STZ-induced Diabetic Rats Research Articles

Antioxidant Effect of Ethanol Extract of C. sativus on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rat Liver

The present study investigated the antioxidant effect of ethanol extract of Cucumis sativus on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat liver. Adult male Wistar albino rats (n = 25, mean weight = 215 ± 15 g) were randomly assigned to five groups of 5 rats each: normal control, diabetic control, metformin, 200 mg/kg body weight (bwt) extract and 300 mg/kg bwt extract groups. Diabetes mellitus was induced in the rats via intraperitoneal injection of 50 mg/kg bwt STZ. The diabetic rats were then treated for 21 days with either metformin (50 mg/kg bwt) or the extract at doses of 200 and 300 mg/kg bwt, respectively. Activities of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) as well as antioxidant molecules like retinoic acid, ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol were evaluated in liver homogenate. The results showed that induction of diabetes mellitus with STZ significantly increased the fasting blood glucose (FBG) concentrations of the rats (p < 0.05). However, treatment of the diabetic rats with the extract markedly reduced the FBG concentration and body weights of rats (p < 0.05). Treatment of diabetic Wistar rats with ethanol extract of C. sativus significantly increased activities of the antioxidant enzymes and molecules as well as concentrations of nitric oxide (NO), but it markedly reduced the concentrations of hepatic total protein (TP) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.05). These results suggest that ethanol extract of the medicinal plant can enhance antioxidant defense in the liver of STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Rutin and Glimepiride Combination: A Novel Approach for Managing Diabetes Nephropathy in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetes in Wistar Rats

Abstract Background: Diabetes mellitus remains a global health concern, because of its associated complications, including diabetic nephropathy. Glimepiride, a sulfonylurea derivative, and rutin, a flavonoid with antioxidant properties, have shown potential in managing diabetic complications. This study was aimed at investigating the therapeutic efficacy of these treatments, individually or in combination, against streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic complications in albino rats (Rattus norvegicus). Methods: Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of STZ at 55 mg/kg in Wistar rats of both sexes weighing 200–250 g. Rats with serum glucose (Glu) levels ≥250 mg/dL were selected for pharmacological assessment. The diabetic rats were divided into six groups, each comprising six rats, receiving the following treatments: GLP alone at 0.5 mg/kg, rutin alone at 50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg, and combinations of GLP with rutin. Treatments were administered over 45 days. Physiological parameters, serum markers (including Glu and lipid profiles), inflammatory cytokines, renal hypertrophy, oxidative stress markers, and histopathological changes in kidney tissues were evaluated to assess treatment effects. Result: Significant improvements were observed in rats treated with GLP, rutin, or both, including decreased diabetes-induced weight loss, and increased glycemic control with lower serum Glu levels. Favorable changes in lipid profiles and significant decreases in inflammatory cytokines indicated systemic improvements. Moreover, the treatments markedly decreased renal hypertrophy, thus suggesting enhanced renal function. Histopathological analysis indicated that combination therapy, compared with individual treatments, markedly decreased tubular dilation and preserved renal architecture, thus highlighting synergistic benefits in managing diabetic complications, particularly diabetic nephropathy. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that GLP and rutin, individually or in combination, hold promise in managing diabetic nephropathy, according to an STZ-induced diabetic rat model. The combination therapy demonstrated synergistic benefits, particularly in preserving renal architecture and decreasing tubular dilation. These results highlight a potential therapeutic strategy for alleviating diabetes-induced renal complications, and emphasize the importance of exploring combined approaches in diabetic management to enhance treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.

Impact of streptozotocin-induced diabetes on experimental masseter pain in rats.

