Injection of resistin into the paraventricular nucleus produces a cardiovascular response that may be mediated by glutamatergic transmission in the rostral ventrolateral medulla

Objectives

High levels of resistin are associated with metabolic diseases and their complications, including hypertension. The paraventricular nucleus (PVN) is also involved in metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension. Therefore, this study aimed to study cardiovascular (CV) responses evoked by the injection of resistin into the lateral ventricle (LV) and PVN and determine the mechanism of these responses in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM).

Materials and Methods

Arterial pressure (AP) and heart rate (HR) were evaluated in urethane-anesthetized male rats (1.4 g/kg intraperitoneally) before and after all injections. This study was carried out in two stages. Resistin was injected into LV at the first stage, and AP and HR were evaluated. After that, the paraventricular, supraoptic, and dorsomedial nuclei of the hypothalamus were chosen to evaluate the gene expression of c-Fos. Afterward, resistin was injected into PVN, and cardiovascular responses were monitored. Then to detect possible neural mechanisms of resistin action, agonists or antagonists of glutamatergic, GABAergic, cholinergic, and aminergic transmissions were injected into RVLM.

Results

Resistin injection into LV or PVN could increase AP and HR compared to the control group and before injection. Resistin injection into LV also increases the activity of RVLM, paraventricular, supraoptic, and dorsomedial areas. Moreover, the CV reflex created by the administration of resistin in PVN is probably mediated by glutamatergic transmission within RVLM.

Conclusion

It can be concluded that hypothalamic nuclei, including paraventricular, are important central areas for resistin actions, and glutamatergic transmission in RVLM may be one of the therapeutic targets for high AP in obese people or with metabolic syndrome.

Alteration of intrapancreatic serotonin, homocysteine, TNF-α, and NGF levels as predisposing factors for diabetes following exposure to 900-MHz waves

Exposure to mobile phone radiation causes deleterious health effects on biological systems. The objects of this study were to investigate the effect of 900-MHz radiofrequency waves (RFW) emitted from base transceiver station antenna on intrapancreatic homocysteine (Hcy), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and nerve growth factor (NGF) as predisposing factors involved in pancreatic beta cell damage. Thirty male rats (Sprague-Dawley, 200 ± 10 g) were randomly divided into the control (without any exposure) and exposed groups: short time (2 h/day), long time (4 h/day), and exposed to 900-MHz RFW for 30 consecutive days. On the last days of the experiment, animals were killed and pancreas tissue was dissected out for evaluation of serotonin, Hcy, TNF-α, and NGF. There was a significant decrease in the serotonin and NGF levels in the pancreatic tissue of exposed groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Also, the levels of serotonin and NGF in the long-time exposure were significantly lower than the short-time exposure (p < 0.05). However, levels of Hcy and TNF-α were significantly increased in the pancreas of exposed groups compared to the control groups (p < 0.05). Exposure to 900-MHz RFW decreased pancreatic NGF and serotonin levels and increased the proinflammatory markers (Hcy and TNF-α), which can be a predisposing factor for type 2 diabetes.

The protective effect of vitamin supplementation (E and E + C) on passive avoidance learning and memory during exposure to 900 MHz RFW emitted from BTS

Deleterious effects of exposure to electromagnetic radiation on public health have been widely studied. This study was conducted to evaluate the protective effect of vitamin supplementation (E or E + C) on passive avoidance learning (PAL) and memory in rats subjected to 900 MHz radiofrequency waves (RFW). Thirty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (190 ± 20 g) were randomly divided into six groups as: control I (vehicle), control II (vitamin E 250 mg/kg), control III (vitamin E 100 mg/kg + l-ascorbic acid 200 mg/kg), and three exposed groups to RFW as: sham-exposed, treatment I (vitamin E), and treatment II (vitamin E + C). The duration of exposure was 30 continuous days (4 h/day). The PAL was evaluated on the last day by the shuttle box. Learning and memory of animals demonstrated as the duration of remaining within the light area, which is called the light time (LT). The sham-exposed group showed a significant decrease in LT on the learning, consolidation, and retention days compared to other groups (p < 0.05). Pretreatment with vitamins (E and E + C) could protect PAL against adverse effects of RFW, and the administration of vitamin E + C improved PAL performance in control III compared to control I and treatment II groups (p < 0.05). Administration of vitamin E + C to exposed group (treatment II) caused a significant increase in LT on the learning (p = 0.013), consolidation, and retention (p = 0.009) sessions compared to the treatment group I (vitamin E). Long-term exposure to 900 MHz RFW impaired PAL and memory, and pretreatment of vitamin (E or E + C) prevented these effects, which may be a new potential mechanism against side effects of RFW.

