Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Male Rats Research Articles

Anti-diabetic activity of aqueous extract of Trichilia prieureana A. Juss leaves in fructose-fed streptozotocin-induced diabetic male Wistar rats

Background and aimEthanolic extract of Trichilia prieureana leaves have been reported to exhibit anti-hyperglycemic activities without detailed information on the anti-diabetic activities. This study investigated the anti-diabetic activity of aqueous extract of T. prieureana leaves (AETPL) in type 2 diabetic (T2DM) male rats. Experimental procedureT2DM rats (induced with 10 % fructose solution ad libitum for 2 weeks and streptozotocin [STZ]; 40 mg/kg body weight {BW}) in groups B, C, D, E, and F were also administered distilled water (DW), metformin (100 mg/kg BW), 11.2, 22.3, and 44.6 mg/kg BW of AETPL, respectively, whilst non-diabetic rats in Group A received DW only (Sham Control, SC) for 14 days. The T2DM-related parameters were then evaluated. ResultsThe fructose-fed streptozotocin-(FSTZ) treatment related significant (p < 0.05) increases in FBS, HbA1c, fructosamine, HOMA-IR, G6P, GP, TC, TG, LDL-C, urea, bilirubin, hepatic and pancreatic MDA levels; decreases in BW, serum insulin, creatinine, albumin, HOMA-β, glycogen, G6PD, HK, HDL-C, hepatic and pancreatic SOD, GPX, RG, catalase, Hb, PCV, MCH, MCHC, MCV, RBC, WBC, differentials and the destruction of the pancreatic β-cells, hepatocyte degeneration, and central hepatic vein congestion were reversed by AETPL, to values that compared well with SC in most cases. In the IpGGT model, the intraperitoneally administered AETPL reduced the blood glucose and elevated the plasma insulin levels. The AETPL at 44.6 mg/kg BW exhibited the most pronounced effects. ConclusionAETPL (44.6 mg/kg BW) restored T2DM-glycemic control and associated biochemical changes via up-regulation of insulin, carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes and restoration of pancreatic and hepatic histoarchitecture.

Ethanol leaf extract of Alchornea cordifolia (Euphorbiaceae) effects on reproductive dysfunctions in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male Wistar rats

Abstract. Ejeh SA, Abu HA, Onyeyili PA, Abenga JN, Abalaka SE, Enefe NG, Eugiene I. 2024. Ethanol leaf extract of Alchornea cordifolia (Euphorbiaceae) effects on reproductive dysfunctions in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male Wistar rats. Asian J Nat Prod Biochem 22: 35-42. Diabetes and some of its treatment agents reportedly induce male reproductive dysfunction in male Wistar rats. Therefore, the study investigated the therapeutic effects of ethanol leaf extract of Alchornea cordifolia (Schumach. &amp; Thonn.) Müll. Arg. on diabetic male Wistar rats. Twenty-five male Wistar rats were used, and 50 mg/kg freshly prepared streptozotocin in cool citrate buffer single intraperitoneal injection was used to induce diabetes mellitus. The rats were grouped into 5 of 5 rats each. Group 1 was normal + distilled water; group II was diabetic untreated; group III was diabetic + 100 mg/kg metformin HCl; and IV and V rats were diabetic and received 100 and 200 mg/kg of the extract orally, respectively. Treatment was done for 28 days; after that, reproductive parameters such as extrapyramidal sperm parameters (sperm motility, count, concentrations, viability, morphology, and acrosome integrity) and hormonal assay (FSH, LH, and Testosterone) were evaluated using a standard protocol. Testicular and epididymal histopathological changes were analyzed using standard procedure. The results revealed a marked impairment in all the parameters evaluated in the untreated diabetic group. However, groups exposed to the ethanol leaf extract of A. cordifolia recorded a significant (p &lt;0.05) improvement in the above-mentioned reproductive parameters, including the restorations of the collapsed epididymal tubules observed in the diabetic untreated group. Therefore, the ethanol leaf extract of A. cordifolia can potentially facilitate and restore reproductive dysfunctions associated with diabetes mellitus complications, hence a possible alternative to synthetic antidiabetic agents.

