examined the antioxidant potential of non-extractable fractions of dried persimmon (NEP) against oxidative stress in diabetic rats. Rats with streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetes (50 mg/kg body weight) were administered NEP for 9 weeks. Antioxidant enzyme activities and concentration of antioxidants in liver tissues were analyzed with a microplate reader. Extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus muscle fibers were stained with succinate dehydrogenase and muscle fiber sizes were measured. The administration of NEP increased the body weight of diabetes rats. Regarding antioxidant activities, the oxygen radical absorbance capacity and superoxide dismutase activity in liver tissues significantly increased. In addition, increases in glutathione peroxidase activity in liver tissues and reductions in the cross-sectional area of EDL muscle fibers were significantly suppressed. In these results, NEP improved the antioxidant defense system in the liver tissues of diabetic rats, in addition to attenuating of muscle fibers atrophy against oxidative damage induced by hyperglycemia.

Diyabetik Sıçan Karaciğerinde Tarçının Mast Hücrelerinin Dağılımı ve Sayısı Üzerine Etkisi

Objective: In the present study, we investigated the effects of cinnamon on distribution and number of mast cells (MCs) in liver tissue of diabetic rats. Material and Methods: The rats used as the control group received no application. All rats in the diabetes and diabetes+cinnamon groups were made diabetic by a single dose intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. In our study, after establishment of diabetes, cinnamon extract was administered daily by oral gavage for 14 days to both cinnamon and diabetes+cinnamon groups. To determine the MCs, the tissue sections were stained both with toluidin blue (TB) and Alcian blue/Safranin O (AB/SO) methods. Results: It was determined that the number of MCs in the portal areas increased with diabetes. As a notable finding, it was observed in our study that cinnamon reduced the MC numerical increase that increases with diabetes in the diabetes+cinnamon group. As a result of the AB/SO combined staining method application, it was shown that there were 3 types of MC populations as blue AB(+), red SO(+) and mixed color AB/SO(+) in rat liver tissue. It was found that cinnamon application was effective on the SO(+) content in diabetes. Conclusion: In conclusion, the findings of this study show that diabetes alters the number of MC and cinnamon can reduced the increase in diabetesrelated MC numbers. In addition, this study demonstrated the possible effects of diabetes and cinnamon on the histochemical and morphological differences of MCs in rat liver.

Effects of garlic extract on inflammatory cytokines in rats with type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Background and purposeOne of the most important complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) is liver damage. Hyperglycemia-induced inflammation is a major cause of diabetic complications. Therefore, compounds with hypoglycemic properties can be useful in controlling the complications of diabetes. The purpose of the current report was to evaluate the impact of garlic extract on inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2) proteins levels in serum and liver tissue of diabetic rats. Experimental approachA total of thirty-six male Wistar rats were accidentally assigned to six classes: C: untreated group, D1: type 1 diabetes group (induced with streptozotocin, STZ), D1 + G: type 1 diabetes + garlic group (rats with diabetes type 1 that received garlic extract), D2: type 2 diabetes group (induced with STZ + niacinamide), D2 + G: type 2 diabetes + garlic group (rats with diabetes type 2 that received garlic extract), and G: garlic group (healthy rats that treated with garlic extract). After a period of five weeks, blood and tissue sections of animal's liver were obtained for serum and liver cytokines levels evaluation using specific ELISA kits. Findings/resultsThe serum and liver tissue TNF-α, IL-1β and TGF-β2 proteins concentrations were increased significantly in both groups with diabetes type 1 and type 2 compared with the untreated group (p < 0.01). The serum and liver tissue concentrations of the cytokines were attenuated in the diabetic rats treated with garlic extract (p < 0.05). Conclusion and implicationsThese findings indicated that garlic extract could act as potential medicinal purpose for diabetic complications through its beneficial effects in prevention of inflammation.

Does Short-Term and Low-Dose N-Acetylcysteine Affect Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in The Liver Tissues of Diabetic Rats?

