A Review on Oxidative Stress, Diabetic Complications, and the Roles of Honey Polyphenols

Combined heavy metals (As and Pb) affects antioxidant status and lipid metabolism in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

The potential risk of coexistence of mixed heavy metals in the aquatic environment has increased with the development of technology. Lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) are among the most widely applied heavy metals, whose single toxicity has been extensively investigated, but their combined toxicity has been reported relatively rarely. In this study, different concentrations of Pb (40 μg/L, 4 mg/L), As (32 μg/L, 3.2 mg/L) and their combinations (40 μg/L + 32 μg/L, 4 mg/L + 3.2 mg/L) were set up for 30 days to establish a heavy metal exposure model in zebrafish. Pathological sections, biochemical parameters and gene expression analysis were used to assess the toxicity effects of oxidative damage and lipid metabolism in the liver. Our results showed that combined exposure of As and Pb resulted in elevated ROS and MDA levels and upregulated expression of genes related to the Nrf2-Keap1/Are signaling pathway in female zebrafish, causing enhanced oxidative stress. Moreover, mixture of As and Pb was able to cause abnormal upregulation of lipid metabolism-related genes and reduced activity of fatty acid synthase (FAS) in the liver of female zebrafish. The abnormal decrease of carnitine palmitoyl transferase (CPT-1) and gene cpt1a in males were also observed. These results contributed to hepatic Triglyceride (TG) excessive accumulation, ultimately triggering a disturbance of lipid metabolism. These findings indicated that chronic exposure to As and Pb was capable of producing adverse effects on oxidative stress and lipid metabolism in fish in a sex-specific manner. This study provides new perspective for evaluating the combined effects of heavy metals in the aquatic environment.

Stimulus-responsive hydrogels for diabetic wound management via microenvironment modulation

Diabetic wounds, a major complication of diabetes mellitus, pose a significant clinical challenge. The treatment of diabetic wounds requires comprehensive interventions tailored to their pathophysiological characteristics, such as recurring bacterial infection, persistent inflammation, excessive oxidative stress, and impaired angiogenesis. The development of stimulus-responsive hydrogel dressings offers new strategies for diabetic wound treatment. By responding to various physical and biochemical signals, these smart hydrogels enable real-time monitoring and precise modulation of the wound microenvironment to accelerate diabetic wound healing. In this review, we provide an overview of the disease characteristics of chronic diabetic wounds and introduce the current clinical treatment approaches. We summarize the cutting-edge applications of physical and biochemical signal-responsive hydrogels for diabetic wound treatment by modulating the wound microenvironment.

Effect of type 2 diabetes mellitus microenvironment on osteogenic capacity of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) often leads to delayed bone regeneration such as slow healing of fractures and bone defects. The number, status and osteogenic differentiation capacity of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are extremely important in bone healing and bone regeneration. The T2DM microenvironment can have irreversible negative effects on BMSCs. In this paper, we review the molecular expression and altered proliferation, migration, and osteogenic differentiation capacity of BMSCs in the microenvironment of T2DM, it provides a new perspective to restore the normal function of T2DM-BMSCs, so as to save the damaged bone regeneration capacity.

Relationship between ferroptosis and healing of diabetic foot ulcer: a prospective clinical study

Objective

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is one of the common complications in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). In order to find a method to monitor and treat the refractory DFU, the ferroptosis level in DFU and traumatic wounds (TW) was monitored and the difference between them was analyzed. At the same time, this study further analyzed the correlation of ferroptosis levels with DM severity and DFU's healing.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was from January, 2021 to December, 2023 in the Second People's Hospital of Gansu province, which included 59 patients with DFU and 42 patients with TW. We then used the kit to detect the indicators related to ferroptosis, including 4-Hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), Malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), in the wound exudate of the two groups of patients.

Results

The DFU group had higher ferroptosis level than the TW group (4-HNE: P = 0.003, MDA: P<0.001, ROS: P<0.001). The severity of diabetes was significantly associated with ferroptosis level in DFU patients(r = 0.936, P <0.001). The results of multiple regression analysis showed that 4-HNE (β = -0.182, P = 0.008), MDA (β = -0.478, P <0.001) and ROS (β = -0.394, P<0.001) significantly negatively predicted the healing rate of DFU.

Conclusion

As a new monitoring and therapeutic target, ferroptosis level plays an important role in predicting the healing rate of DFU and assisting clinical treatment decision-making.

Unveiling the Mineral and Sugar Richness of Moroccan Honeys: A Study of Botanical Origins and Quality Indicators

This study comprehensively analyzes the mineral and heavy metal profiles of seven honey types, focusing on the contents of potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb), with particular emphasis on honey produced in eastern Morocco. Multifloral honey was found to have the highest total mineral content (661 mg/kg), while rosemary honey had the lowest (201.31 mg/kg), revealing the strong influence of floral and botanical origin. Darker honey, such as multifloral and jujube, were richer in minerals, with potassium consistently being the most abundant, followed by calcium, magnesium, and iron, while cadmium and lead remained within safe, trace-level concentrations. Additionally, sugar profiling showed that all samples contained fructose, glucose, maltose, turanose, erlose, sucrose, and palatinose, with particularly high fructose and glucose contents in multifloral honey. Principal component analysis (PCA) accounted for 75% of the variation and identified three distinct groups of honey based on mineral content multifloral, eucalyptus, and rosemary. Multifloral and eucalyptus honey had higher concentrations of iron, magnesium, and calcium, whereas rosemary honey was richer in zinc and copper. The findings underscore the potential of honey as a marker of environmental quality and suggest that eastern Morocco honey possesses favorable characteristics for national and international commercialization.

Natural Compounds in Kidney Disease: Therapeutic Potential and Drug Development

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) poses a major global health challenge, affecting millions of individuals and contributing to substantial morbidity and mortality. Traditional treatments have focused primarily on managing symptoms and slowing disease progression rather than reversing or halting kidney damage. However, recent advancements in natural compound research have unveiled promising new avenues for therapeutic development. Extensive research has been conducted to showcase the antioxidant advantages for kidney health, supporting the potential effectiveness of natural and synthetic products in clinical and experimental research. Bioactive substances found in large quantities in food, such as polyphenols, have emerged as adjuvants. This review manuscript aims to provide a comprehensive overview of natural compounds and their potential efficacy, mechanisms of action, and clinical applications in the prevention and treatment of various kidney diseases. This review emphasizes the connection between oxidative stress and inflammation in diabetic nephropathy (DN), which leads to harmful effects on kidney cells due to pathological damage. A lower incidence of DM2-related problems and a slower progression of end-stage renal disease have been associated with the consumption of these compounds.

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.

Unraveling the rationale and conducting a comprehensive assessment of AdipoRon (adiponectin receptor agonist) as a candidate drug for diabetic nephropathy and cardiomyopathy prevention and intervention-a systematic review

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a widespread chronic disease characterized by persistent hyperglycemia, leading to severe complications such as diabetic cardiomyopathy and nephropathy, significantly affecting patient health and quality of life. The complex mechanisms underlying these complications include chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic dysregulation. Diabetic cardiomyopathy, marked by structural and functional heart abnormalities, and diabetic nephropathy, characterized by progressive kidney damage, are major contributors to the increased morbidity and mortality associated with T2DM. AdipoRon, a synthetic adiponectin receptor agonist, has shown potential in preclinical studies for mimicking the beneficial effects of endogenous adiponectin, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, and improving lipid metabolism and mitochondrial function. This systematic review evaluates the therapeutic potential of AdipoRon, focusing on its impact on diabetic cardiomyopathy and nephropathy. Through a comprehensive literature search and analysis, we highlight AdipoRon's role in ameliorating cardiovascular and renal complications in various animal models and cellular systems. The findings underscore the urgent need for translational clinical studies to validate AdipoRon's efficacy and safety in human populations, aiming to advance this promising therapeutic approach from experimental models to clinical application, potentially offering new hope for improved management of diabetic complications.