Attenuation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway by Ocimum gratissimum leaf flavonoid-rich extracts in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats

Diabetes is a group of medical conditions characterized by the body's inability to effectively control blood glucose levels, due to either insufficient insulin synthesis in type 1 diabetes or inadequate insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes. According to this research, the PI3K/AKT pathway of Ocimum gratissimum leaf flavonoid-rich extracts in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats was studied. We purchased and used a total of forty (40) male Wistar rats for the study. We divided the animals into five (5) different groups: normal control (Group A), diabetic control (Group B), low dose (150 mg/kg body weight) of Ocimum gratissimum flavonoid-rich leaf extract (LDOGFL) (Group C), high dose (300 mg/kg body weight) of Ocimum gratissimum flavonoid-rich leaf extract (HDOGFL) (Group D), and 200 mg/kg of metformin (MET) (Group E). Streptozotocin induced all groups except Group A, which serves as the normal control group. The experiment lasted for 21 days, following which we sacrificed the animals and harvested their brains for biochemical analysis on the 22nd day. We carried out an analysis that included reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione transferases (GST), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), along with GLUT4, MDA, pro-inflammatory cytokines, NO, neurotransmitters, cholinergic enzyme activities, cardiolipin, and the gene expression of PI3K/AKT. The obtained result indicates that the flavonoid-rich extracts of O. gratissimum significantly enhanced the levels of GSH, GST, CAT, GPx, and SOD, as well as GLUT4 and cardiolipin. The levels of GSH, GST, CAT, GPx, and SOD, as well as GLUT4 and cardiolipin, were significantly increased by gratissimum. Moreover, the extracts decrease the levels of MDA, pro-inflammatory cytokines, NO, neurotransmitters, and cholinergic enzyme activities. Additionally, the flavonoid-rich extracts of O. gratissimum significantly improved the AKT and PI3K gene expressions in diabetic rats. gratissimum had their AKT and PI3K gene expressions significantly (p < 0.05) improved. The findings indicate that O. gratissimum leaf flavonoids have the potential to treat diabetes mellitus. gratissimum leaf flavonoids possess therapeutic potential in themselves and can be applied in the management of diabetes mellitus. Although further analysis can be carried out in terms of isolating, profiling, or purifying the active compounds present in the plant's extract.

Diet Supplementation with Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) Leaf Powder Exhibits an Antidiabetic Property in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Male Wistar Rats

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that has a high global health burden and causes high mortality and morbidity in humans. Medicinal herbs and plants offer a promising alternative to conventional therapies for the management of diabetes. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) is a traditional medicinal herb that has been used for the management of several diseases. Therefore, the present study investigates the antidiabetic properties of diets supplemented with R. officinalis leaf powder on streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats. First, the phytochemicals and 2,2-dephenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free-radical scavenging activity of aqueous R. officinalis leaf extract were determined. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic male Wistar rats were fed a diet supplemented with R. officinalis leaf powder (ROP) at 3%, 6%, and 12%, respectively, for 6 weeks. Investigations of food intake, body weight, rat relative organ weights, blood glucose, lipid profiles, creatinine, bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were estimated according to standard procedures. The results show that ROP aqueous extract contains significant amounts of phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins, which exhibit in vitro DPPH free-radical scavenging activity. Based on an in vivo study, ROP reduced blood glucose levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic animals (p &lt; 0.05). Dietary supplementation with ROP in diabetic rats significantly (p &lt; 0.05) lowered ALT, AST, bilirubin, creatinine, total triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels while increasing high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) when compared with the diabetic control group. Our findings demonstrate that a diet supplemented with R. officinalis leaf powder exhibits an antidiabetic potential with improved health outcomes, as demonstrated by the improved lipid and liver profile enzymes in our animal model.