This study aimed to assess the influence of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes on the nociceptive behavior evoked by the injection of hypertonic saline (HS) into the masseter muscle of rats. Forty male rats were equally divided into four groups: a) isotonic saline control, which received 0.9% isotonic saline (IS), (Ctrl-IS); b) hypertonic saline control, which received 5% HS (Ctrl-HS); c) STZ-induced diabetic, which received IS, (STZ-IS); d) STZ-induced diabetic, which received HS (STZ-HS). Experimental diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ at dose of 60 mg/kg dissolved in 0.1 M citrate buffer, and 100 μL of HS or IS were injected into the left masseter to measure the nociceptive behavior. Later on, muscle RNA was extracted to measure the relative expression of the following cytokines: cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and interleukins (IL)-1β, -2, -6, and -10. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to the data (p < 0.050). We observed a main effect of group on the nociceptive response (ANOVA: F = 11.60, p < 0.001), where the Ctrl-HS group presented the highest response (p < 0.001). However, nociceptive response was similar among the Ctrl-IS, STZ-IS, and STZ-HS group (p > 0.050). In addition, the highest relative gene expression of TNF-α and IL-6 was found in the masseter of control rats following experimental muscle pain (p < 0.050). In conclusion, the loss of somatosensory function can be observed in deep orofacial tissues of STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Preventive and Ameliorative Effects of Diet Supplemented with Cucurbita maxima Leaf on Hyperglycemia and Hepatotoxicity in STZ-Induced Diabetic Rats

Preventive and Ameliorative Effects of Diet Supplemented with Cucurbita maxima Leaf on Hyperglycemia and Hepatotoxicity in STZ-Induced Diabetic Rats

Empagliflozin: Potential Protective Effects on Hepatocytes and Liver Outcomes in Streptozotocin -Diabetic Rats.

The current study investigated the potential positive impact of EMPA, an antidiabetic medication, on hepatocytes and liver outcomes in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into four groups: control, DM (received 40mg/kg streptozotocin IP injection), DM+EMPA (received 40mg/kg streptozotocin and 10 mg/kg EMPA), and EMPA (received 10 mg/kg EMPA). Here, liver functional tests were assessed spectrophotometrically, while histological analysis of liver tissues was evaluated using light microscopy. Treated diabetic rats significantly reduced AST levels compared to treated control rats (p &lt; 0.05). DM rats, with or without EMPA treatment, showed significantly elevated ALT levels compared to control rats (p &lt; 0.005). Also, LDH levels were found to be lower in both treated and untreated diabetic rats compared to control rats (p &lt; 0.0001; p &lt; 0.05, respectively), while ALP levels were higher in both groups of diabetic rats relative to control rats (p &lt; 0.0001; p &lt; 0.005). Interestingly, the data showed clear trends indicating that empagliflozin-treated diabetic rats had improved liver parameters compared to untreated diabetic rats, although statistically significant differences were not observed. Remarkably, histological examination showed significant sinusoidal dilation and infiltration of inflammatory cells in hepatocytes in diabetic rats, whereas treated diabetic rats exhibited a normal hepatocyte arrangement with minor sinusoidal dilation. Altogether, the observed results suggest that EMPA may possess a protective effect on hepatocytes, thereby highlighting its potential as a therapeutic intervention for diabetes-related liver complications.

Cardiac Oxidative Status in Diabetic Wistar Rats Exposed To Ethanol Extract of Cucumis Sativus Fruit

The present study investigated cardiac oxidative status in diabetic Wistar rats exposed to ethanol extract of Cucumis sativus fruit. Male Wistar albino rats (n = 25, mean weight = 215 ± 15 g) were randomly assigned to five groups of 5 rats each: normal control, diabetic control, metformin, extract (200 mg/kg body weight, bwt) and extract (300 mg/kg bwt) groups. Diabetes mellitus was induced in the rats via intraperitoneal injection of 50 mg/kg bwt STZ. The diabetic rats were treated for 21 days with either metformin (50 mg/kg bwt) or the extract. Activities of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) as well as molecules like reduced glutathione (GSH), total protein (TP), malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) were measured in heart homogenate. The results showed that induction of diabetes mellitus with STZ significantly increased the fasting blood glucose (FBG) concentrations of the rats, while decreasing the activity/concentration of antioxidant enzymes/ molecules (p &lt; 0.05). However, treatment of the diabetic Wistar rats with the extract markedly reduced the FBG concentration and body weights of rats, but enhanced the activity/concentration of antioxidant enzymes/molecules in cardiac tissue (p &lt; 0.05). These results indicate that ethanol extract of the medicinal plant fruit has the potential to promote antioxidant defense in the heart of STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Pre-clinical Study of Marketed Polyherbal Formulations on Blood Glucose Level and Associated Parameters in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetes

The management of diabetes mellitus involves lowering blood glucose levels with anti-diabetic drugs. Globally and nationally, the demand for herbal goods is increasing correspondingly. There have been numerous polyherbal preparations with anti-diabetic activity discovered during the past few decades. For both their antidiabetes and potential to avert diabetic complications, two different commercial polyherbal preparations were tested. For the purpose of choosing a commercial polyherbal formulation, a survey was conducted. The formulations were chosen based on their similarity in terms of their constituents, their estimated efficacy, how frequently they were distributed, and their price range. STZ-induced diabetic rats were utilized as a model and metformin was the standard medication for evaluating the antidiabetic activity. Selected polyherbal formulations, including formulation A and formulation B, demonstrated effective anti-diabetic action. In comparison to diabetic control groups, polyherbal formulations meaningfully decreased glucose levels in diabetic rat’s blood and other diabetic complications metrics such as serum Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), Serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), triglyceride, and cholesterol, as a marker for liver problems, and organ weight variation.

Gynura divaricata (L.) DC. promotes diabetic wound healing by activating Nrf2 signaling in diabetic rats

The ethnopharmacological significanceDiabetic chronic foot ulcers pose a significant therapeutic challenge as a result of the oxidative stress caused by hyperglycemia. Which impairs angiogenesis and delays wound healing, potentially leading to amputation. Gynura divaricata (L.) DC. (GD), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine with hypoglycemic effects, has been proposed as a potential therapeutic agent for diabetic wound healing. However, the underlying mechanisms of its effects remain unclear. Aim of the studyIn this study, we aimed to reveal the effect and potential mechanisms of GD on accelerating diabetic wound healing in vitro and in vivo. Materials and methodsThe effects of GD on cell proliferation, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, migration, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and potential molecular mechanisms were investigated in high glucose (HG) stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) using CCK-8, flow cytometry assay, wound healing assay, immunofluorescence, DCFH-DA staining, JC-1 staining, and Western blot. Full-thickness skin defects were created in STZ-induced diabetic rats, and wound healing rate was tracked by photographing them every day. HE staining, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot were employed to investigate the effect and molecular mechanism of GD on wound healing in diabetic rats. ResultsGD significantly improved HUVEC survival, decreased apoptosis, lowered ROS production, restored MMP, improved migration ability, and raised VEGF expression. The use of Nrf2-siRNA completely abrogated these effects. Topical application of GD promoted angiogenesis and granulation tissue growth, resulting in faster healing of diabetic wounds. The expression of VEGF, CD31, and VEGFR was elevated in the skin tissue of diabetic rats after GD treatment, which upregulated HO-1, NQO-1, and Bcl-2 expression while downregulating Bax expression via activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway. ConclusionThe findings of this study indicate that GD has the potential to serve as a viable alternative treatment for diabetic wounds. This potential arises from its ability to mitigate the negative effects of oxidative stress on angiogenesis, which is regulated by the Nrf2 signaling pathway. The results of our study offer valuable insights into the therapeutic efficacy of GD in the treatment of diabetic wounds, emphasizing the significance of directing interventions towards the Nrf2 signaling pathway to mitigate oxidative stress and facilitate the process of angiogenesis.

Ameliorative Effects of Cumin Extract-Encapsulated Chitosan Nanoparticles on Skeletal Muscle Atrophy and Grip Strength in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