An extra honey polyphenols-rich diet ameliorates the high-fat diet induced chronic kidney disease via modulating gut microbiota in C57BL/6 mice

Honey is not equivalent to sugar and possess a worldwide health promoting effects such as antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective activities. Nevertheless, the potential impacts of honey on high-fat diet induced chronic kidney disease (CKD) and gut microbiota remain to be explored. Herein a high-fat diet was used to induce a mouse CKD model, and analysis was conducted on liver, kidney, spleen indices, tissue morphology, biochemical parameters, CKD related genes, and gut microbial diversity. The results indicated that significant inhibitory effects on renal damage caused by a high-fat diet in mice and improvement in disease symptoms were observed upon honey treatment. Significant changes were also found in serum TC, TG, UA, and BUN as well as the inflammation-related protein TNF-α and IL-6 levels in renal tissues. Gene expression analysis revealed that honey intake closely relates to gut microbiota diversity, which can regulate the composition of gut microbiota, increase microbial diversity, especially Bifidobacteriales and S24_7 and promote the synthesis of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). In summary, this study suggests that honey has both preventive and therapeutic effects on CKD, which may be associated with its ability to improve microbial composition, increase microbial diversity, and regulate SCFAs levels.

Authentication of Ziziphus lotus Honey from the Middle Atlas Mountains of Morocco: Physicochemical Properties, Mineral Content, Sugar, Polyphenol Profiles, and Antioxidant Capacity

The jujube honey from the Moroccan Middle Atlas area is thoroughly described in this study, which takes into account melissopalynological, physicochemical, antioxidant, mineral, and phytochemical characteristics. Twelve samples of jujube honey underwent in-depth analyses between 2019 and 2021. The honey's unifloral origin was confirmed by pollen analysis, which revealed that Ziziphus lotus pollen predominated along with pollen from 21 other species. The honeys meet Codex Alimentarius criteria and displayed a variety of characteristics, including moisture content (13.7% to 18.6%), pH (3.9 to 6.4), electrical conductivity (406 to 713 μs/cm), ash content (0.31 to 1.21%), and the Invertase Index (7.1 to 26.4 U/kg). Hydroxymethylfurfural levels spanned from 1.1 to 40 mg/kg, indicating freshness. No significant differences were observed between honey groups for fructose and glucose profiles determined via GC-MS analysis. The honey samples, which varied in total phenolic content (TPC) from 48.3 mg of gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g to 91.8 mg of GAE/100 g, showed strong antioxidant capacity, indicating possible health advantages. This study also revealed principal phenolic substances including gallic acid (1.18 to 6.36 mg/100 g), caffeic acid (0.07 to 3.25 mg/100 g), and p-coumaric acid (0.49 to 5.04 mg/100 g). Next, the bactericidal concentrations and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MBC and MIC) of each jujube honey were additionally examined and compared with two representative bacterial strains species Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella typhimurium using broth microdilution, with MIC values ranging between 0.03 and 0.3 mg/mL for Listeria monocytogenes and 0.003 to 0.03 mg/mL for Salmonella typhimurium. There is a correlation between various parameters and the monofloral pollen content in honey, as determined by PCA analysis.

Lipophilic derivatives of EGCG as potent α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitors ameliorating oxidative stress and inflammation

Uncontrolled hyperglycemia leads to increased oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and insulin resistance, rendering diabetes management harder to accomplish. To tackle these myriads of challenges, researchers strive to explore innovative multifaceted treatment strategies, including inhibiting carbohydrate hydrolases. Herein, we report alkyl-ether EGCG derivatives as potent α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitors that could simultaneously ameliorate oxidative stress and inflammation. 4″-C18 EGCG, the most promising compound, showed multifold improvement in glycaemic management compared to acarbose, with 230-fold greater inhibition (competitive) of α-glucosidase (IC50 0.81 µM) and 3-fold better inhibition of α-amylase (IC50 3.74 µM). All derivatives showed stronger antioxidant activity (IC50 6.16-15.76 µM) than vitamin C, while acarbose showed none. 4″-C18 EGCG also downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines and showed no significant cytotoxicity up to 50 µM in primary human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), non-cancerous cell line, 3T3-L1 and HEK 293. The in silico binding affinity analysis of 4″-C18 EGCG with α-amylase and α-glucosidase was found to exhibit a good extent of interaction as compared to acarbose. In comparison to EGCG, 4″-Cn EGCG derivatives were found to remain stable in the physiological conditions even after 24 h. Together, the reported molecules demonstrated multifaceted antidiabetic potential inhibiting carbohydrate hydrolases, reducing oxidative stress, and inflammation, which are known to aggravate diabetes.

Probing the Therapeutic Efficacy of Combretum paniculatum Extract and GC-FID-Identified Phytochemicals as Novel Agents for Diabetes Mellitus

Objectives

Oxidative stress is implicated in several metabolic cascades involved in glucose control. Hence, investigating antioxidant and antidiabetic activities is crucial for discovering an effective diabetes mellitus (DM) agent. This study was aimed at probing the therapeutic efficacy of hydro-ethanolic extract of Combretum paniculatum (HECP) and gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID)-identified phytochemicals as novel agents for DM.

Methods

We determined the total phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant vitamins in HECP using standard methods. A GC-FID was used to decipher phytochemicals of HECP. The antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of HECP were assessed using in vitro and in silico approaches.

Results

The results revealed that HECP is affluent in phenols, flavonoids, and vitamin E and demonstrated engaging antioxidant activities in 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydroxyl (DPPH; IC50 = 0.83 µg/mL), thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances TBARS; IC50 = 2.28 µg/mL), and ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP; IC50 = 2.89 µg/mL). Compared with the reference drug, acarbose, HECP exhibited good α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory capacity, having IC50 values of 14.21 and 13.23 µg/mL, respectively, against 13.06 and 11.71 µg/mL recorded for acarbose. More so, the extract's top 6 scoring phytochemicals (rutin, kaempferol, epicatechin, ephedrine, naringenin, and resveratrol) had strong interactions with amino acid residues within and around α-amylase and α-glucosidase active site domains. All the compounds but rutin had favourable drug-like characteristics, pharmacokinetics, and safety profiles when compared with acarbose.

Conclusion

Altogether, our results vindicate the use of this herb in treating DM locally and reveal that it has pharmaceutically active components that could be used as novel leads in the development of DM drugs.

Prognostic Utility of dNLR, ALRI, APRI, and SII in COVID-19 Patients with Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has necessitated the identification of biomarkers that can predict disease severity, particularly in vulnerable populations such as individuals with diabetes. This study aims to evaluate the predictive value of inflammatory and liver function markers, specifically derived Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (dNLR), aspartate aminotransferase (AST)-to-lymphocyte ratio (ALRI), AST to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI), and Systemic Inflammation Index (SII), in COVID-19 patients with and without diabetes. This cross-sectional study included 336 participants, comprising 168 patients with diabetes matched with 168 without, based on gender, body mass index (BMI), and COVID-19 severity at hospitalization. The study was conducted at Victor Babes Hospital for Infectious Diseases and Pulmonology from January 2021 to December 2023. All participants had a confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and met the inclusion criteria of being 18 years or older with type 1 or type 2 diabetes as per American Diabetes Association guidelines. At 3 days post symptom onset, significant differences in inflammatory and liver function markers were observed between the two groups. The dNLR, ALRI, APRI, and SII were notably higher in diabetic patients. At a dNLR cutoff of 2.685, the sensitivity and specificity were 70.312% and 65.978%, respectively, with an AUC of 0.624 (p < 0.001). The ALRI showed a cutoff of 0.812, with a sensitivity of 76.429% and specificity of 69.541% (AUC 0.752, p < 0.001). These markers demonstrated statistically significant hazard ratios at both 3 and 7 days, indicating their predictive relevance for severe COVID-19 outcomes. For instance, at 7 days, SII demonstrated a hazard ratio of 2.62 (CI: 1.29-5.04, p < 0.001), highlighting its strong prognostic capability. The study successfully identified significant differences in inflammatory and liver function markers between COVID-19 patients with and without diabetes, with these markers showing good predictive value for disease severity. The results underscore the potential of these biomarkers, particularly ALRI and SII, as valuable tools in managing COVID-19, aiding in the timely identification of patients at increased risk of severe outcomes.