Evaluation The Ameliorative Effect of Alcoholic Extracts of Citrullus colocynthis and Phyllanthus Emblica Fruits on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes in Male Rats

Evaluation The Ameliorative Effect of Alcoholic Extracts of Citrullus colocynthis and Phyllanthus Emblica Fruits on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes in Male Rats

Protective Effects of Rheum Ribes Hydroalcoholic Extract on Blood Glucose and Renal Histological Structure in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Male Rats

Protective Effects of Rheum Ribes Hydroalcoholic Extract on Blood Glucose and Renal Histological Structure in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Male Rats

Protective Effects of Rheum Ribes Hydroalcoholic Extract on Blood Glucose and Renal Histological Structure in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Male Rats

Protective Effects of Rheum Ribes Hydroalcoholic Extract on Blood Glucose and Renal Histological Structure in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Male Rats

Pancreatic beta cell regenerative potential of Zanthoxylum chalybeum Engl. Aqueous stem bark extract

Ethnopharmacological relevanceZanthoxylum chalybeum Engl. is endemic to Africa and has been used traditionally to treat diabetes mellitus. Moreover, its pharmacological efficacy has been confirmed experimentally using in vitro and in vivo models of diabetes. However, the effects of Z. chalybeum extracts and its major constituent compounds on beta cell and islet regeneration are not clear. Further, the mechanisms associated with observed antidiabetic effects at the beta cell level are not fully elucidated. Aim of the studyWe determined the beta cell regenerative efficacy of Z. chalybeum aqueous stem bark extract, identified the chemical compounds in Z. chalybeum aqueous stem bark extracts and explored their putative mechanisms of action. Materials and methodsPhytochemical profiling of the Z. chalybeum extract was achieved using ultra high-performance liquid chromatography hyphenated to high-resolution mass spectrometry. Thereafter, molecular interactions of the compounds with beta cell regeneration targets were evaluated via molecular docking. In vitro, effects of the extract on cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis and oxidative stress were investigated in RIN-5F beta cells exposed to palmitate or streptozotocin. In vivo, pancreas tissue sections from streptozotocin-induced diabetic male Wistar rats treated with Z. chalybeum extract were stained for insulin, glucagon, pancreatic duodenal homeobox protein 1 (Pdx-1) and Ki-67. ResultsBased on ligand target and molecular docking interactions diosmin was identified as a dual specificity tyrosine-phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1A (Dyrk1A) inhibitor. In vitro, Z. chalybeum augmented cell viability and cell proliferation while in palmitate-pre-treated cells, the extract significantly increased cell activity after 72 h. In vivo, although morphometric analysis showed decreased islet and beta cell size and density, observation of increased Pdx-1 and Ki-67 immunoreactivity in extract-treated islets suggests that Z. chalybeum extract has mild beta cell regenerative potential mediated by increased cell proliferation. ConclusionsOverall, the mitogenic effects observed in vitro, were not robust enough to elicit sufficient recovery of functional beta cell mass in our in vivo model, in the context of a sustained diabetic milieu. However, the identification of diosmin as a potential Dyrk1A inhibitor merits further inquiry into the attendant molecular interactions.

Risk of endothelial dysfunction in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Sprague-Dawley rats: Nitric oxide in focus