Skeletal muscle atrophy is a disorder characterized by reductions in muscle size and strength. Cumin extract (CE) possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hypoglycemic properties. Its pharmaceutical applications are hindered by its low water solubility and by its cytotoxicity when administered at high doses. In this study, we have developed a simplified water distillation method using a rotary evaporator to isolate the active components in cumin seeds. The anti-inflammatory effects of CE and its potential to ameliorate skeletal muscle atrophy in rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes were evaluated. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of CE for cells was 80 μM. By encapsulating CE in chitosan nanoparticles (CECNs), an encapsulation efficacy of 87.1% was achieved with a slow release of 90% of CE after 24 h of culturing, resulting in CECNs with significantly reduced cytotoxicity (IC50, 1.2 mM). Both CE and CECNs significantly reduced the inflammatory response in interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β assays. STZ-induced diabetic rats exhibited sustained high blood glucose levels (>16.5 mmol/L), small and damaged pancreatic β islets, and skeletal muscle atrophy. CE and CECN treatments ameliorated skeletal muscle atrophy, recovered muscle fiber striated appearance, increased grip strength, and decreased IL-6 level. Furthermore, CE and CECNs led to a reduction of damage to the pancreas, restoring its morphological phenotype, increasing serum insulin levels, and lowering blood glucose levels in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Taken together, treatment with CECNs over a 6-week period yielded positive ameliorative effects in STZ-induced rats of muscle atrophy.

Effects of Hydrogen-Rich Water on Interleukin-1β, Number of Osteoclasts and Osteoblasts in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats with Orthodontic Tooth Movement

BACKGROUND: Orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) may increase the risk of treatment-related complications for some diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. Hydrogen-rich water (HRW) has been demonstrated in many studies to reduce oxidative stress and cell damage. This study aimed to examine the levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, blood glucose level, body weight, tooth displacement, and population of osteoclasts and osteoblasts in diabetic rats with OTM.METHODS: Thirty rats (Rattus novergicus) were divided into 6 groups: OTM, HRW, DM, DM+OTM, DM+HRW, and DM+OTM+HRW. DM, DM+OTM, DM+HRW, and DM+OTM+HRW groups were induced with streptozotocin (STZ) after 8 weeks of high-fat diet (HFD) and continued being fed HFD for 4 weeks. OTM, DM+OTM, and DM+OTM+HRW groups were placed on an orthodontic device for the orthodontic treatment. HRW, DM+HRW, and DM+OTM+HRW groups were administered HRW via oral gavage 3 times a day for 4 weeks. At the end of the study, all rats were euthanized and blood samples were collected for IL-1β measurement using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Meanwhile, the rats’ maxilla was taken to measure tooth movement, and the number of osteoclast and osteoblast were counted.RESULTS: The highest increase of IL-1β was in the DM+OTM group (140.07±5.14 pg/mL) and the lowest was in the HRW group (92.80±2.89 pg/mL). The average number of osteoblasts were higher in tension sites, while osteoclasts were higher in pressure sites.CONCLUSION: Consumption of HRW in STZ-induced diabetic rats with OTM can reduce IL-1β levels, reduce tooth mobility, and promote bone remodeling.KEYWORDS: diabetes mellitus, hydrogen rich water, interleukin-1β, orthodontic tooth movement, osteoblast, osteoclast

Lonicerin promotes wound healing in diabetic rats by enhancing blood vessel regeneration through Sirt1-mediated autophagy.

Among the numerous complications of diabetes mellitus, diabetic wounds seriously affect patients' quality of life and result in considerable psychological distress. Promoting blood vessel regeneration in wounds is a crucial step in wound healing. Lonicerin (LCR), a bioactive compound found in plants of the Lonicera japonica species and other honeysuckle plants, exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, and it recently has been found to alleviate ulcerative colitis by enhancing autophagy. In this study we investigated the efficacy of LCR in treatment of diabetic wounds and the underlying mechanisms. By comparing the single-cell transcriptomic data from healing and non-healing states in diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) of 5 patients, we found that autophagy and SIRT signaling activation played a crucial role in mitigating inflammation and oxidative stress, and promoting cell survival in wound healing processes. In TBHP-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), we showed that LCR alleviated cell apoptosis, and enhanced the cell viability, migration and angiogenesis. Furthermore, we demonstrated that LCR treatment dose-dependently promoted autophagy in TBHP-treated HUVECs by upregulating Sirt1 expression, and exerted its anti-apoptotic effect through the Sirt1-autophagy axis. Knockdown of Sirt1 significantly decreased the level of autophagy, and mitigated the anti-apoptotic effect of LCR. In a STZ-induced diabetic rat model, administration of LCR significantly promoted wound healing, which was significantly attenuated by Sirt1 knockdown. This study highlights the potential of LCR as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of diabetic wounds and provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying its effects.

Effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and angiotensin receptor blocker on oxidative stress and metabolism of elements in kidney of STZ-induced diabetic rats

In diabetes, increased oxidative stress and impaired trace element metabolism play an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. The objective of this research was to examine the outcomes of blocking the renin-angiotensin system, using either the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI), perindopril, or the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor blocker, irbesartan, on oxidative stress and trace element levels such as Zn, Mg, Cu, and Fe in the kidneys of diabetic rats that had been induced with streptozotocin.Thirty-two Wistar albino male rats were equally divided into four groups. The first group was used as a control. The second group of rats developed diabetes after receiving a single intraperitoneal dose of STZ. The third and fourth groups of rats had STZ-induced diabetes and received daily dosages of irbesartan (15 mg/kg b.w/day) and perindopril (6 mg/kg b.w/day) treatment, respectively.Biochemical analysis of the kidneys showed a distinct increase in oxidative stress, indicated by heightened levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, as well as reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in the kidneys of diabetic rats. In the kidneys of diabetic rats, the mean levels of Fe and Cu were found to be significantly higher than those of the control group. Additionally, the mean levels of Zn and Mg were significantly lower in the diabetic rats compared to the control rats. Both perindopril and irbesartan decreased significantly MDA content and increased SOD activities and GSH levels in the kidneys of rats with diabetes. The Zn and Mg concentrations in the kidneys of diabetic rats treated with perindopril and irbesartan were markedly higher than in untreated STZ-diabetic rats, while the Cu and Fe concentrations were significantly lower. The urinary excretion of rats treated with perindopril and irbesartan showed a pronounced increase in Cu levels, along with a significant reduction in Zn and Mg levels. Although diabetic rats demonstrated degenerative morphological alterations in their kidneys, both therapies also improved diabetes-induced histopathological modifications in the kidneys.Finally, the present results suggest that manipulating the levels of Zn, Mg, Cu, and Fe - either through ACE inhibition or by blocking AT1 receptors - could be advantageous in reducing lipid peroxidation and increasing antioxidant concentration in the kidneys of diabetic rats.

Anxiolytic and antidepressant like effects of Zamzam water in STZ-induced diabetic rats, targeting oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, BDNF/ERK/CREP pathway with modulation of hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis.

Recent studies have reported a strong relationship between diabetes and anxiety- and depression-like behaviors; however, there is a lack of information on the underlying pathophysiology. Alkaline Zamzam water (ZW), which is rich in several trace elements, has neuroprotective properties. This study aimed to investigate the anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of ZW against diabetes-induced behavioral changes and shed light on the possible underlying mechanisms. Forty-eight rats were divided into four experimental groups (n = 12): group I (control group), group II (Zamzam water group), group III (diabetic group), and group IV (diabetic + Zamzam water group). Diabetes was induced by an intraperitoneal injection of 60 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ). At the end of the experiment, the forced swimming test (FST) was used to assess depression-like effects. The elevated plus maze test (EPMT) and open field test (OFT) were performed to evaluate anxiety-like behavior. Blood levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis were measured, and prefrontal cortex and hippocampal tissue samples were removed for histological, immunohistochemical, ELISA, and Q-PCR analyses. ZW significantly decreased the immobility time in the FST, indicating an antidepressant effect (p < 0.001). Additionally, ZW significantly improved the OFT and open field entry (OFE) percentages in the EPMT, increasing center crossing and decreasing grooming and fecal boli in the OFT. This indicated an anxiolytic-like effect in diabetic rats with histological improvement. Interestingly, ZW significantly increased prefrontal cortical and hippocampal levels of antioxidant enzymes and the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. It also modulated the HPA axis by increasing cortisol and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) levels, with a decrease in ACTH and an increase in monoamine neurotransmitters. Furthermore, diabetic rats that received ZW showed a decrease in the inflammatory markers TNF-α and GFAP by immunohistochemistry and in the mRNA levels of NFκB, IL-1β, and IL6. In addition, ZW downregulated the expression of the BDNF/ERK2/CREP pathway. Our results suggested a neuroprotective effect of ZW against diabetes-induced anxiety- and depression-like behaviors and explored the underlying mechanisms. These findings suggest a promising therapeutic strategy for patients with diabetes who experience anxiety and depression.