Potential therapeutic effects of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors on corneal diseases

The cornea is an avascular tissue in the eye that has multiple functions in the eye to maintain clear vision which can significantly impair one's vision when subjected to damage. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), a family of nuclear receptor proteins comprising three different peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) isoforms, namely, PPAR alpha (α), PPAR gamma (γ), and PPAR delta (δ), have emerged as potential therapeutic targets for treating corneal diseases. In this review, we summarised the current literature on the therapeutic effects of PPAR agents on corneal diseases. We discussed the role of PPARs in the modulation of corneal wound healing, suppression of corneal inflammation, neovascularisation, fibrosis, stimulation of corneal nerve regeneration, and amelioration of dry eye by inhibiting oxidative stress within the cornea. We also discussed the underlying mechanisms of these therapeutic effects. Future clinical trials are warranted to further attest to the clinical therapeutic efficacy.

Antidiabetic, Antihyperlipidemic, Antioxidant Effects and Regulation of miRNA Expression byDianthus orientalisAdams Extract in Diabetic rat Model

Background: The Mediterranean area is a diversity center for the genus Dianthus. However, species belonging to this genus, including Dianthus orientalis Adams (DOA), have not been investigated for their medicinal activities. Objectives: To investigate antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, antioxidant effects and molecular mechanism of D. orientalis Adams leaf extract (DOAE) in an animal model. Materials and methods: The plant leaves were collected from July to August 2021 from Penjween district, Sulaimaniyah, Iraq and then identified, authenticated, shadow-dried, and extracted using pure methanol. Thirty rats were divided randomly into 5 groups of 6 animals each. Group 1 was control negative (CN) and received distilled water (DW). Group 2 was diabetic control (DC) that received DW, while group 3 was control positive (CP) treated with Glibenclamide (GLB, 0.6 mg/kg body weight). Groups 4 and 5 were diabetic rats who received a low-dose (30 mg/kg) and a high-dose (90 mg/kg) of DOAE orally for 4 weeks. Then, lipid profile, total antioxidant capacity, histopathological examinations, and molecular studies were conducted. Results: DOAE was more effective than GLB in reducing blood glucose, lipid parameters, liver enzymes, and renal function. Micromorphological assay of livers, kidneys, and pancreas revealed significant restoration in diabetic groups treated with DOAE (90 mg/kg) and GLB compared to the DC group. Microribonuclic acid-21 (miR-21) was significantly expressed in DC but markedly lowered in both DOAE groups, while miR-24 and miR-126 were significantly suppressed in DC and expressed in the DOAE-treated groups. Conclusions: DOAE exerted significant antihyperglycemic, anti-dyslipidemic, antioxidant, and hepatorenal protective effects in diabetic rats.

Type 2 diabetic mellitus related osteoporosis: focusing on ferroptosis

With the aging global population, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and osteoporosis(OP) are becoming increasingly prevalent. Diabetic osteoporosis (DOP) is a metabolic bone disorder characterized by abnormal bone tissue structure and reduced bone strength in patients with diabetes. Studies have revealed a close association among diabetes, increased fracture risk, and disturbances in iron metabolism. This review explores the concept of ferroptosis, a non-apoptotic cell death process dependent on intracellular iron, focusing on its role in DOP. Iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, particularly impacting pancreatic β-cells, osteoblasts (OBs) and osteoclasts (OCs), contributes to DOP. The intricate interplay between iron dysregulation, which comprises deficiency and overload, and DOP has been discussed, emphasizing how excessive iron accumulation triggers ferroptosis in DOP. This concise overview highlights the need to understand the complex relationship between T2DM and OP, particularly ferroptosis. This review aimed to elucidate the pathogenesis of ferroptosis in DOP and provide a prospective for future research targeting interventions in the field of ferroptosis.

Roselle Calyx (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) Ethyl Acetate Fraction Lowering Malondialdehyde and TNF-α and Reducing Hypercoagulability in Diabetic Model

INTRODUCTION

Traditionally and empirically, Hibiscus sabdariffa L. has been used in treating diabetes mellitus due to its antioxidant activity. This study aimed to investigate the effect of administering the ethyl acetate fraction of hibiscus calyxes (EAFHCs) on malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels, bleeding time, and platelet count in male white rats induced with streptozotocin-induced diabetes.

METHOD

Thirty-six Wistar Kyoto rats were induced with intraperitoneal streptozotocin at 55 mg/kg BW and stabilized for 5 days to obtain diabetic conditions. Diabetic animals were divided into four groups; the diabetic group was given vehicle, the glibenclamide group was given 0.45 mg/kg BW of glibenclamide, and two groups were administered the EAFHCs at doses of 100 mg/kg BW and 200 mg/kg BW for 5 days. Subsequently, the MDA, TNF-α, bleeding time and platelet count levels were examined on days 1, 3, and 5, respectively. All data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA followed by the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT).

RESULTS

EAFHC significantly reduced MDA and TNF-α levels (p < 0.05). Additionally, this fraction appeared to shorten bleeding time and decrease platelet count in diabetic rats. Administration of the EAFHC for 5 days effectively lowered MDA and TNF-α levels significantly, decreased platelet counts and prolonged coagulation (p < 0.05) in diabetic rats.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that EAFHC effectively reduces MDA and TNF-α levels and reduces the risk of hypercoagulability in diabetic model.

3,4',5-Trimethoxy-trans-stilbene ameliorates hepatic insulin resistance and oxidative stress in diabetic obese mice through insulin and Nrf2 signaling pathways

Resveratrol has profound benefits against diabetes. However, whether its methylated derivative 3,4',5-trimethoxy-trans-stilbene (3,4',5-TMS) also plays a protective role in glucose metabolism is not characterized. We aimed to study the anti-diabetic effects of 3,4',5-TMS in vitro and in vivo. Insulin-resistant HepG2 cells (IR-HepG2) were induced by high glucose plus dexamethasone whilst six-week-old male C57BL/6J mice received a 60 kcal% fat diet for 14 weeks to establish an obese diabetic model. 3,4',5-TMS did not reduce the cell viability of IR-HepG2 cells at concentrations of 0.5 and 1 μM, which enhanced the capability of glycogen synthesis and glucose consumption in IR-HepG2 cells. Four-week oral administration of 3,4',5-TMS at 10 mg kg-1 day-1 ameliorated insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance of diet-induced obese (DIO) mice. 3,4',5-TMS activated the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway by inhibiting phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1 at Ser307 and increasing the protein levels of IRS-1 and IRS-2 to restore the insulin signaling pathway in diabetes. 3,4',5-TMS also upregulated the phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) at Ser9. 3,4',5-TMS suppressed oxidative stress by increasing the protein levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H : quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) and antioxidant enzyme activity. In summary, 3,4',5-TMS alleviated hepatic insulin resistance in vitro and in vivo, by the activation of the insulin signaling pathway, accomplished by the suppression of oxidative stress.

β-caryophyllene attenuates oxidative stress and hepatocellular mitochondrial dysfunction in type-2 diabetic rats induced with high fat and fructose diets

Objective

Hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and systemic resistance to insulin are typical manifestations of type 2 diabetes mellitus. One of the main pathophysiological alterations in insulin-sensitive organs is mitochondrial malfunction associated with oxidative stress and diminished fuel utilization. β-Caryophyllene (BCP) has qualities that are anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antioxidant, hypolipidemic, and hypoglycemic. In this work, rats suffering from type 2 diabetes were given a diet high in fat and sugar with the aim of examining the ameliorative effects of BCP on oxidative stress-mediated hepatic mitochondrial dysfunction.

Methods

The diabetic condition was experimentally induced by feeding rats a high-calorie diet. The rats were then administered the recommended doses of BCP and metformin (MET) once every day for 30 days at 200 mg and 50 mg concentrations per kg of body weight, respectively, to prove the hypothesis of the study that BCP ameliorates mitochondrial dysfunction induced by oxidative stress in diabetic rats. Mitochondrial dysfunction can be identified by indicators such as oxidative stress, cardiolipin dienes, membrane phospholipid concentration, and mitochondrial enzymes.

Results

The mitochondria in the liver of rats with diabetes exhibit elevated redox imbalance-related parameters and malfunctioning mitochondria with peroxided cardiolipin, while their amounts of glutathione and phospholipids are lowered. Oxidative stress indices, ameliorated mitochondrial activities, and peroxided cardiolipin were drastically decreased in rats with diabetes treated with BCP or MET.