Endothelial dysfunction in diabetes manifests in part as reduction of nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, which leads to inadequate relaxation of the vascular smooth muscle and a disparity between the vasoconstrictive and vasorelaxant intracellular pathways which favours a rise in vasoconstriction. In this current work, we evaluated serum Nitric oxide (NO) concentration and the activity of Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male and female rats' serum. Our results showed initial and final fasting blood glucose concentration 5.30±0.16mmol/l and 5.24±.015mmol/l versus 5.68±0.18mmol/l and 5.43±0.15mmol/l in male and female controls. Among the diabetic rats, the initial and final fasting blood glucose concentration was 17.50±1.91mmol/l and 15.68±2.84mmol/l versus 20.50±4.76mmol/l and 19.40±4.13mmol/l in male and female rats respectively. NO concentration was 106.12±7.23μmol/l and 131.81±12.54 μmol/l in male and female control rats compared to 52.38±3.01μmol/l and 65.29±16.19 μmol/l in male and female diabetic rats respectively. Serum activity of NOS were 133.72±10.92μIU/l and 156.06±18.22 μIU/l in control male and female rats compared to 98.01±1.48 μIU/l, 78.89±8.39μIU/l in diabetic male and female rats respectively. The difference in both NO concentration and NOS activity was significant between diabetics and non-diabetic rats as well as between male and female diabetics rats (p&lt; 0.05). The endothelial dysfunction in diabetic animals regardless of gender may be an initial pointer to upcoming pathogenesis and we recommend routine evaluation of NO concentration and NOS activities among diabetics.

Antioxidant Effect of the Ethyl Acetate Extract of Potentilla indica on Kidney Mitochondria of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia. This state may lead to an increase in oxidative stress, which contributes to the development of diabetes complications, including diabetic kidney disease. Potentilla indica is a traditional medicinal herb in Asia, employed in the treatment of several diseases, including DM. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant effect of the ethyl acetate extract of Potentilla indica both in vitro and on kidneys of streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats. Firstly, phytochemicals were identified via UPLC-MS/MS, and their in vitro antioxidant capabilities were evaluated. Subsequently, male Wistar rats were assigned into four groups: normoglycemic control, diabetic control, normoglycemic treated with the extract, and diabetic treated with the extract. At the end of the treatment, fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and uric acid were estimated. Furthermore, the kidneys were removed and utilized for the determination of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial respiratory chain complex activities, mitochondrial lipid peroxidation, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities. The in vitro findings showed that the major phytochemicals present in the extract were phenolic compounds, which exhibited a potent antioxidant activity. Moreover, the administration of the P. indica extract reduced creatinine and BUN levels, ROS production, and lipid peroxidation and improved mitochondrial respiratory chain complex activity and GSH-Px, SODk, and CAT activities when compared to the diabetic control group. In conclusion, our data suggest that the ethyl acetate extract of Potentilla indica possesses renoprotective effects by reducing oxidative stress on the kidneys of streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats.

Evaluation of Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Activities of Fruit Pulp Extracts of Cucurbita moschata Duchesne and Cucurbita maxima Duchesne.

To evaluate and compare the antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of fruit pulp extracts from Cucurbita moschata (PCMOS) and Cucurbita maxima (PCMAX). The antidiabetic activity was carried out in vivo by orally and daily giving the extracts at a dose of 500 mg/kg·b.w. to the streptozotocin-induced diabetic male albino Wistar rats for six weeks. After the period of administration, blood glucose levels, body weight, serum insulin, morphology of islets of Langerhans, biochemical parameters, and haematological values of the rats were determined. Meanwhile, the antioxidant activity was carried out in vitro by determination of total phenolic and flavonoid contents, DPPH radical scavenging activity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power. PCMAX significantly (p < 0.05) reduced blood glucose levels but increased the body weight, serum insulin levels, size and number of islets of Langerhans, and β-cell number of the treated diabetic rats more than PCMOS did. However, they did not alter biochemical parameters and haematological values of the treated diabetic rats. PCMAX possessed total phenolic and flavonoid contents and showed DPPH scavenging and FRAP reducing antioxidant power more significantly (p < 0.05) than PCMOS. According to the obtained results, it is indicated that PCMOS and PCMAX possess antidiabetic and antioxidant activities. PCMAX possesses more potent antidiabetic and antioxidant activities than PCMOS. These are probably due to PCMAX providing polysaccharide and total phenolic and flavonoid contents more than PCMOS.

