Chrysophyllum albidum fruit ethanol extract ameliorates hyperglycaemia and elevated blood pressure in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats through modulation of oxidative stress, NF-κB and PPAR-γ

The leaves of Flabellaria paniculata Cav. (Malphigiaceae) exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antinociceptive activities invivo

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The leaves of Flabellaria paniculata Cav. (Malpighiaceae) are used in the treatment of conditions associated with inflammation and pain.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The study aimed at evaluating the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of ethanol extract from the leaves of F. paniculata.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The extract was obtained by maceration with ethanol (95 %) and characterized by GC-MS. The anti-inflammatory effect was assessed in carrageenan, serotonin, histamine-induced paw oedema and xylene-induced ear oedema models at the dose of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg. Antioxidant parameters and cytokine production (IL-6, and TNF-α) levels were determined in carrageenan air pouch model. The antinociceptive property was also evaluated.

RESULTS

The extract at 200 mg/kg showed significant anti-inflammatory activity at 2 h (39.66 %, inhibition) which lasted for 5 h (70.37 %, inhibition) in carrageenan paw oedema. In the air pouch model, the extract decreased neutrophils and monocytes counts in the exudate but not lymphocytes count. At the dose of 200 mg/kg, the release of TNF-α and IL-6 was inhibited by 56.6 % and 35.9 %, respectively. The extract boosted catalase and SOD activities in addition to GSH level. Xylene-induced ear oedema was inhibited by 52.25, 62.62 and 64.97 %, at the dose of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively. Antinociceptive activity of the extract (100 and 200 mg/kg) was significant in acetic acid-induced writhing test (53.33 and 54.57 %, inhibition) and the late phase of formalin test (88.04 % and 92.13 %, inhibition). No significant effect was found on motor performance in the open field. The GC-MS profile revealed the presence of 15 compounds, with cyclododecyne, hexadecanoic acid, ethyl ester, n-Hexadecanoic acid, (E)-9-Octadecenoic acid ethyl ester, 1,4,2,5 Cyclo-hexanetetrol and phytol, acetate as the main compounds.

CONCLUSION

F. paniculata demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effect and the anti-inflammatory mechanism could be through inhibition of the inflammatory markers and oxidative parameters.

Effects of Naringin and Zinc Treatment on Biochemical, Molecular, and Histological Alterations in Stomach and Pancreatic Tissues of STZ-Induced Diabetic Rats

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder that affects multiple organs, including the stomach. This research examines the effects of naringin and/or zinc on stomach and pancreatic tissues of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Type 2 diabetes is induced by intraperitoneal injection of nicotinamide and streptozotocin. Three weeks after diabetes induction, rats receive eight weeks of treatment. Malondialdehyde and total antioxidant capacity are estimated colorimetrically. Asprosin and P-selectin levels are assessed via ELISA. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-кB), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR γ), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) genes is carried out. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is assessed immunohistochemically, and stomach and pancreatic tissues are examined histologically. Combined naringin and zinc treatment significantly reduces gastric Malondialdehyde, serum asprosin, and P-selectin levels in serum, stomach, and pancreas compared to diabetic rats. Additionally, gastric NF-кB expression is significantly lower, while PPAR γ and Nrf-2 expressions are significantly higher compared to diabetic rats. Immunohistochemical analysis and histopathological examination confirm these findings. In conclusion, combined naringin and zinc treatment significantly improves gastric alterations in diabetic rats by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Nonetheless, it shows no additional impacts on pancreatic tissue compared to naringin or zinc alone.

Dimethyl fumarate effects on paraquat-induced hepatotoxicity in mice via anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities

Paraquat (PQ) toxicity is a common problem in the world, associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Therefore, the use of agents that reduce these disorders can be effective in the treatment of PQ toxicity. The protective effects of dimethyl fumarate (DMF) on liver disorders have been suggested in many reports. In this study, mice were divided into 6 groups; control, PQ (30 mg/kg, i.p., at day 4), DMF (100 mg/kg, p.o.), and PQ groups pretreated by DMF in three doses 10, 30, and 100 mg/kg, respectively. DMF was administered for 7 days to counteract PQ-induced liver toxicity. On the 8th day, mice were euthanized with ketamine/xylazine, and serum factors, oxidative stress markers, apoptosis index, and inflammatory markers were measured. PQ significantly increased the activity level of serum enzymes, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, apoptotic factor (Bax/Bcl-2 ratio), inflammatory factors (NF-κB protein expression, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β), nitric oxide, and Nrf-2 protein expression. Furthermore, PQ decreased hepatic total thiol and activity levels of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase. However, DMF reduced the harmful effects caused by the imbalance in the oxidant and antioxidant system and histopathological damage in PQ-poisoned mice and improved the damage caused by inflammation and apoptosis.