Conclusions

The present research demonstrated that BCP improved the vital role of mitochondria by reducing free radical dominance in type 2 diabetic experimental rats fed high-fat and high-sugar diets.

Emerging and multifaceted potential contributions of polyphenols in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is recognized as a serious public health concern with a considerable impact on human life, long-term health expenditures, and substantial health losses. In this context, the use of dietary polyphenols to prevent and manage T2DM is widely documented. These dietary compounds exert their beneficial effects through several actions, including the protection of pancreatic islet β-cell, the antioxidant capacities of these molecules, their effects on insulin secretion and actions, the regulation of intestinal microbiota, and their contribution to ameliorate diabetic complications, particularly those of vascular origin. In the present review, we intend to highlight these multifaceted actions and the molecular mechanisms by which these plant-derived secondary metabolites exert their beneficial effects on type 2 diabetes patients.

Malondialdehyde and TNF-α lowering effects of purified gambier (Uncaria gambir Roxb.) in diabetic rats

BACKGROUND

Malondialdehyde (MDA) is one of a dominat marker in oxidative stress condition, and when inflammation occurred tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α) played a significant influence in the propagation this process. Purified gambier (Uncaria gambier Roxb.) contained 90% catechin which is proven to have antioxidant activity and may prevent unwanted inflammatory responses during diabetic state.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this research was to assess how purified gambier affected plasma MDA and TNF- α levels in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this study, 35 rats were used. Alloxan 120 mg/kg BW intraperitoneal injection was administered to induce diabetes conditions in rats. All animals were divided into 5 groups, diabetic control group treated with vehicle, positive control group treated with glibenclamide dose 0.45 mg/kg BW), and treatment groups treated with purified gambier dose of 2.5; 5 and 10 mg/kg BW. All animals were treated respectively for 14 days. Plasma MDA and TNF- α levels were measured on day 3, and 14.

RESULTS

Two-way ANOVA was applied to analyze all of the data, these findings suggested that purified gambier has antioxidant-related anti-inflammation actions. possesses blood sugar-lowering activity (p<0.05). The plasma MDA and TNF- α level of treatment group were significantly reduced (p<0.05) compared to diabetes control group.

CONCLUSION

These results depicted that at doses of 2.5-10 mg/kg BW, purified gambier has antioxidant-associated anti-inflammation effects when given for 14 days on diabetic rat model by reducing plasma levels MDA and TNF-α.

In Vitro Hypoglycemic and Antioxidant Activities of Dichloromethane Extract of Xerophyta spekei

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder which has greatly led to an increase in morbidity and mortality globally. Although Xerophyta spekei is widely used for the management of diabetes among the Embu and Mbeere communities in Kenya, it has never been empirically evaluated for its hypoglycemic activity. This study was carried out to verify the hypoglycemic activity of dichloromethane (DCM) extract of Xerophyta spekei as well as its antioxidant activity using various in vitro techniques. Phytochemicals associated with its antioxidant activity were identified through GC-MS. Data were subjected to descriptive statistics and expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean (X̄ ± SEM). Comparison between various variables was performed by using unpaired Student's t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey's post-hoc test. The confidence interval was set at 95%. The obtained results were presented in tables and graphs. Results showed that there was no difference in α-amylase inhibition activity between the plant extract and the standard (IC50 525.9 ± 12.34 and 475.1 ± 9.115, respectively; p  >  0.05). Besides, the glucose adsorption activity of the extract increased with an increase in glucose concentration (from 5.89 to 32.64 mg/dl at 5 mmol and 30 mmol of glucose, respectively; p  <  0.05). The extract also limited the diffusion of glucose more than the negative control (7.49 and 17.63 mg/dl, respectively; p  <  0.05). It also enhanced glucose uptake by yeast cells. In addition, the studied plant extract showed notable antioxidant activities. The therapeutic effects exhibited by this plant in managing diabetes mellitus and other ailments could be due to its antioxidant as well as its hypoglycemic activity. The study recommends the evaluation of X. spekei for in vivo hypoglycemic and antioxidant activities. Besides, the isolation of bioactive phytochemicals from the plant may lead to the development of new hypoglycaemic agents.

Increased serum α-tocopherol acetate mediated by gut microbiota ameliorates alveolar bone loss through the STAT3 signalling pathway in diabetic periodontitis

AIM

To evaluate whether and how gut microbiota-meditated metabolites regulate alveolar bone homeostasis in diabetic periodontitis (DP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Lactobacillus casei (L. casei) was employed as a positive modulator of gut microbiota in DP mice. The destruction of alveolar bone was evaluated. Untargeted metabolomics was conducted to screen out the pivotal metabolites. A co-housing experiment was conducted to determine the connection between the gut microbiota and alpha-tocopherol acetate (α-TA). α-TA was applied to DP mice to investigate its effect against alveolar bone loss. Human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) and human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) were extracted for the in vitro experiment. Transcriptomic analysis and immunohistochemistry were performed to detect the major affected signalling pathways.

RESULTS

Positive regulation of the gut microbiota significantly attenuated alveolar bone loss and increased the serum α-TA level. The alteration in gut microbiota composition could affect the serum α-T (the hydrolysates of α-TA) level. α-TA could alleviate alveolar bone destruction in DP mice and α-T exert beneficial effects on hPDLCs and HGFs. Mechanistically, the STAT3 signalling pathway was the pivotal pathway involved in the protective role of α-TA.

CONCLUSIONS

The gut microbiota-α-TA-STAT3 axis plays an important role in the regulation of diabetic alveolar bone homeostasis.

Ferroptosis involves in Schwann cell death in diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Accumulating evidence shows that Schwann cells' (SCs) death caused by high glucose (HG) is involved in the pathological process of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Ferroptosis is a novel form of regulatory cell death driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. However, it is not clear whether ferroptosis is involved in the death process of SCs induced by HG. The expression of ferroptosis-related indicators in the serum of DPN patients was detected by ELISA. Subsequently, using cell counting kit‑8, western blot, real-time PCR, and Ki-67 staining, we investigated the effects of HG on the ferroptosis of SCs and initially explored the underlying mechanism. The results showed that the serum levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and glutathione in patients with DPN decreased, while malondialdehyde levels increased significantly. Then, we observed that erastin and HG induced ferroptosis in SCs, resulting in the decrease in cell activity and the expression level of GPX4 and SLC7A11, which could be effectively reversed by the ferroptosis inhibitor Fer-1. Mechanistically, HG induced ferroptosis in SCs by inhibiting the NRF2 signaling pathway. Our results showed that ferroptosis was involved in the death process of SCs induced by HG. Inhibition of ferroptosis in SCs might create a new avenue for the treatment of DPN.

Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Cystic Fibrosis and Cystic Fibrosis-Related Diabetes in Children: A Literature Review

The most common inherited condition that results in death, particularly in those of Caucasian heritage, is cystic fibrosis (CF). Of all the young adults diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, 20% will develop hyperglycemia as a complication, later classified as a disease associated with cystic fibrosis. Impaired insulin secretion and glucose intolerance represent the primary mechanisms associated with diabetes (type 1 or type 2) and cystic fibrosis. Oxidative stress represents the imbalance between oxygen-reactive species and antioxidant defense mechanisms. This pathogenic mechanism is vital in triggering other chronic diseases, including cystic fibrosis-related diabetes. It is essential to understand oxidative stress and the significant impact it has on CFRD. This way, therapies can be individually adjusted and tailored to each patient's needs. This review aims to understand the connection between CFRD and oxidative stress. As a subsidiary element, we analyzed the effects of glycemic balance on complications and their evolution over time, providing insights into their potential benefits in mitigating oxidative stress-associated complications.

Mechanism of the antidiabetic action of Nigella sativa and Thymoquinone: a review

Introduction

Long used in traditional medicine, Nigella sativa (NS; Ranunculaceae) has shown significant efficacy as an adjuvant therapy for diabetes mellitus (DM) management by improving glucose tolerance, decreasing hepatic gluconeogenesis, normalizing blood sugar and lipid imbalance, and stimulating insulin secretion from pancreatic cells. In this review, the pharmacological and pharmacokinetic properties of NS as a herbal diabetes medication are examined in depth, demonstrating how it counteracts oxidative stress and the onset and progression of DM.