Prenatal and early postnatal exposure to radiofrequency waves (900 MHz) adversely affects passive avoidance learning and memory

Prenatal and early postnatal are the most sensitive and high-risk periods to expose to electromagnetic fields (EMFs). This study aimed to investigate the effect of prenatal and early postnatal exposure to 900 MHz radiofrequency waves (RFWs) emitted from a base transceiver station antenna on passive avoidance learning and memory (PALM) and hippocampus histomorphology. Female Sprague Dawley rats (190-230 g) were paired with males. The mated rats, confirmed by observing a vaginal plug, were divided into two groups; control and exposed. The control group (n = 7) was not exposed to RFW. The exposed group was divided into three subgroups (n = 8); exposed Ⅰ, exposed during the gestational period (fetal life), and exposed Ⅱ and Ⅲ (postnatal exposure), exposed to RFW during the first 21 days of life, for 2 h/d and 4 h/d, respectively. PALM was evaluated by a shuttle box in 45-day-old pups. Learning and memory of animals were demonstrated as the duration of remaining within the light area, which is called the lighting time. Histological sections were prepared from brain tissues and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. An impairment in the PALM performance was noticed in all exposed subgroups (Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ) (p < 0.05). Learning (short-term memory) and retention (long-term memory) behaviors were more affected in exposed subgroup Ⅰ (prenatal exposed) compared to other postnatal exposed subgroups (Ⅱ and Ⅲ). Also, a mild decrease in the density of pyramidal cells was observed in the hippocampus of exposed subgroups (Ⅰ and Ⅲ). Prenatal and early postnatal exposure to 900 MHz RFW adversely affected PALM performance and hippocampus tissue in rat pups with more impact for prenatal period exposure.

Trace elements homeostasis in brain exposed to 900 MHz RFW emitted from a BTS-antenna model and the protective role of vitamin E

Advances in telecommunication and their broad usage in the community have become a great concern from the health aspect. The object of the present study was to examine the effects of exposure to 900 MHz RFW on brain Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn) and Manganese (Mn) concentration, and the protective role of pre-treatment of vitamin E on mentioned elements homoeostasis. Twenty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (200 ± 20 g) randomly were divided into four groups. Control group (without any exposure, received distilled water), treatment control group (orally received 250 mg/kg BW/d vitamin E), treatment group (received 250 mg/kg BW/d vitamin E and exposed to 900 MHz RFW) and sham-exposed group (exposed to 900 MHz RFW). Animals (with freely moving in the cage) were exposed to RFW for 30 consecutive days (4 hr/day). The levels of the above mentioned elements in the brain tissue were determined on the last day using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Exposure to 900 MHz RFW induced a significant increase in the Fe, Cu, Mn levels and Cu/Zn ratio accompanied by a significant decrease in Zn level in the sham-exposed group compare to control group. Vitamin E pre-treatment improved the level of Fe, Cu, Mn and Cu/Zn ratio, except in the Zn concentration. Exposure to 900 MHz RFW caused disrupted trace elements homoeostasis in the brain tissue and administration of vitamin E as an antioxidant and neuroprotective agent improved the situation.