Bambusa vulgaris leaf extract inhibits the inflammatory and oxidative pathways in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Traditional and medicinal plant treatments for diabetes mellitus (DM) include Bambusa vulgaris (Shrad.), but little is known about the mechanism.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study investigated the antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of B. vulgaris.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

DM was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg). Thirty (30) male Wistar rats were then divided into six groups: control; diabetic control; metformin (100 mg/kg); 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg of B. vulgaris (BV) treated. Fasting blood glucose and weights of rats were monitored at three-day intervals and sacrifice was done after twenty-one days. The activities of SOD, CAT, and liver marker enzymes were investigated. The expressions of insulin-sensitive (TGR5, GLP-1), pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, ICAM), and antioxidant genes (SOD, CAT) were investigated using RT-PCR. Schrödinger suites and Auto-Dock Vina were used for docking B. vulgaris phytocompounds identified from works of literature with TGR-5. The liver's histology was also assessed.

RESULTS

BV increased antioxidant activities and reduced liver marker activities in the serum. BV downregulated the expressions of genes associated with inflammation and upregulated antioxidant and insulin-sensitive genes relative to diabetic control. BV regenerated the liver architectural tissue degenerated by inflammation due to STZ. B. vulgaris phytocompounds like farobin A (-11.493 kcal/mol), orientin (-12.296 kcal/mol), and rutin (-12.581 kcal/mol) have better binding energy with TGR5 than metformin (-1.961 kcal/mol).

CONCLUSION

The hepatoprotective and ameliorative effect of B. vulgaris in DM could be due to its ability to boost antioxidant status and insulin secretion and reduce inflammation.

Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Therapeutic Potential of Plant-Based α-Amylase Inhibitors for Hyperglycemic Control in Diabetes

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus (DM), arising from pancreatic β-cell dysfunction and disrupted alpha-amylase secretion, manifests as hyperglycemia. Synthetic inhibitors of alphaamylase like acarbose manage glucose but pose adverse effects, prompting interest in plantderived alternatives rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

OBJECTIVE

The current review investigates plant-based alpha-amylase inhibitors, exploring their potential therapeutic roles in managing DM. Focusing on their ability to modulate postprandial hyperglycemia by regulating alpha-amylase secretion, it assesses their efficacy, health benefits, and implications for diabetes treatment.

METHODS

This review examines plant-derived alpha-amylase inhibitors as prospective diabetic mellitus treatments using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus data.

RESULTS

Plant-derived inhibitors, including A. deliciosa, B. egyptiaca, and N. nucifera, exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, effectively reducing alpha-amylase levels in diabetic conditions. Such alpha-amylase inhibitors showed promising alternative treatment in managing diabetes with reduced adverse effects.

CONCLUSION

The current literature concludes that plant-derived alpha-amylase inhibitors present viable therapeutic avenues for diabetes management by modulating alpha-amylase secretion by regulating inflammatory, oxidative stress, and apoptotic mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes. Further investigation into their formulations and clinical efficacy may reveal their more comprehensive diabetes therapeutic significance, emphasizing their potential impact on glucose regulation and overall health.

Higher expression of TSR2 aggravating hypertension via the PPAR signaling pathway

Hypertension is a complex disease with unknown causes. Therefore, it's crucial to deeply study its molecular mechanism. The hypertension dataset was obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus data base (GEO), and miRNA regulating central hub genes was screened via weighted gene co-expression network (DEGs) and gene set enrichment (GSEA). Cell experiments validated TSR2's role and the PPAR signaling pathway through western blotting. 500 DEGs were identified for hypertension, mainly enriched in actin cross-linking, insulin signaling, PPAR signaling, and protein localization. Eight hub genes (SEC61G, SRP14, Liy AR, NIP7, SDAD1, POLR1D, DYNLL2, TSR2) were identified. Four hub genes (LYAR, SDAD1, POLR1D, TSR2) exhibited high expression levels in the hypertensive tissue samples, while showing low expression levels in the normal tissue samples. This led us to speculate that they may have relevant regulatory effects on hypertension. When TSR2 was knocked down in the hypertension peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) model, the critical proteins in the PPAR signaling pathway (FABP, PPAR, PLTP, ME1, SCD1, CYP27, FABP1, OLR1, CPT-1, PGAR, CAP, ADIPO, MMP1, UCP1, ILK, PDK1 UBC AQP7) were downregulated. This also occurred in the hypertension peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) + TSR2_ OV model. TSR2 is highly expressed in individuals with hypertension and may play a significant role in the development of hypertension through the PPAR signaling pathway. TSR2 could serve as a molecular target for the early diagnosis and precise treatment of hypertension, providing a valuable direction for the mechanism research of this condition.