Ameliorative Potentials of Methanol Bark Extract of Detarium senegalense (Tallow Tree) in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Male Wistar Rats

Diabetes is a global metabolic disease that affects millions of individuals worldwide and raises the global death rate, posing a public health concern. Because antidiabetic traditional drugs are expensive, have side effects, and are ineffective, researchers are looking into novel medicinal plants to find a long-term cure that is inexpensive, has few or no side effects, and is highly effective in treating diabetes and its consequences. Detarium senegalense is a versatile plant used to cure a variety of ailments, including diabetes. This research aimed to investigate the ameliorative potentials of methanol bark extract of Detarium senegalense in streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic male Wistar Rats. Thirty (30) adult male Wistar rats weighing 120-180gm were chosen at random and put into six (6) groups of five rats each (n=5) for this investigation. A single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (150mg/kg) produced diabetes in rats. Normal and diabetic control groups are represented by groups 1 and 2, respectively. Group 3, a diabetic group, received metformin (50mg/kg). Groups 4, 5, and 6 received methanol bark extract of Deterium senegalenses at 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg/day, respectively. The animals were euthanized at the end of the 21-day treatment period, and organs were excised for biochemical examination. The generated data was analyzed with the SPSS software, and the results were expressed as mean SEM. Result confirms Detarium senegalense methanol bark extract as a hypoglycemic agent on the diabetic rats, by decreasing blood glucose level and the activity of metabolic enzymes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase), increase hexokinase, Superoxide dismutase, Catalase, Glut 1 and Glut 2 activities while decreasing the activities of Malondialdehyde. Conclusively, the bark of Detarium senegalense has been shown to have anti-diabetic and anti-oxidative.

Effects of glibenclamide and troxerutin on the sperm parameters and histopathological changes of testis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats: An experimental study.

Oxidative stress is a major contributor to diabetes mellitus (DM), which leads to testicular damage and infertility. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of glibenclamide (GL) as a chemical medicine and troxerutin (TR) as an herbal agent on sperm parameters and histopathological changes of testis in diabetic male rats. Forty male Wistar rats (230-260 gr) were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 8/each), including control, diabetic (D), GL, TR, and GL+TR. DM was induced by the administration of 60 mg/kg streptozotocin intraperitoneally. The groups were treated with 5 mg/kg/day of GL or 150 mg/kg/day of TR via oral gavage for 4 wk. In the final stage of the treatment, blood sampling was done for biochemical analysis. The rats were then sacrificed and their left testis and epididymis were dissected for sperm analysis, histopathology, and morphometric assessment. A significant decrease in the number, motility, viability, maturity, and chromatin quality of sperm was found in diabetic rats compared to control group. (p 0.001). DM also increased the malondialdehyde level and decreased the level of the serum's total antioxidant capacity compared to the control group (p 0.001). Furthermore, we observed a significant difference in seminiferous tubule diameter, germinal epithelium height, and testicular histological abnormalities in diabetic rats compared to control group (p 0.001). Administration of GL, TR, and their combination improved the above-mentioned parameters, and treatment with TR provided a higher improvement (p 0.001). According to these findings, it can be concluded that TR plays a more influential role than GL to treat diabetic-induced infertility.

Effects of Spirulina maxima on a Model of Sexual Dysfunction in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Male Rats

Arthrospira (Spirulina) maxima (SM) is a cyanobacterium that has a long history of being used as human food. In recent years, several investigations have shown its beneficial biological effects, among which its antioxidant capacity has been highlighted. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of SM on body weight, glycemia, sexual behavior, sperm quality, testosterone levels, sex organ weights, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in diabetic male rats (a disease characterized by an increase in reactive oxygen species). The experiment consisted of six groups of sexually expert adult males (n = 6): (1) control (vehicle); (2) streptozotocin (STZ)-65 mg/kg; (3) SM-400 mg/kg; (4) STZ + SM-100 mg/kg; (5) STZ + SM-200 mg/kg; and (6) STZ + SM-400 mg/kg. Sexual behavior tests were performed during the first 3 h of the dark period under dim red illumination. Our results showed that SM significantly improved sexual behavior and sperm quality vs. diabetic animals. Likewise, while the enzymatic activities of SOD and GPx increased, TBARS lipoperoxidation decreased and testosterone levels increased. In view of the findings, it is suggested that SM may potentially be used as a nutraceutical for the treatment of diabetic male sexual dysfunction due to its antioxidant property.