The impact of Jussiaea repens aqueous extract on Hyperglycemic and Hematological markers in Diabetic male rat induced by Streptozotocin

In diabetic rats, the hypoglycemic potential of an aqueous extract of Jussiaea repens (50mg/100gm body weight) was examined. The herbal extract's impact on a number of hematological indicators was also studied. Eighteen albino rats, each contain 6 rats, were placed into three groups: vehicle control, diabetes control, and supplemented group. To develop diabetes, a single i.p injection of STZ (80mg/kg body weight) was given. Hematological markers include hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC) count, white blood cell (WBC) count, packed cell volume (PCV), lymphocytes, and neutrophils, as well as blood glucose levels and HbA1c were assessed. STZ-induced diabetic rats fed the extract had lower fasting blood glucose levels, which was statistically significant (p&lt;0.05). The HbA1c level in the diabetic control group increased drastically, but the level in the extract-treated supplemented group reduced significantly. Hb, PCV, RBC, and WBC as well as their differentials, were significantly reduced in diabetic control rats, whereas the supplemented group recovered significantly.. These findings imply that the aqueous extract of Jussiaea repens has hypoglycemic action and overcomes the abnormalities in STZ-induced diabetic rats' blood parameters.

Investigations of preventive and ameliorative effects of Cucurbita maxima leaf supplemented diets on haematological parameters in STZ-induced diabetic albino rats

No effective treatment for diabetes has been found in medical science thus far. Anti-diabetic medications treat diabetes mellitus symptoms but not the underlying illness process. Some synthetic medications with anti-diabetic properties are already available for oral administration; they include synthetic hypoglycemia agents like sulfonylureas families. This study investigated the preventive and ameliorative effects of Cucurbita maxima leaf supplemented diets on haematological parameters in stz-induced diabetic albino rats. Sixty rats (60) were randomly distributed into 6(six) groups of five animals each (n= 5) for both preventive and ameliorative studies respectively. For preventive treatments, rats were supplemented with 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% Cucurbita maxima leaf for 28 days and diabetic was induced in week 4. Whereas, for the ameliorative treatments, diabetes was induced in week 0 and rats were supplemented for 28 days. The animals were sacrificed at the end of the experimental period and blood sample was collected for haematological evaluation. Consequently, the significant (p &lt; 0.05) decrease in the levels of RBC, Hb and PCV observed in diabetic animals was drastically (p &lt; 0.05) increased in 10%, 15% and 20% supplemented groups in both preventive and ameliorative trials compared to STZ-induced diabetic control group. Similarly, the levels of MCH, MCV and MCHC in 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% groups rise significantly (p &lt; 0.05) compared to STZ-induced diabetic control in the both experiments. Furthermore, the levels of WBC was significantly (p &lt; 0.05) increased after supplementation with 10%, 15% and 20% of C. maxima leaf in the preventive and ameliorative experiments as compared to the STZ-induced diabetic control but was not significant at p &lt; 0.05 when compared with the normal control. The results obtained through these investigations pointed to both preventive and ameliorative haematinic and erythropoietic potentials of Cucurbita maxima leaf in a diabetic state.