Comparative Screening of the Liver Gene Expression Profiles from Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Rat Models

Experimental animal models of diabetes can be useful for identifying novel targets related to disease, for understanding its physiopathology, and for evaluating emerging antidiabetic treatments. This study aimed to characterize two rat diabetes models: HFD + STZ, a high-fat diet (60% fat) combined with streptozotocin administration (STZ, 35 mg/kg BW), and a model with a single STZ dose (65 mg/kg BW) in comparison with healthy rats. HFD + STZ- induced animals demonstrated a stable hyperglycemia range (350-450 mg/dL), whereas in the STZ-induced rats, we found glucose concentration values with a greater dispersion, ranging from 270 to 510 mg/dL. Moreover, in the HFD + STZ group, the AUC value of the insulin tolerance test (ITT) was found to be remarkably augmented by 6.2-fold higher than in healthy animals (33,687.0 ± 1705.7 mg/dL/min vs. 5469.0 ± 267.6, respectively), indicating insulin resistance (IR). In contrast, a more moderate AUC value was observed in the STZ group (19,059.0 ± 3037.4 mg/dL/min) resulting in a value 2.5-fold higher than the average exhibited by the control group. After microarray experiments on liver tissue from all animals, we analyzed genes exhibiting a fold change value in gene expression <-2 or >2 (p-value <0.05). We found 27,686 differentially expressed genes (DEG), identified the top 10 DEGs and detected 849 coding genes that exhibited opposite expression patterns between both diabetes models (491 upregulated genes in the STZ model and 358 upregulated genes in HFD + STZ animals). Finally, we performed an enrichment analysis of the 849 selected genes. Whereas in the STZ model we found cellular pathways related to lipid biosynthesis and metabolism, in the HFD + STZ model we identified pathways related to immunometabolism. Some phenotypic differences observed in the models could be explained by transcriptomic results; however, further studies are needed to corroborate these findings. Our data confirm that the STZ and the HFD + STZ models are reliable experimental models for human T1D and T2D, respectively. These results also provide insight into alterations in the expression of specific liver genes and could be utilized in future studies focusing on diabetes complications associated with impaired liver function.

The effects of rutin supplement on blood pressure markers, some serum antioxidant enzymes, and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus compared with placebo

Background

This trial aimed to investigate the effects of rutin supplement in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients.

Methods

In this trial with a double-blind and controlled design, fifty patients were randomly divided into intervention (n = 25) and control groups (n = 25) and were treated with 1 g of rutin or placebo for three months, respectively. At the baseline and end of the intervention, mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), pulse pressure (PP), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), serum levels of antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and quality of life (QOL) parameters, were evaluated.

Results

Rutin consumption caused a significant reduction in SBP, DBP, PP, MAP, and HR, with a significant increase in SOD, CAT, and GPx and some QOL parameters (emotional limitations, energy and freshness, mental health, social performance, and general health) compared with baseline (p for all <0.05). Also, the mean changes of emotional limitations, energy and freshness, mental health, and general health (unadjusted p for all <0.05) and GPX and SOD (adjusted p for all <0.05) were significantly higher in the rutin group compared with the placebo group. Although, in the supplement group compared with the placebo group, the mean changes of SBP, DBP, MAP, PP, and HR were significantly lower (adjusted p for all <0.05).

Conclusion

Rutin consumption improved blood pressure, the levels of antioxidant enzymes, and QOL in patients with T2DM.

Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of Daniellia oliveri (Fabaceace) stem bark extract

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Daniellia oliveri (Rolfe) Hutch. & Dalziel (Fabaceae) is used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and pains (chest pain, toothache and lumbago) and rheumatism.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The study investigates the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties of D. oliveri and possible mechanism of antiinflammatory action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Acute toxicity of the extract was evaluated in mice using the limit test. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed in xylene-induced paw oedema and carrageenan-induced air-pouch models at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o. Volume of exudate, total protein, leukocyte counts, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and concentration of cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) were measured in the exudate of rats in the carrageenan-induced air-pouch model. Other parameters include lipid peroxidation (LPO), nitric oxide (NO) and antioxidant indices (SOD, CAT and GSH). Histopathology of the air pouch tissue was also carried out. The antinociceptive effect was assessed using acetic acid-induced writhing, tail flick and formalin tests. Locomotor activity was done in the open field test. The extract was analysed with HPLC-DAD-UV technique.

RESULTS

The extract showed significant anti-inflammatory effect (73.68 and 75.79%, inhibition) in xylene-induced ear oedema test at the dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively. In carrageenan air pouch model, the extract significantly reduced exudate volume, protein concentration, the migration of leukocytes and MPO production in the exudate. The concentrations of cytokines TNF-α (12.25 ± 1.80 pg/mL) and IL-6 (21.12 pg/mL) in the exudate at the dose of 200 mg/kg were reduced compared to carrageenan alone group (48.15 ± 4.50 pg/mL; 82.62 pg/mL) respectively. The extract showed significant increase in the activities of CAT and SOD and GSH concentration. The histopathological assessment of the pouch lining revealed reduction of immuno-inflammatory cell influx. Nociception was significantly inhibited by the extract in acetic acid-induced writhing model and the second phase of formalin test indicating a peripheral mechanism of action. The open field test showed that D. oliveri did not alter locomotor activity. The acute toxicity study did not cause mortality or signs of toxicity at 2000 mg/kg, p.o. We identified and quantified caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, rutin, apigenin-7-glucoside, quercetin and kaempferol in the extract.

CONCLUSION

The results of our study showed that the stem bark extract of D. oliveri possesses anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities thereby supporting its traditional use in the treatment of some inflammatory and painful disorders.

Repeated social defeat stress exacerbates lipopolysaccharide-induced behavioural deficits in mice: ameliorative role of Chrysophyllum albidum fruit extract through anti-neuroinflammation, antioxidant and neurochemical balance

Development of neuropsychiatric disorder is associated with stress-related increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines. Chrysophyllum albidum fruit is an edible tropical fruit containing vitamins and phenolic compounds, well known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. This study was designed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of C. albidum fruit extract (CAFE) on stress and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced behavioral and neurochemical impairments in mice. Male Swiss mice were divided into 6 groups (n = 6). Groups 1-3 were orally treated daily for 14 days with normal saline (0.1 mL/10 g), CAFE (100 mg/kg) and Ferulic acid (FA, 10 mg/kg), and left in home cage as controls. Groups 4-6 were treated similarly but subjected to repeated social defeat (RSD) stress using the resident-intruder model from days 1-14. The RSD-animals were injected with LPS (125 µg/kg, i.p) 60 min after each RSD session from days 8-14. Neurobehavioral functions: locomotor, cognitive and anxiety-like behaviors were assessed 24 h after the last treatment. Pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α), dopamine, acetylcholinesterase, glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), malondialdehyde, nitrites, and reduced glutathione (GSH) were determined in brain tissue. CAFE significantly attenuated RSD and LPS-induced hypolocomotion, cognitive impairment and anxiety-like behavior when compared to the control. Treatment with CAFE also significantly reversed the negative effects of RSD and LPS on pro-inflammatory cytokines, dopamine, acetylcholinesterase, GAD, and oxidative-nitrosative stress levels. The findings clearly indicated that Chrysophyllum albidum fruit demonstrated neuroprotective effects and can play a key role in mitigating against chronic stress and inflammation linked to neuropsychiatric disorders.

Subacute effects of hydroethanolic extracts of the pulp of Gambeya africana on glucose plasmatic levels and oxidative stress markers in diabetic rats

The management of hyperglycemia and oxidative stress is a key point in the control of diabetes and its complications. The work evaluated the hypoglycemiant and antioxidant properties of pulp extracts of Gambeya africana fruits. The acute toxicity was conducted for 14 days at the dose of 2000 mg/kg via oral gavage. Diabetes was induced in rats by intravenous administration of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg). The effect of the extract on blood glucose levels of diabetic rats was monitored at 2h after administration; and on the 7th and 14th days of treatment (single dose of 400 mg/kg/day). After 2 weeks of treatment, the rats were sacrificed. The oxidative stress markers (Hydroperoxides, Malonedialdehydes, Superoxide Dismutase, Catalase, and Total Antioxidant Capacity) and hepato/nephrotoxicity markers (Alanine Amino Transferase, urea, and creatinine) were determined. The hydroethanolic extract of G. africana fruits has a lethal dose upper than 2000 mg/kg. It significantly decreased glucose levels by 28.29% and 84.86% respectively after 2h and 14th days of treatment. The extract increased the antioxidant status and decrease oxidative stress, especially in the pancreas. This study suggests that the hydroethanolic pulp extract of G. africana fruits is a good hypoglycemiant and antioxidant agent and could be a potential source of compounds for diabetes management.