Methods

This literature review drew on databases such as Google Scholar and PubMed and various gray literature sources using search terms like the etiology of diabetes, conventional versus herbal therapy, subclinical pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, physiology, behavior, and clinical outcomes.

Results

The efficiency and safety of NS in diabetes, notably its thymoquinone (TQ) rich volatile oil, have drawn great attention from researchers in recent years; the specific therapeutic dose has eluded determination so far. TQ has anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties but has not proved druggable. DM's intimate link with oxidative stress, makes NS therapy relevant since it is a potent antioxidant that energizes the cell's endogenous arsenal of antioxidant enzymes. NS attenuates insulin resistance, enhances insulin signaling, suppresses cyclooxygenase-2, upregulates insulin-like growth factor-1, and prevents endothelial dysfunction in DM.

Conclusion

The interaction of NS with mainstream drugs, gut microbiota, and probiotics opens new possibilities for innovative therapies. Despite its strong potential to treat DM, NS and TQ must be examined in more inclusive clinical studies targeting underrepresented patient populations.

Development of a Functional Acceptable Diabetic and Plant-Based Snack Bar Using Mushroom (Coprinus comatus) Powder

Consumers' growing concern about health and well-being has led to increased interest in functional foods. This research aims to evaluate the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of a functional plant-based (PB) snack bar enriched with Coprinus comatus powder. The snack bar formulations exhibited a wide range of flavor and textural characteristics. Two PB snack bars and four commercial bars were evaluated by a consumer panel of healthy volunteers (n = 20). The PB snack bar scored 'like extremely' on the 9-point hedonic scale. External preference mapping determined that sweetness, flavors, cohesiveness, gumminess, and adhesion had the greatest influence on consumer acceptability. Water content, ash, protein, fat, carbohydrate, reducing sugar, resistant starch, and dietary fiber were measured. Nutritional content was enhanced (omega 3, fiber and protein), and samples were shelf life stable (aw < 0.29; moisture content < 10%). In addition, the PB snack bar underwent simulated digestion according to the INFOGEST protocol, and from the comparative evaluation, the PB snack can be seen to control the post-prandial glycemic responses, as observed by the different degree of reducing sugars released via the matrix. The PB snack bar can be further functionally enhanced by the addition of their unique ingredients such as Coprinus comatus. Coprinus comatus powder is claimed to benefit glycemic control in diabetes and has attracted growing interest in terms of its potential use in natural products with possible health benefits.

A Review of Classification, Biosynthesis, Biological Activities and Potential Applications of Flavonoids

Flavonoids represent the main class of plant secondary metabolites and occur in the tissues and organs of various plant species. In plants, flavonoids are involved in many biological processes and in response to various environmental stresses. The consumption of flavonoids has been known to reduce the risk of many chronic diseases due to their antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties. In the present review, we summarize the classification, distribution, biosynthesis pathways, and regulatory mechanisms of flavonoids. Moreover, we investigated their biological activities and discuss their applications in food processing and cosmetics, as well as their pharmaceutical and medical uses. Current trends in flavonoid research are also briefly described, including the mining of new functional genes and metabolites through omics research and the engineering of flavonoids using nanotechnology. This review provides a reference for basic and applied research on flavonoid compounds.

Treatment with Terminalia chebula Extract Reduces Insulin Resistance, Hyperglycemia and Improves SIRT1 Expression in Type 2 Diabetic Rats

BACKGROUND

Terminalia chebula Retz., Family Combretaceae (T. chebula) is one of the important plants mentioned in Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine. The present work was designed to study the effect of the aqueous extract of T. chebula fruits in type 2 diabetic rats.

METHODS

The aqueous extract of the fruits was prepared by the double maceration technique. The extract was subjected to HPTLC analysis, which showed the presence of ellagic acid and gallic acid. Type 2 diabetes was induced in rats with a low dose of Streptozotocin (35 mg/kg) after administering a high-fat diet for fourteen days. Diabetic animals were treated with 500 and 1000 mg/kg of aqueous extract of T. chebula fruits for six weeks.

RESULTS

Diabetic rats showed a significantly (511.7 ± 17.6) (p < 0.001) high plasma glucose level compared to the normal group (106 ± 3.358). The T. chebula treatment group showed a significant (p < 0.001) reduction in plasma glucose at 500 mg/kg (394.3 ± 10.35) and 1000 mg/kg (368.6 ± 30.08) doses when compared with the diabetic control group. Treatment with aqueous extract significantly reduced lipid parameters in diabetic animals when compared to the animals in the diabetic control group. Treatment with extract at a dose of 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg showed a significant reduction in AST (p < 0.01, p < 0.001) when compared with diabetic control rats. Treatment with extract significantly reduced ALT at 500 mg/kg (p < 0.05) and 1000 mg/kg (p < 0.001) doses when compared with diabetic control rats. The extract treatment improved insulin sensitivity and insulin sensitivity index (ISI) and significantly decreased HOMR-IR. Treatment with T. chebula aqueous extract at 1000 mg/kg significantly increased the level of GSH (p < 0.05) when compared to diabetic control rats. T. chebula treatment at 1000 mg/kg significantly increased levels of CAT (p < 0.01). Histopathology of pancreatic tissue revealed that the extract has a protective effect against the damage caused by hyperglycemia. Immunohistochemistry of pancreatic tissue showed increased expression of SIRT1 in diabetic animals treated with the extract.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study indicate that the extract of T. chebula has significant effects in the management of type 2 diabetes.

Effect of PPARγ on oxidative stress in diabetes-related dry eye

Oxidative stress is closely associated with diabetes and can cause free radical accumulation and eventually lead to ocular surface tissue damage. The purpose of this study was to investigate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) expression in the lacrimal gland (LG), meibomian gland, and cornea of diabetes-related dry eye mice and whether the PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone can alleviate the oxidative stress of the ocular surface, thereby improving the condition of diabetes-related dry eye. Quantitative RT-PCR (Q-PCR) showed that the PPARγ, catalase, glutathione peroxidase 3, and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) mRNA expression levels in the LG of diabetes-related dry eye mice decreased at 8 and 12 weeks. In addition, the increased levels of oxidative stress were confirmed by western blot. Although the mRNA expression levels of antioxidant enzymes in the cornea and meibomian gland decreased at 8 weeks, some of them recovered by 12 weeks. Rosiglitazone alleviated ocular surface damage and increased corneal sensitivity and tear production in diabetes-related dry eye mice. Moreover, the reactive oxygen species accumulation was reduced and the PPARγ, HO-1, and glutathione peroxidase 3 mRNA expression levels were increased in the LG. The PPARγ, HO-1, translocase of the outer membrane 20, and mitochondrial transcription factor A protein levels were also significantly increased. These results demonstrated that rosiglitazone reduced oxidative stress in the LG of diabetes-related dry eye mice, at least in part, by activating PPARγ to up-regulate antioxidant enzyme expression.

Rutin impedes human low-density lipoprotein from non-enzymatic glycation: A mechanistic insight against diabetes-related disorders

Glycation of human low-density protein (LDL) has an essential contribution to cardiovascular diseases. Natural compounds like rutin have been extensively studied in preventing glycation-induced oxidative stress. This study examined rutin's anti-glycation potential with glycated LDL utilizing spectroscopic and in silico methods. Glycated LDL treated with rutin, showed around 80 % inhibition in advanced glycation end-product production. Carbonyl content and lipid peroxidation like assays were used to establish the development of oxidative stress. Rutin was seen to lower the generation of oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner. Using thioflavin t-test and electron microscopy, rutin was suggested to restore the structural disturbances in glycated LDL. Moreover, CD spectroscopy suggested reinstation of secondary structure of glycated LDL treated with rutin. Mechanistic insights between rutin and LDL were observed through spectroscopic measures. Molecular docking study confirmed the LDL-rutin binding with a binding energy of -10.0 kcal/mol. The rutin-LDL complex was revealed to be highly stable by molecular dynamics simulation, with RMSD, RMSF, Rg, SASA, and the secondary structure of LDL remaining essentially unchanged during the simulation period. Our study suggests that rutin possesses strong anti-glycating properties, which can be useful in therapeutics, as glycated LDL has an important role in atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases.