HEPATO-PROTECTIVE ROLE OF DIPHENYL DISELENIDE IN STREPTOZOTOCININDUCED DIABETIC RATS

Diabetic hepatopathy prevalence as a result of prolonged hyperglycemia is increasing with the expanding size of the diabetes population around the world. In this present study, the hepato-protective activity of diphenyl diselenide (DPDSe) in a persistent diabetic state was studied. Diabetes mellitus were induced with streptozotocin (STZ) (60 mg/kg) intraperitoneally and after 60 days without treatment, the rats were administered diphenyl dislenide (DPDSe) (10 mg/kg) orally for 35 days. Animals were euthanized liver and serum were used for experimental determinations such as glycemic level, non enzymic and enzymic redox statuses, hepatic biomarkers, hematological and lipid prole. The results showed that the fasting glucose levels and thiobarbituric reactive substances were reduced at a signicant level of p &lt; 0.05. Furthermore, a concomitant rise in the percentage of DPPH free radicals scavenged, ferric reducing antioxidants property, protein and non-protein thiols were observed in hepatic tissue. The activities of delta–aminolevulinate dehydratase and antioxidant enzymes were improved at a signicant level of p &lt; 0.05. Additionally, there was signicant reduction (p &lt; 0.05) in the activity of the purinergic enzymes, hepatic biomarkers while there was an increase in the albumin level. Furthermore, the hematological and lipid prole of were refurbished. This study showed that DPDSe was able to reverse the biochemical alterations related with hepatic tissue in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Dyslipidemia Protective Effect of Resistant Starch-Based Dough Meals on Diabetes-Induced Rats

Aim: The adoption of functional foods as healthy diet therapy for the management of metabolic disorders such as diabetes is in vogue in the present world where many are no longer consuming carbohydrate or starchy foods. This study investigated the effect of resistant starch-based dough meals on dyslipidemia in rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes.&#x0D; Place and Duration: Functional Foods Laboratory and Animal House of Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Akure, from July 2022 to February 2023.&#x0D; Methodology: Flour samples were prepared by dispersing the flour into boiling water and turning and being allowed to cook for 15 min to obtain dough meals: PLD – (100% Plantain flour), used as a control sample; PLPRD – plantain flour: pigeon pea flour: rice bran flour (73.08:15.15:11.76); PSPRD – native plantain starch: pigeon pea flour: rice bran flour (73.08:15.15:11.76); AP1SPRD – acetylated plantain starch: pigeon pea flour: rice bran flour (73.08:15.15:11.76); AP2SPRD – acetylated plantain starch: pigeon pea flour: rice bran flour (70.67:18.15:11.18). The weight gained, food intake, haematological parameters, fasting blood glucose and lipid profile of the resistant starch-based dough meal were compared with the commercial flour product, CRD (100% Cerolina flour: wheat and soybean) and the DM (untreated high-fat diet–STZ-induced diabetic rats) and NC (Normal control rats).&#x0D; Results: The weight gained and food intake ranged from 50.98±0.53 g to 180.12±1.07 g in NC and 33.98±1.64 g to 140.87±1.80 g in DM. The feed conversion ratio to the feed efficiency ratio was 0.28:0.25 and 4.15:3.53 in NC and DM respectively, which attributed to the food product to weight loss. The values of the haematological parameters (PCV, RBC, HB, MCV, MCH and MCHC) confirmed that the experimental rats had no trace of infection due to the generation of antibodies by WBC and differential counts (neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, monocytes and lymphocytes). Rats fed with DM+AP1SPRD showed a decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol and triglyceride, and an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HLDL-C).&#x0D; Conclusion: A resistant starch-based dough meal was significant for the production of short-chain fatty acids with lots of benefits on health. The intervention of resistant starch-based dough meals, AP1SPRD and AP2SPRD used in this study, almost normalized metabolic profiles in the experimental rats, similar to the control group by reducing the total cholesterol, total triglycerides and LDL-C while increasing HDL-C.

Chromium Picolinate Protects against Testicular Damage in STZ-Induced Diabetic Rats via Anti-Inflammation, Anti-Oxidation, Inhibiting Apoptosis, and Regulating the TGF-β1/Smad Pathway.

Chromium picolinate (CP) is an organic compound that has long been used to treat diabetes. Our previous studies found CP could relieve diabetic nephropathy. Thus, we speculate that it might have a positive effect on diabetic testicular injury. In this study, a diabetic rat model was established, and then the rats were treated with CP for 8 weeks. We found that the levels of blood glucose, food, and water intake were reduced, and body weight was enhanced in diabetic rats after CP supplementation. Meanwhile, in CP treatment groups, the levels of male hormone and sperm parameters were improved, the pathological structure of the testicular tissue was repaired, and testicular fibrosis was inhibited. In addition, CP reduced the levels of serum inflammatory cytokines, and decreased oxidative stress and apoptosis in the testicular tissue. In conclusion, CP could ameliorate testicular damage in diabetic rats, as well as being a potential testicle-protective nutrient in the future to prevent the testicular damage caused by diabetes.