Slowly Digestible Carbohydrate Diet Ameliorates Hyperglycemia and Hyperlipidemia in High-Fat Diet/Streptozocin-Induced Diabetic Mice

Objective

Given that the prevalence rate of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) continues to increase, it is important to find an effective method to prevent or treat this disease. Previous studies have shown that dietary intervention with a slowly digestible carbohydrate (SDC) diet can improve T2DM with almost no side effects. However, the underlying mechanisms of SDC protect against T2DM remains to be elucidated.

Methods

The T2DM mice model was established with a high-fat diet and streptozocin injection. Then, SDC was administered for 6 weeks. Bodyweight, food intake, organ indices, fasting blood glucose (FBG), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and other biochemical parameters were measured. Histopathological and lipid accumulation analyses were performed, and the glucose metabolism-related gene expressions in the liver and skeletal muscle were determined. Lastly, colonic microbiota was also analyzed.

Results

SDC intervention alleviated the weight loss in the pancreas, lowered blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels, and improved glucose tolerance and HOMA-IR. SDC intervention improved serum lipid profile, adipocytokines levels, and lowered the lipid accumulation in the liver, subcutaneous adipose tissue, and epididymal visceral adipose tissue. In addition, SDC intervention increased the expression levels of IRS-2 and GLUT-2 in liver tissues and elevated GLUT-4 expression levels in skeletal muscle tissues. Notably, SDC intervention decreased the Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio, increased Desulfovibrio and Lachnospiraceae genus levels, and inhibited the relative abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria.

Conclusions

SDC intervention can improve hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia status in diabetic mice, suggesting that this intervention might be beneficial for T2DM.

Combined effects of pioglitazone and doxorubicin on migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Despite antitumor properties, chemotherapy medication can create conditions in tumor cells that work in favor of the tumor. Doxorubicin, commonly prescribed chemotherapy agents, can increase the risk of migration and invasion of tumor cells through overexpression of the CXCR4 gene by affecting downstream signaling pathways. The regulatory role of CXCR7 on CXCR4 function has been demonstrated. Therefore, it is hypothesized that combining doxorubicin with another anticancer drug could be a promising approach.

METHODS

In this research, we evaluated the anti-invasive property of pioglitazone along with antitumor effects of doxorubicin on MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between two treatment groups in neither the expression nor changes in the expression of CXCR7 and CXCR4 genes (P < 0.05). Pioglitazone-doxorubicin combination reduced cell migration in tumor cells to a significantly higher extent compared to doxorubicin alone (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Co-administration of pioglitazone and doxorubicin might reduce cell migration in breast cancer tumor cells, and that cell migration function is independent of some specific proteins.

Sterculia tragacantha Lindl Leaf Extract Ameliorates STZ-Induced Diabetes, Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Neuronal Impairment

Background

Sterculia tragacantha is a medicinal plant commonly used in the western part of Nigeria, for managing diabetes mellitus. However, there is a dearth of scientific information on the antidiabetic and neuroprotective properties of the plant.

Methods

The in silico, in vitro and in vivo models were used to evaluate the antioxidants, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective potential of aqueous extract of Sterculia tragacantha leaf (AESTL) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Thirty (30) male albino rats (155.34±6.33 g) were intraperitoneal injected with 40 mg/kg of freshly prepared streptozotocin and were divided into 5 groups (A-E) of 6 animals each. Groups A–D were treated with 0, 150 and 300 mg/kg of AESTL, and 200 mg/kg body weight of metformin respectively, while group E serve as the normal control.