Diabetes mellitus is a serious chronic disease in which the oxidant-antioxidant balance is impaired, causing many complications, including hepatopathy. In this study, the effects of short-term and low-dose N-acetylcysteine (NAC) administration on the biochemical, proinflammatory, and oxidative stress parameters in the liver tissue of diabetic rats were investigated. Twenty-four adult male Wistar albino rats weighing approximately 250-300 g were divided into 4 groups (n = 6): Control, Streptozotosin (STZ)-induced diabetes (DM), NAC treatment (60 mg/kg), and STZ-induced diabetes treated with NAC (DM+NAC; 60 mg/kg). NAC treatment was administered intraperitoneally as a single daily dose for 7 days. At the end of the experiment (3 weeks), blood and liver samples were collected for biochemical parameter analysis. Lipid peroxidation, antioxidant parameters, and nitric oxide (NOx) levels were determined by spectrophotometric method. Tissue inflammation parameters were evaluated by ELISA. Lipid peroxidation, proinflammatory cytokines, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) values increased significantly with diabetes. NAC treatment significantly decreased serum ALT and AST levels and proinflammatory cytokines in the diabetic group. Liver glutathione (GSH) and NOx levels increased significantly in the DM+NAC group (p < 0.05). While NAC treatment reduced lipid peroxidation in the liver, it improved the inflammatory response and antioxidant status. The beneficial effect of NAC treatment may be due to its antioxidant activity and the resulting increased level of GSH. The results show that low-dose and short-term NAC treatment had a positive effect on oxidative damage and inflammation in liver tissue. NAC can be used as a potential antioxidant in diabetes to prevent hepatopathy.

Study of the beneficial effect of vanadium sulfate on the liver of experimental diabetic rats

Background and Aims: Liver is a tissue that is negatively affected by diabetes mellitus (DM). This is due to its central function in the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism. Vanadium salts, which have insulinomimetic effects, have been found to stimulate glycogenesis and glycolysis, as well as to inhibit glycogenolysis and lipolysis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of vanadium sulfate (VS) on biochemical changes in liver tissue of diabetic rats. Methods: Randomly selected 6.0 - 6.5 months Swiss Albino rats were separated into two diabetic and two control groups. Group I: non treated animals. Group II: non treated animals orally administered VS (100mg/kg/day for 60 days), group III: STZinduced diabetic animals (65 mg/kg with intraperitoneally) and group IV: STZ-induced diabetic animals administered VS (at same dose and time). Antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferase, as well as alkaline phosphatase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, carbonic anhydrase, myeloperoxidase, paraoxonase and lactate dehydrogenase were estimated in liver tissue homogenates of the groups. Results: Liver catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferase, lactate dehydrogenase, carbonic anhydrase and paraoxonase activities were decrease, but alkaline phosphatase, glucose6-phosphate dehydrogenase and myeloperoxidase activities were increase in diabetic rats when compared to normal rats. Conclusion: Results show that VS restored altered parameters in the liver tissue and prevented oxidative stress in diabetic rats.

Oxidative stress markers in liver in streptozocin-induced diabetic rats: effects of metformin and sitagliptin

Purpose: This study aims at investigating the oxidative stress effect of antidiabetic drugs of Metformin (MET) and sitagliptin (STG) in the liver tissue of diabetic rats from streptozotocin (STZ).&#x0D; Materials and Methods: Thirty-five female Wistar rats (3-4 months old, weighing 200±25 g) were divided into five groups (with seven rats each) and treated as follows: control (Cont), streptozotocin alone (STZ), streptozotocin + metformin (STZ+MET), streptozotocin + sitagliptin (STZ+STG), streptozotocin + metformin + sitagliptin (STZ+MET+STG). Sitagliptin, Metformin, and combined metformin sitagliptin treated subgroups for four weeks. Malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS) levels, and oxidative stress index (OSI) ratio were measured in rat liver tissue. Besides, cells undergoing apoptotic cell death were determined using the TUNEL technique through histopathological evaluation.&#x0D; Results: MDA, TAS, and OSI of STZ+MET+STG administered group decreased compared to STZ. TOS of STZ+MET+STG administered group decreased compared to STZ. &#x0D; Conclusion: In the experimental T2D model in rats, it shows protective effect when sitagliptin is used with metformin against oxidative damage in liver tissue caused by STZ.