Anti-Inflammatory Property of Costus afer Ker Gawl Ethanol Leaf Extract in STZ-Induced Diabetic Rats

Costus afer Ker Gawl is an indigenous plant, commonly called a ginger lily, spiral ginger, or bush cane, it has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory properties. The anti-inflammatory activity of C.afer leaf extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats was investigated. Protein denaturation and erythrocyte stabilization assays were used to evaluate in vitro anti-inflammatory activity, and alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase enzyme inhibition was used to evaluate in vitro anti-diabetic activity. 60 male Wistar rats were used for the two inflammatory models: the 30 rats were randomly assigned into six groups (n=5) for carrageenan-induced paw edema and cotton pellet granuloma models respectively: Group I: normal, group II: control(untreated), group III: 10mg/kg b.w diclofenac sodium (standard), group IV, V and VI were given 50, 100, 250 mg/kg b.w Costus afer ethanol leaf extract (CAELE) in each of the two models. The study showed that in protein denaturation assay, CAELE and Diclofenac had 56.69% and 80.82% respectively at the highest concentration, erythrocyte stabilization had 80.40% CAELE and 94.88% Diclofenac sodium at the highest dose in a dose-dependent manner. Alpha amylase and alpha-glucosidase showed an increase in percentage inhibition activity at 65.44% and 43.72% respectively against acarbose (standard) at 56.01%. However, in the cotton pellet-induced granuloma model, the concentration exhibited high percentage inhibition (77.82%) comparable to the standard drug at 91.28%, and reduction in paw thickness was also observed in the carrageenan model in a dose-dependent manner respectively. This study showed that CAELE at different concentrations showed anti-inflammatory activity in diabetic conditions.

Ameliorative effects of Scutellaria Pinnatifida subsp. pichleri (Stapf) Rech.f. Extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats: chemical composition, biochemical and histopathological evaluation

BackgroundsScutellaria Pinnatifida subsp. pichleri (Stapf) Rech.f. (SP) is used in folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes. The aim of the study was to determine the phenolic profile of SP extract (SPE) by LC-MS/MS and to investigate the antidiabetic, hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects of SPE in streptozotosin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat model.MethodsForty-two rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 7): Control (nondiabetic), diabetes mellitus (DM), DM + SP-100 (diabetic rats treated with SPE, 100 mg/kg/day), DM + SP-200 (diabetic rats treated with SPE, 200 mg/kg/day), DM + SP-400 (diabetic rats treated with SPE, 400 mg/kg/day) and DM + Gly-3 (diabetic rats treated with glibenclamide, 3 mg/kg/day). Live body weight, fasting blood glucose (FBG) level, antidiabetic, serum biochemical and lipid profile parameters, antioxidant defense system, malondyaldehyde (MDA) and histopathological examinations in liver, kidney and pancreas were evaluated.ResultsApigenin, luteolin, quinic acid, cosmosiin and epigallocatechin were determined to be the major phenolic compounds in the SPE. Administration of the highest dose of SP extract (400 mg/kg) resulted in a significant reduction in FBG levels and glycosylated hemoglobin levels in STZ-induced diabetic rats, indicating an antihyperglycemic effect. SPE (200 and 400 mg/kg) and glibenclamide significantly improved MDA in liver and kidney tissues. In addition, SPE contributed to the struggle against STZ-induced oxidative stress by stimulating antioxidant defense systems. STZ induction negatively affected liver, kidney and pancreas tissues according to histopathological findings. Treatment with 400 mg/kg and glibenclamide attenuated these negative effects.ConclusionsIn conclusion, the extract of the aerial part of Scutellaria pinnatifida subsp. pichleri has hepatoprotective, nephroprotective and insulin secretion stimulating effects against STZ-induced diabetes and its complications due to its antidiabetic and antioxidant phytochemicals such as apigenin, luteolin, quinic acid, cosmosiin and epigallocatechin.