Comparative study of anti-diabetic effects of insulin, epigenin and Salvia mirzayanii extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats

Comparative study of anti-diabetic effects of insulin, epigenin and Salvia mirzayanii extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats

Influence of lauric acid on the relaxation of corpus cavernosum in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male Wistar rats

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus is a global health challenge and has been recognised as a risk factor for erectile dysfunction. Dissatisfaction with standard medications has been reported by some patients, hence therapeutic plants are being considered as a viable alternative therapy, with their active components being investigated to create a standard regimen. Lauric acid is the most abundant constituent of coconut oil and is proposed to be responsible for its therapeutic properties. The corpus cavernosum plays an important role in erectile function with its relaxation favouring erection. This study thus sought to investigate the possible relaxant action and mechanism of lauric acid on the corpus cavernosum of diabetic male Wistar rats. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin after which graded doses of lauric acid were administered orally to three groups of diabetic rats, once daily for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the corpus cavernosal tissues of the rat penis were extracted. Following phenylephrine or potassium chloride (KCl)—induced contraction, relaxation response to acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside was used to evaluate endothelium-dependent and nitric oxide-mediated relaxation, respectively.ResultsRelaxation response to acetylcholine, following pre-contraction with phenylephrine, was significantly decreased in the cavernosal tissues of diabetic untreated rats and was not significantly improved in lauric acid treated diabetic groups. Relaxation response to acetylcholine, following pre-contraction with KCl, was significantly decreased in the diabetic untreated group but was significantly improved in lauric acid treated diabetic groups at the lowest dose. Decreased relaxation response to sodium nitroprusside, following pre-contraction with phenylephrine in tissues of diabetic untreated rats, was significantly improved in lauric acid-treated diabetic groups at lower doses. Decreased relaxation response to sodium nitroprusside, following pre-contraction with KCl, was significantly improved in lauric acid-treated diabetic groups at all doses.ConclusionLauric acid improved relaxation of corpus cavernosum muscle in diabetic male rats by enhancing nitric oxide-mediated relaxing action of sodium nitroprusside and possibly inhibiting KCl-induced contraction.

Effects of empagliflozin on the expression of kisspeptin gene and reproductive system function in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats.

One of the main health concerns of diabetes is testicular dysfunction and impairment of reproductive function and sperm quality which can cause male infertility. kisspeptin is a hypothalamic neuropeptide hormone that is involved in the regulation of energy metabolism, gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH), and reproductive function. In the present study, the therapeutic effects of empagliflozin (sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors) on kisspeptin expression along with reproductive function were investigated in diabetic male Wistar rats. Diabetes was induced by a single dose injection of 60 mg/kg streptozotocin. Empagliflozin in doses of 10 and 25 mg/kg body weight was used for 8 weeks. Serum samples, testis, epididymis, and pancreas tissues were collected at the end of the experiments. Lipid profiles, oxidative stress markers, blood hormones, expression of kisspeptin along with pathological alterations of the testis were assayed using real-time PCR, biochemical, and histological technics. Data have shown that empagliflozin improved hyperglycemia, reproductive impairment, oxidative stress condition, and histopathological alterations of pancreatic and testis tissues in diabetic animals. It improved the serum levels of sex hormones, insulin, leptin, and the expression of kisspeptin in the testes tissues. Spermatogenesis is also improved in treated animals. Data indicated that the administration of empagliflozin can ameliorate symptoms of diabetes. It probably has promising antidiabetic potential and may improve the male infertility of diabetic subjects. To our knowledge, this is the first experimental evidence for the potential impact of empagliflozin on kisspeptin expression in diabetic male rats.