Launaea acanthodes (Boiss) O. Kuntze mediates hepatic glucose metabolism and ameliorates impaired pancreatic function in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceLaunaea acanthodes (Boiss.) O. Kuntze is native to semiarid regions of central Iran, traditionally used in the treatment of numerous disorders including diabetes. Aim of the studyThe current study aimed to explore hypoglycemic activity of Launaea acanthodes extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Furthermore, gene expression study was carried out to examine expression levels of key glucose metabolism-related genes. MethodsFor in vitro study, Folin-Ciocalteus, DPPH and aluminum chloride colorimetric assays were used to determine the total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity and total flavonoid content of extracts, respectively. For in vivo study, streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats were orally administered with metformin (50 mg/kg) and various doses of extracts (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) for 28 days. Fasting blood glucose, body weight, food and water intake were assessed during the course of treatment. At the end of the intervention, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), lipid profile and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were evaluated. Furthermore, functional liver enzymes, oxidative stress markers and histopathology of pancreas were examined. Lastly, quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was applied to explore the mRNA levels of genes relevant to glucose metabolism in the pancreas and liver tissues of diabetic rats. ResultsBased on the in vitro results, the hydroalcoholic extract revealed potential radical scavenging activity and contained highest amount of phenolic and flavonoid. The in vivo results demonstrated that the extract lowered fasting blood glucose level, increased the body weight, restored the alterations in the levels of water and food intake, attenuated HbA1c, improved lipid profile and ameliorated the OGTT in diabetic rats. The extract administration alleviated the histopathological changes in the pancreas, suppressed malondialdehyde (MDA) level and further restored attenuated levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in diabetic rats. Analysis of real time PCR data showed that extract administration reversed the expression levels of hepatic glucokinase (GK), phosphenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase). Meanwhile, the extract upregulated the expression level of glucose transporter-2 (GLUT-2) and pancreatic-duodenal homeobox (PDX-1) in diabetic rats. ConclusionCollectively, the results demonstrate that Launaea acanthodes hydroalcoholic extract exerts hypoglycemic effect possibly via regulating key enzymes of glucose metabolism and ameliorating pancreatic dysfunction through its antioxidant properties.

Fumaria parviflora improves liver damage and lipid profile changes in STZ-induced diabetic rats

Introduction: Chemical drugs and herbal medicine play a significant role in the management of diabetes mellitus complications. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Fumaria parviflora as an herbal source and glibenclamide as a chemical drug, on the liver tissue of diabetic rats. Methods: Male Wistar rats (n=32) were classified randomly into four groups (8/group), including control, diabetic (induced by 50mg/kg streptozocin), 250mg/kg hydroalcoholic extract of Fumaria parviflora (DFP) and 5mg/kg glibenclamide groups. After 21 days of treatment, liver tissues and blood samples were stored at -80°C to test lipid profile, liver enzymes and some oxidative stress markers. Results: In the diabetic group compared to the control group, the activities of SOD and GPx and also the serum levels of alkaline phosphatase were significantly decreased, while the levels of malondialdehyde, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate transaminase enhanced. Treatment with DFP and glibenclamide could manage the levels of all mentioned-parameters. Furthermore, in both treated groups, the rate of damages in the liver of rats reduced compared to the diabetic group. Conclusion: According to the obtained results, the administration of DFP or glibenclamide could ameliorate the deleterious effects of diabetes mellitus on some investigated-parameters. As there were no difference between DFP and glibenclamide effects, Fumaria parviflora could be considered as an alternative drug, at least for the diabetic complications examined in this study. However, further investigation is needed.

The Effect of Continued Training with Crocin on Apoptosis Markers in Liver Tissue of High Fat Diet Induced Diabetic Rats

Diabetes mellitus (DM) disease can affect process of apoptosis by increasing oxidative stress, nevertheless exercise and crocin can improve apoptosis; therefore present study aimed to investigate the effect of continued training with crocin on apoptosis markers in liver tissue of diabetic rats. In this experimental study 32 diabetic rats based on fasting glucose divided into four groups of eight rats including: 1) sham, 2) training, 3) crocin, and 4) training with crocin also for investigate the effect of DM induction on apoptosis markers, eight healthy rats assigned in healthy control group. During eight weeks groups 2 and 4 ran 60 minutes on treadmill with intensity of 50–55% maximum speed for three sessions per week and groups 3 and 4 received 25 mg/kg/day crocin peritoneally. Shapiro–Wilk, one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post-hot tests were used for statistical analysis of data (P ≤ 0.05). DM induction significantly increased Bcl-2 as well as decreased Bax and P52 (P ≤ 0.05) nevertheless training and training with crocin significantly decreased Bcl-2 and increased Bax and P53 (P ≤ 0.05); crocin significantly decreased Bcl-2 and increased P53 (P ≤ 0.05) and training with crocin had higher effect on increase of Bax and P53 compare to training (P ≤ 0.05) also increase of Bax compare to crocin. Although training and crocin alone can improve apoptotic markers in diabetic rats, nevertheless training simultaneously with crocin have better effects than training alone.

A non-insulin herbal treatment to improve liver tissue in diabetic rats through gavage of walnut oil enriched with a phytosterol

The present study was formulated in order to evaluate the effect of gavage of walnut oil enriched with different doses of a phytosterol, i.e. β-sitosterol (30, 45 and 60 mg kg−1) on liver tissue in...