Results

The results of in vitro analysis revealed dose-dependent antioxidant activities; ABTS (IC₅₀ = 63.03±2.57 μg/mL), DPPH (117.49±2.35 μg/mL), FRAP (15.19±0.98 mmol/100g), TAC (43.38±0.96 mg/100g), hypoglycaemic effect; α-amylase (IC₅₀ = 77.21±4.35 μg/mL) and α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ = 443.25±12.35), and anti-cholinesterase; AChE (IC₅₀ = 113.07±3.42 μg/mL) and BChE (IC₅₀ = 87.50±4.32 μg/mL) activities of AESTL. In vivo study revealed dose-dependent hypoglycemic effect and body weight improvement in rats treated with the AESTL. In addition, AESTL improved the antioxidant status and attenuated STZ-induced dysregulations of Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase, cholinesterases and neurotransmitters in the brain tissue of experimental rats. The results also demonstrated that AESTL could regulate anti-inflammatory response via inhibition of COX-2/NO signaling axis in the brain of diabetic rats. Molecular docking analysis revealed that epicatechin and procyanidin B2, the bioactive compounds from AESTL, docked well to the binding cavities of acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, α-amylase and α-glucosidase with binding affinities ranges between –8.0 and –11.4 kcal/mol, suggesting that these compounds are the bioactive component that could be responsible for the antidiabetic and neuroprotective activities of AESTL.

Conclusion

The results of the present study strongly suggested that the AESTL extract could be very useful for halting diabetes progression and its associated neuroinflammation complications.

Effect of Chrysophyllum albidum fruit pulp powder on antioxidant and proinflammatory genes in non-diabetic and type 2 diabetic rats

Background

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia resulting from insulin deficiency or dysfunction. The imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants known as oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis and complications associated with DM. Chrysophyllum albidum is a seasonal fruit found to be rich in natural antioxidants.

Methods

DM was induced by high-fat diet dietary supplementation for 14 days followed by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (35 mg/kg). Thirty-five experimental rats were then divided into seven groups viz.: non-diabetic control; diabetic control; metformin; diabetic and non-diabetic fed with 5 and 10% C. albidum fruit pulp powder (CAFPP). Fasting blood glucose was done with an automatic auto-analyzer and weights were monitored at three-day intervals. The expressions of Nrf2, SOD, CAT, GST, TNF-α, DPP4, and insulin were investigated using RT-PCR. Schrödinger suites was used for docking of C. albidum phytocompounds with insulin.

Results

Diabetic rats fed with CAFPP for thirteen days have their blood glucose lowered significantly (p < 0.05) and gained weight compared to diabetic control. CAFPP significantly (p < 0.05) up-regulated Nrf2, CAT, GST, SOD, and insulin genes expression in the diabetic group relative to diabetic control with concomitant down-regulation of TNF-α and DPP4 genes expression. Molecular docking of compounds previously characterized from C. albidum revealed that they are potent ligands of insulin receptors.

Conclusion

The study revealed that CAFPP could be effective in the management of DM-related oxidative stress by up-regulating antioxidant and down-regulating pro-inflammatory genes expression. It also positively modulates genes associated with glucose metabolism.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-021-00921-0.

Anti-diabetogenic and in vivo antioxidant activity of ethanol extract of Dryopteris dilatata in alloxan-induced male Wistar rats

AIMS

Oxido-inflammatory stress has been implicated as the main targets in alleviating diabetic complications induced by hyperglycaemia. Dryopteris dilatata: a bioactive plant serves great medicinal benefits in ethnopharmacology to ameliorate pathological conditions. This study investigated the protective effects of ethanol extract of Dryopteris dilatata (EEDD) in alloxan-induced diabetic rats through mechanism involving inhibition of oxidative stress and liver and kidney inflammatory markers.

METHODOLOGY

Male Wistar rats were made diabetic via alloxan monohydrate (100 mg/kg) administration intraperitoneally. Diabetic rats were post-treated with EEDD (800 mg/kg) and Metformin (50 mg/kg) orally for two weeks. Fasting blood sugar (FBS), body and organ weight change, markers of oxidative stress, liver and kidney inflammation were evaluated.

RESULTS

Our results revealed that EEDD significantly reduced alloxan-induced hyperglycaemia in the diabetic rats after 5, 10 and 15 days of treatment. Markers of oxidative injury were also significantly ameliorated in the pancreas, liver and kidney of the diabetic rats following treatment with EEDD. However, liver and kidney injury markers were significantly attenuated with marked decreased organ weight in the diabetic rats after treatment with EEDD.

CONCLUSION

Here in, we found that Dryopteris dilatata could be used as nutraceuticals in the prevention and treatment of diabetes and its related complications through positively modulating oxidative stress and liver and kidney inflammatory markers.