Current and future outlook of loaded components in hydrogel composites for the treatment of chronic diabetic ulcers

Due to recalcitrant microangiopathy and chronic infection, traditional treatments do not easily produce satisfactory results for chronic diabetic ulcers. In recent years, due to the advantages of high biocompatibility and modifiability, an increasing number of hydrogel materials have been applied to the treatment of chronic wounds in diabetic patients. Research on composite hydrogels has received increasing attention since loading different components can greatly increase the ability of composite hydrogels to treat chronic diabetic wounds. This review summarizes and details a variety of newly loaded components currently used in hydrogel composites for the treatment of chronic diabetic ulcers, such as polymer/polysaccharides/organic chemicals, stem cells/exosomes/progenitor cells, chelating agents/metal ions, plant extracts, proteins (cytokines/peptides/enzymes) and nucleoside products, and medicines/drugs, to help researchers understand the characteristics of these components in the treatment of diabetic chronic wounds. This review also discusses a number of components that have not yet been applied but have the potential to be loaded into hydrogels, all of which play roles in the biomedical field and may become important loading components in the future. This review provides a "loading component shelf" for researchers of composite hydrogels and a theoretical basis for the future construction of "all-in-one" hydrogels.

Diazoxide improves muscle function in association with improved dyslipidemia and decreased muscle oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

AIM/INTRODUCTION

Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic degenerative disease, and its main biochemical characteristic is hyperglycemia due to impaired insulin secretion, resistance to peripheral actions of insulin, or both. Hyperglycemia causes dyslipidemia and stimulates oxidative damage, leading to the main symptoms, such as fatigue and culminates in diabetic complications. Previous studies have shown that ATP-sensitive potassium channels counteract muscle fatigue and metabolic stress in healthy mouse models. To determine the effect of diazoxide on muscle strength development during diabetes, we tested the effect of diazoxide in streptozotocin-diabetic rats in muscle function, lipid profile and oxidative stress biomarkers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups of six animals each: (1) Control group, (2) diabetes group, (3) Control group + diazoxide, and (4) Diabetic + diazoxide (DB + DZX). 4 weeks after rats were sacrificed, soleus and extensor digitorum longus muscles (EDL) were extracted to prepare homogenates and serum was obtained for biochemical measurements. Oxidative damage was evaluated by the thiobarbituric acid method and the fluorescent for reactive oxygen species (ROS) probe 2,4-H2DCFDA, respectively.

RESULTS

Diabetic rats with diazoxide administration showed an increase in the development of muscle strength in both muscles; in turn, the onset of fatigue was longer compared to the group of diabetic rats without treatment. Regarding the lipid profile, diazoxide decreased total cholesterol levels in the group of diabetic rats treated with diazoxide (x̅46.2 mg/dL) compared to the untreated diabetic group (x̅=104.4 mg/dL); secondly, diazoxide decreased triglyceride concentrations (x̅=105.3 mg/dL) compared to the untreated diabetic rats (x̅=412.2 mg/dL) as well as the levels of very low-density lipoproteins (x̅=20.4 mg/dL vs. x̅=82.44 mg/dL). Regarding the various markers of oxidative stress, the diabetic group treated with diazoxide was able to reduce the concentrations of TBARS and total reactive oxygen species as well as preserve the concentrations of reduced glutathione.

CONCLUSION

Diazoxide administration in diabetic rats increases muscle strength development in EDL and soleus muscle, decreases fatigue, reduces cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations and improves oxidative stress parameters such as TBARS, ROS, and glutathione status.

Honey polyphenols: regulators of human microbiota and health

A comprehensive review of research over the last decade was conducted to carry out this work. The main objective of this work is to present relevant evidence of the effect of honey intake on the human intestinal microbiota and its relationship with the improvement of various chronic diseases, such as cirrhosis, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and obesity, among others. Therefore, this work focuses on the health-improving honey dietary supplementation implications associated with specific changes in the human microbiota and their biochemical mechanisms to enhance the proliferation of beneficial microorganisms and the inhibition of pathogenic microorganisms. Consumption of honey polyphenols significantly improves people's health conditions, especially in patients with chronic disease. Hence, honey intake unequivocally constitutes an alternative way to enhance health and could be used to prevent some relevant chronic diseases.

In vitro prospective healthy and nutritional benefits of different Citrus monofloral honeys

We studied the total polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamin C, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of six Citrus monofloral honey, and the in vitro inhibitory effect against cholinesterases and tyrosinase. Finally, we assessed their effect against the biofilm of some pathogenic bacteria. Lime honey showed the best antioxidant activity and the highest content of polyphenols and vitamin C. Lemon and tangerine honey contained almost exclusively flavonoids. Lemon honey better preserved the bovine serum albumin against denaturation (IC₅₀ = 48.47 mg). Honeys inhibited acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, and tyrosinase up to 12.04% (tangerine), 19.11% (bergamot), and 94.1% (lemon), respectively. Lime and clementine honey better inhibited the Listeria monocytogenes biofilm. Bergamot honey acted mainly against the Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii biofilm; bergamot and tangerine honey inhibited the Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm particularly. Bergamot, clementine, and tangerine honey acted against Escherichia coli sessile cell metabolism. This Citrus honey exhibited in vitro prospective health benefits and is applicable for future in vivo studies.

Leptadenia hastata Leaf Extract ameliorates oxidative stress and serum biochemical parameters in Streptozotocin-Induced diabetes in Wistar rats

Introduction

: Diabetes Mellitus is a major health problem characterized by hyperglycemia and disturbances in metabolism and implicated in causing oxidative stress. Treatment includes administration of oral hypoglycaemic agents with lifestyle modifications, these offer glycemic control, however, present limitations about availability, affordability and side effects. Traditional anti-diabetic plants are becoming popular in management of diabetes mellitus. This study was carried out to determine the efficacy of Leptadenaia hastata in treatment of diabetes.

Materials and methods

Diabetes mellitus was induced in using a single injection of streptozotocin (50 mg kg- 1 i.p.). The rats were divided into four groups of 5 rats each. Groups 3-6 received olive oil, 100 mg kg- 1 extract, 200 mg.kg- 1 extract and insulin (6IU kg- 1), respectively. 10 non-diabetic rats were grouped into two group receiving olive oil and 200 mg kg- 1 extract for 28 days. All groups were sacrificed by injecting with ketamine hydrochloride, blood was collected by cardiac puncture and centrifuged. The serum was analyzed for biochemical parameters. The liver was removed and homogenized with the supernatant of the resultant homogenate collected and used for analysis of oxidative stress enzymes.

Results

The extract significantly decreased serum AST (p < 0.05), ALP (p < 0.001), ALT (p < 0.05), TG (p < 0.01), TC (p < 0.001), creatinine (p < 0.001). It had no effect on SOD and CAT levels but it significantly increased (p < 0.001) GSH levels and reduced (p < 0.05) MDA level.

Conclusions

The n-hexane extract of Leptadenia hastata significantly decreased the levels of hepatic and renal serum biomarkers proving that it was beneficial in ameliorating diabetic related complications. The extract significantly increased GSH levels and reduced MDA level.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-022-01017-z.

[Research advances on the mechanism of refractory healing of diabetic foot ulcer]

The number of patients with diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) has increased progressively year by year. Refractory DFU has brought great burden to the country and individuals. How to accelerate the healing of DFU has become the main emphasis of research. However currently, the mechanism of its refractory healing is not fully elucidated, and the correlation between the various mechanisms are not high. Therefore, its clinical standardization, and precise clinical diagnosis and treatment still face several challenges. Based on the progress of clinical research and basic research at home and abroad, this paper reviewed the specific mechanisms that lead to refractory DFU, with the focus on chronic inflammation, bacteria biofilm formation, high oxidative stress, growth factor inhibition, impaired microcirculation, and accumulation of advanced glycation end products.