Quinoa seeds (Chenopodium Quinoa): Nutritional value and potential biological effects on hyperglycemic rats

Quinoa seeds have an excellent nutrient characterization and contains many phytochemicals which play an important health role. The current study pointed to the chemical composition, minerals content, active compounds (polyphenols, flavonoids and tocopherols), vitamins, amino acids, and fatty acids of quinoa seeds (Chinopodium quinoa). Also, evaluation of quinoa seeds on plasma glucose and lipid profiles in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in male rats. Rats were split into three groups,the firstgroup was the normal control, the second group was the diabetic control, and the third group was diabetic rats treated with quinoa seeds. Chemical composition revealed that the percent of moisture, protein, fat, fiber, ash and calculated carbohydrates were 11.20 %, 13.64 %, 5.89 %, 6.7 %, 3.1 % and 70.67 % respectively. The total essential amino acid of quinoa seed was 4.88 g/100 g sample. The results indicate that serum alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine and urea were significantly unchanged in diabetic rats whereas, statistically decreased in diabetic rats treated with quinoa seeds compared with control rats. Total serum lipids, total cholesterol, and low density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol levels were significantly increased in diabetic rats, while high density lipoproteins (HDL) cholesterol levels were decreased, compared to control rats. Otherwise, no significant effect was observed in these parameters between the rats in group 3 and the control group. Eating quinoa seeds among diabetic rats had a hypoglycemic effect and caused the best changes regarding cholesterol, HDL and LDL levels. The results obtained suggest that quinoa may become important as an inexpensive and unique natural source of anti-diabetes, and thus quinoa seed is a promising complementary therapeutic agent against diabetes.

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

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

Effects of Hair Follicle Stem Cells Coupled With Polycaprolactone Scaffold on Cutaneous Wound Healing in Diabetic Male Rats

IntroductionChronic wounds are debilitating complications of diabetes mellitus. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of the hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) by polycaprolactone scaffold on the healing of incisional cutaneous wounds on streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats. MethodsThe wound model was obtained by a biopsy punch of the skin of the animals’ back. The animals were randomly divided into five groups as follows: (1) Sham (nondiabetic, not treated), (2) Control (diabetic, not treated), (3) Scaffold (diabetic, treated with polycaprolactone nanofiber scaffold), (4) HFSCs (diabetic, treated with HFSCs), and (5) Scaffold + HFSCs (diabetic, treated with combination of Scaffold and HFSCs). The wounds were photographed in the course of the treatment and their healing rate was assessed. The samples were collected from the wound sites 7, 14, and 28 d after their development. Angiogenesis was surveyed by examining messenger RNA expression and the protein synthesis levels of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1/cluster of differentiation 31. The histological changes were investigated using hematoxylin and eosin and Masson’s trichrome staining. Furthermore, the wound breaking strength was measured on the 28th day by tensiometry. ResultsThe application of the VEGFR2 as a substrate promotes the expression of CD31 in HFSCs and Scaffold + HFSCs groups compared to controls (P < 0.0001). HFSCs and scaffold also rescue the diabetes-induced dysfunction as assessed based on the parameters, such as viability, proliferation, colony formation, cellular adhesion, and chemotactic migration. HFSCs augment the levels of VEGFR2 and promote the restoration of the wound healing in diabetic groups. Furthermore, the maximum biomechanical stress significantly increased in the experimental diabetic groups (Scaffold: 1.38 ± 0.09, HFSCs: 2.13 ± 0.8, Scaffold + HFSCs: 2.38 ± 0.11) compared to the diabetes control group (1.16 ± 0.12). Using of HFSCs and scaffold on diabetic wounds leads to an accelerated wound closure, notably. ConclusionsThus, the current data showed that HFSCs and scaffold form excellent biomaterial in the treatment of diabetic wounds.