Comparable Benefits of Stingless Bee Honey and Caffeic Acid in Mitigating the Negative Effects of Metabolic Syndrome on the Brain

There is mounting evidence that metabolic syndrome (MetS) contributes to the development of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Honey, which has been used for generations, is high in antioxidants and has been demonstrated to benefit the brain and mental health by reducing oxidative stress and boosting cognitive outcomes. Honey from the stingless bees of Heterotrigona itama has been found to have higher phenolic content compared to other types of honeys. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of stingless bee honey (SBH) supplementation and to compare it with a pure form of antioxidant, caffeic acid (CA), on MetS parameters and inflammatory markers in the brains of MetS-induced rats. A total of 32 male Wistar rats were divided equally into groups of control, high-carbohydrate high-fructose (HCHF) diet (MetS), HCHF + SBH supplemented (1 g/kg) (SBH), and HCHF + CA supplemented (10 mg/kg) (CA) groups. The total duration for SBH and CA supplementation was eight weeks. The HCHF diet was found to promote hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hypertriglyceridemia, and to increase brain TNF-α levels. Supplementation with SBH and CA significantly reversed (p < 0.05) the hyperglycemic and hypertensive effects of the HCHF diet. Although both supplemented groups showed no significant changes to serum HDL or TG, SBH significantly reduced (p < 0.05) brain TNF-α levels and increased (p < 0.05) brain BDNF levels. Immunohistochemistry investigations of neurogenesis (EdU) and apoptosis (TUNEL) on the cornu Ammonis 1 (CA1) and dentate gyrus (DG) areas of the hippocampus showed no changes with SBH and CA supplementation compared to the control. These findings suggest that SBH and CA have the potential to mitigate HCHF-induced MetS effects and possess neuroprotective abilities.

Organic Honey from the Middle Atlas of Morocco: Physicochemical Parameters, Antioxidant Properties, Pollen Spectra, and Sugar Profiles

This work aimed to characterize and compare the physicochemical, ascorbic acid, phenolic, and flavonoid compounds, as well as the antioxidant properties, pollen spectra, and sugar profiles of twenty-three organic honeys produced in the Middle Atlas of Morocco. As results, the pollen analysis showed 22 taxa and revealed the dominance of Ziziphus lotus pollens for all monofloral honeys. The moisture content ranged from 15.9 to 19.0%, pH values werebetween 3.9 and 4.8, electrical conductivity varied from 100 to 581 µs/cm, ash content varied from 0.1 to 2.4%, and the invertase activity ranged from 3.5 to 36 U/kg. Moreover, hydroxymethylfurfural(HMF) varied from 1.2 to 13.5 mg/kg, which confirmed the freshness of our honey samples. For the sugar profiles, there were no significant differences between the examined groups of honeys (p > 0.05) for both fructose and glucose. Additionally, our study showed good antioxidant properties (total antioxidant activity ranged from 34.18 to 131.20 mg AAE/g; DPPH IC50 values ranged from 8.14 to 45.20 mg/mL; ABTS IC50 values ranged from 8.19 to 32.76 mg/mL) and high amounts of phenolic compounds ranging between 20.92 ± 0.03 and 155.89 ± 0.03 mg GAE/100 g, respectively; flavonoid compounds ranged from 5.52 to 20.69 mg QE/100 g, and ascorbic acid ranged from 8.01 to 23.26 mg/100 g. Overall, the proximate composition and the general characterization of organic monofloral and polyfloral honeys as sustainable and health-promising functional products may increase their commercial values, promote their marketability, and might have a significant impact on the basic circular/sustainable economy as a solid lever for solidarity economic development, especially in the rural/poor Moroccan communities. The investigated features may allow and support the incorporation of Moroccan organic honeys and their biovaluable ingredients in the nutraceutical and food industries for multiple purposes.

Alternative to Sugar, Honey Does Not Provoke Insulin Resistance in Rats Based on Lipid Profiles, Inflammation, and IRS/PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathways Modulation

Insulin resistance (IR) is the central link to metabolic syndrome (MS), and IR prevention has become the key to overcoming this worldwide public health problem. A diet rich in simple sugars is an important pathogenic factor in IR development. To investigate the effect of honey on IR compared to the sugar-water diet, we analyzed phenolics and oligosaccharides in jujube honey and rape honey based on LC-MS and silane derivatization/GC-MS. The effects of different diets on glucose and lipid profile, histopathology and IR-related mechanism pathways were analyzed and compared by equal sugar levels intervention of fructose, fructose + glucose and two kinds of unifloral honey (high-/low-dose) in rats. The results suggested that sugar-equivalent honey, which differs from sugar solution, especially 17.1 g/kg BW jujube honey rich in phenolics (1.971 mg/100 g of isoquercitrin) and oligosaccharides (2.18 g/100 g of turanose), suppressed IR via maintaining glucose (OGTT and ITT) and lipid (TC, TG, LDL-C, HDL-C, and NEFA) homeostasis, improving histological structural abnormalities of the liver, adipose and skeletal muscle, reducing oxidative stress (GSH-Px and MDA) and inflammation (IL-6 and TNF-α), modulating the NF-κB (NF-κB gene expression was down-regulated to 0.94) and IRS/PI3K/AKT signaling pathways (e.g., AKT and GLUT2 expression in liver increased by 4.56 and 13.37 times, respectively) as well as reshaping the gut microbiota. These revealed a potential nutritional contribution of substituting honey for simple sugar in the diet, providing a theoretical basis for controlling IR development via dietary modification and supplementation.

Maresin1 Suppresses High-Glucose-Induced Ferroptosis in Osteoblasts via NRF2 Activation in Type 2 Diabetic Osteoporosis

Maresin1 (MaR1) is an endogenous pro-resolving lipid mediator produced from polyunsaturated fatty acids and is believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The objective of this study was to estimate MaR1′s impact on type 2 diabetic osteoporosis (T2DOP) and its pharmacological mode of action. An in vitro high-glucose model of the osteoblast cell line MC3T3-E1 was constructed and stimulated with MaR1. Type 2 diabetic rats were used to establish in vivo models of calvarial defects and were treated in situ with MaR1. The results revealed that, aside from preventing mortality and promoting the osteogenic capacity of MC3T3-E1 cells, MaR1 increased nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (NRF2) signaling as well as the activity of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and cystine-glutamate antiporter (SLC7A11) and caused the restraint of ferroptosis under hyperglycemic stimulation. However, the therapeutic impact of MaR1 was significantly diminished due to NRF2-siRNA interference and the ferroptosis activator Erastin. Meanwhile, these results were validated through in vivo experiments. These findings imply that MaR1 activated the NRF2 pathway in vivo and in vitro to alleviate high-glucose-induced ferroptosis greatly. More crucially, MaR1 might effectively reduce the risk of T2DOP.

Alleviation of Fufang Fanshiliu decoction on type II diabetes mellitus by reducing insulin resistance: A comprehensive network prediction and experimental validation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Fufang Fanshiliu decoction (FFSLD) is a Chinese herbal medicine prescription that has been used in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), while the underlying mechanism remains unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To validate the efficacy and explore the potential mechanisms of FFSLD in treating T2DM via integrating a network pharmacological approach and experimental evaluation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

T2DM mice model induced by high-fat diet feeding combined with streptozotocin injection was selected to investigate the alleviation of FFSLD against T2DM, via detecting the levels of glucose, insulin, glucagon (GC), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Network pharmacological analysis was used to predict the potential mechanisms, including the pharmacokinetics and drug-likeness screening, active ingredients and potential targets prediction, network analysis, and enrichment analysis. The candidate bioactive molecules of FFSLD, and targets information excavated through TCMSP, Uniprot, GeneCards, OMIM databases, were combined for comprehensive analysis by constructing "drug-compound-target-disease" and "protein-protein interaction" networks. Enrichment analysis was performed via Gene Ontology (GO) and Koto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases. HepG2 insulin-resistance (IR) cells model induced by high glucose was used to verify the potential mechanisms of FFSLD against T2DM which were predicted by the network pharmacology.

RESULTS

The animal study showed that FFSLD significantly decreased the blood glucose, and reversed the abnormal levels of insulin, GC, TG, TC, HDL-C, and LDL-C in T2DM mice. Network pharmacological analysis indicated that 106 active compounds of FFSLD might be correlated with 628 targets in treating T2DM, and the mechanism would probably be related to insulin resistance that harbored a high response value (P = 5.88844 E^-33) though regulating Akt1, ESR1, oxidoreductase activity, and JAK/STAT signalings. Experimental validation showed that FFSLD reduced the ROS level, up-regulated the expressions of p-AKT, Nrf-2, and ESR1, and down-regulated the expressions of JAK2, STAT3, and Keap-1 in the HepG2-IR cells model.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that the therapeutic effect of FFSLD on T2DM was related to IR alleviation. The underlying mechanisms were associated with the regulation of PI3K/AKT, JAK/STAT, oxidative stress, and ESR signaling pathways.

Beneficial effects of Gynostemma pentaphyllum honey paste on obesity via counteracting oxidative stress and inflammation: An exploration of functional food developed from two independent foods rich in saponins and phenolics

The development of functional foods that possess a combination of biological functions and good sensory properties is an emerging topic in the field of food and function. Gynostemma pentaphyllum (G. pentaphyllum) is widely considered to exert anti-obesity effect owing to its abundant saponins and other bioactive components, but bitter and unacceptable taste limit its utilization. While honey, a natural sweetener, not only has the pleasure sense but is also usually used as the carrier of functional food due to its phenolic oligosaccharide, etc. In the present study, we proposed the preparation method of a G. pentaphyllum honey paste (GH) and its beneficial effects on obese mice. The results showed that GH contented 0.055 mg/g Gypenoside XLIX, 0.01 mg/g Gypenoside A, and 11 kinds of phenolics. It could down-regulate 23.3% of liver TC level, increase serum ALT activity, improve liver tissue damage and epididymal adipocyte hypertrophy than obese mice. Besides, GH regulated enzyme activities such as SOD and GSH to enhance oxidative stress defense and exerted anti-inflammatory activity via IL-6 (52.4%), TNF-α (38.7%), IFN-γ (32%) and NF-κB (28%) genes down-regulation, which also reshaped the gut microbiota structure, exerting anti-obesity effects. More importantly, GH promoted obese mice appetite with orexin-A compared to G. pentaphyllum alone. This study provided a new perspective on the development of G. pentaphyllum functional foods with both good organoleptic performance and obesity therapy.

Prospective dietary radical scavengers: Boon in Pharmacokinetics, overcome insulin obstruction via signaling cascade for absorption during impediments in metabolic disorder like Diabetic Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder which is characterized based on the blood glucose level. This can be due to the lack of efficiency of utilizing insulin or lack of production of insulin. There are numerous therapies and medications which are available for the treatment of this disease which can reduce the risk of diabetes. But there is no permanent cure found. Nutritional antioxidants show a foremost role in sustaining the homeostasis of the oxidative equilibrium. They have imparted their electron donor efficacy in preventing aging and in cancer. Vitamin C, E, β-carotene, carotenoids, polyphenols and selenium have been appraised as antioxidant constituents in the human diet nourishment. This paper emphasizes on the role of antioxidants which help in reducing or maintaining the level of glucose in the body. Antioxidants are substances that reduces the damages to the cells caused by free radicals. The available treatment and medications and how the supplementation of antioxidants is different from them is also discussed. Different type of antioxidants and their treatment in curing the disease is further focused in this paper.

Graphical abstract

Sex-specific effects of fluoride and lead exposures on histology, antioxidant physiology, and immune system in the liver of zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Fluoride and Pb are both toxic to organisms; however, their combination effects and the corresponding toxic mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, male and female zebrafish (1:1) were evaluated to understand the effects of F and Pb alone and combined on growth, tissue microstructure, oxidative stress, and immune system functions of the liver. Four different groups and two exposure periods were compared: control group (C group), 80 mg/L fluoride group (F group), 60 mg/L lead group (Pb group), and 80 mg/L fluoride + 60 mg/L lead group (F + Pb group) for 45 and 90 days. The results indicated that F and Pb reduced growth performances; F + Pb treatment inhibited the growth performance traits of male zebrafish more than those of female zebrafish. Histopathological examination revealed large areas with focal necrosis, hepatocytes with karyolysis, and pycnotic nuclei in zebrafish exposed to F and Pb. The oxidative balance indices in the liver in the F and Pb groups were disturbed. F + Pb co-exposure aggravated oxidative stress in a time-dependent manner. The most serious oxidative stress was observed in the male zebrafish of the F + Pb group. Moreover, F and Pb exposure of male zebrafish increased pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines expression, which was decreased after 90 days of exposure. These results demonstrated that both F and Pb could damage the liver via downstream alterations in the activities of immune-related enzymes and in the levels of immune-related genes. F and Pb showed synergistic or additive effects. Male zebrafish were found to be more sensitive to F and Pb than female zebrafish.

Early Alterations of Intra-Mural Elastic Lamellae Revealed by Synchrotron X-ray Micro-CT Exploration of Diabetic Aortas

Diabetes is a major concern of our society as it affects one person out of 11 around the world. Elastic fiber alterations due to diabetes increase the stiffness of large arteries, but the structural effects of these alterations are poorly known. To address this issue, we used synchrotron X-ray microcomputed tomography with in-line phase contrast to image in three dimensions C57Bl6J (control) and db/db (diabetic) mice with a resolution of 650 nm/voxel and a field size of 1.3 mm³. Having previously shown in younger WT and db/db mouse cohorts that elastic lamellae contain an internal supporting lattice, here we show that in older db/db mice the elastic lamellae lose this scaffold. We coupled this label-free method with automated image analysis to demonstrate that the elastic lamellae from the arterial wall are structurally altered and become 11% smoother (286,665 measurements). This alteration suggests a link between the loss of the 3D lattice-like network and the waviness of the elastic lamellae. Therefore, waviness measurement appears to be a measurable elasticity indicator and the 3D lattice-like network appears to be at the origin of the existence of this waviness. Both could be suitable indicators of the overall elasticity of the aorta.

Why the "sugars" in traditional Unani formulations are a pivotal component: A viewpoint perspective

Traditional medicine systems around the globe, like Unani, Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, include a number of sugar-based formulations, which contain a large amount of saccharide-containing sweetener, such as honey, sucrose or jaggery. With pervasive lifestyle disorders throughout the world, there have been discussions to consider alternative sweetening agents. Here, from the perspective of Unani medicine, we discuss how the saccharide-based sweeteners may be an essential component of these traditional preparations, like electuaries, which may be deprived of their bioactivities without these saccharides. With contemporary researches, it is known that apart from their own therapeutic effects, saccharides also form deep eutectic solvents which help in enhancing the bioactivity of other ingredients present in crude drugs. In addition, they provide energy for fermentation which is essential for biotransformation of compounds. Interestingly, the sugars also increase the shelf-life of these compound drugs and act as natural preservatives. On the basis of this review, we strongly believe that saccharide-based sweeteners are an essential component of traditional medicines and not merely an excipient.

History, phytochemistry, experimental pharmacology and clinical uses of honey: A comprehensive review with special reference to Unani medicine

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Honey is one of the most popular functional foods, speculated to be in use since the advent of human civilization. Its health-protective activity is endorsed by many religions and traditional medicines. In Unani medicine, honey is prescribed for many health conditions as wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, etc. In the present era, honey is gaining popularity over sugar for its myriad health benefits and low glycemic index. This review attempts to provide a comprehensive account of the biological activities and potential therapeutic uses of honey, with scientific evidence.

METHODOLOGY

In this paper, we have provided a comprehensive overview of historical uses, types, physical characteristics, bioactive constituents and pharmacological activities of honey. The information was gathered from Classical Unani textbooks and leading scientific databases. There is a plethora of information regarding various therapeutic activities of honey, and it is daunting to draw practical conclusions. Hence, in this paper, we have tried to summarize those aspects which are most relevant to clinical application.

OBSERVATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS

Many important bioactive constituents are identified in different honey types, e.g. phenolics, proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates, organic acids, etc., which exert important biological activities like anti-microbial, wound healing, immunomodulatory, anti-toxin, antioxidant, and many others. Honey has the potential to alleviate many lifestyle disorders, mitigate the adverse effects of drugs and toxins, and also provide healthy nutrition. Although conclusive clinical evidence is not available, yet honey may potentially be a safer alternative to sucrose for diabetic patients.