A combination of spearmint and flaxseed extract improved endocrine and histomorphology of ovary in experimental PCOS

Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex reproduction and endocrine disorder of women in the reproductive age. Spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) has anti-androgenic activity and flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) contains phytoestrogen and was reported to improve PCOS conditions. This study aimed to evaluate PCOS conditions following administration of a mixture of these two plants.

Methods

Twenty-four rats with regular cycles were randomly divided into four groups as control (C) and treatment-control (TC) received a combination of spearmint extract (SE) + flaxseed extract (FE). PCOS was induced in PCOS and treatment (T) groups by a single intramuscular injection of estradiol valerate. The treatment group received a combination of SE and FE for 30 days, 7 weeks after injection of estradiol valerate. Estrous cycles were monitored for 10 days and in the last day animals were sacrificed, ovaries were collected for the histomorphometric study and the serum levels of progesterone, testosterone, estradiol, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) were measured.

Result

Significant rise in progesterone and a decrease in testosterone and estradiol with no significant change of DHEA in the T group, was observed in comparison with the PCOS group (P < 0.05). No significant difference noticed between T and control groups (C &CT) regarding evaluated hormones. A significant increase in primary, pre-antral and antral follicles noticed in the T group compared to the PCOS group. The number of cystic follicles decreased in the T group compared with the PCOS group. Granulosa layer thickness increased while the thickness of theca decreased significantly in the T group compared to the PCOS group (P < 0.05). No significant endocrine or histological differences noticed between C and TC groups.

Conclusion

A combination of flaxseed and spearmint extract improved the endocrine profile and the histomorphometric features of the ovary in the T group compared to the PCOS group.

Cardiovascular responses produced by resistin injected into paraventricular nucleus mediated by the glutamatergic and CRFergic transmissions within rostral ventrolateral medulla

OBJECTIVES

Resistin, as a 12.5 kDa cysteine-rich polypeptide, is expressed in hypothalamus and regulates sympathetic nerve activity. It is associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we investigated the neural pathway of cardiovascular responses induced by injection of resistin into paraventricular nucleus (PVN) with rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Adult male rats were anesthetized with urethane (1.4 g/kg intraperitoneally). Resistin (3 µg/1 µl/rat) was first injected into PVN, and the glutamatergic, corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF)-ergic and angiotensinogenic transmission was inhibited by injecting of their antagonist in RVLM. Arterial pressure (AP) and heart rate (HR) were monitored before and after the injection.

RESULTS

The results showed that resistin injection into PVN significantly increased AP and HR compared to control group and prior to its injection (P<0.05). Injection of AP5 ((2R)-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid; (2R)-amino-5-phosphonopentanoate) (50 nM/rat), losartan (10 nM/rat) and astressin (50 nM/rat) into RVLM reduced cardiovascular responses produced by injected resistin into PVN. Injection of AP5+losartan or astressin+losartan or astressin+AP5 into RVLM could significantly reduce cardiovascular responses produced by resistin compared to before injection (P<0.05). Furthermore, the depressor responses generated by AP5+losartan injected into RVLM were significantly stronger than the depressor responses generated by AP5+astressin and/or astressin+losartan injected into RVLM (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

It can be concluded that glutamatergic and CRFergic transmissions have crucial contribution to cardiovascular responses produced by resistin. The results provided new and potentially important insight regarding neural transmission when the plasma level of resistin increases; this reveals the role of resistin in cardiovascular responses such as metabolic syndrome and hypertension.

Cyclohexane extract of walnut leaves improves indices of oxidative stress, total homocysteine and lipids profiles in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of two doses of cyclohexane extract of walnut leaves on total homocysteine, lipids profiles, and indices of oxidative stress including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal (IP) injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg BW). Twenty-eight male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups, group I: control (received sesame oil as vehicle), group II: diabetic control (received sesame oil), group III and IV: diabetic rats treated by 150 and 250 mg/kg body weight (BW) per day extract of walnut leaves, respectively. All groups were treated for 28 days via oral gavage. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) level and body weight measured before injection, 3 days after injection, and on days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 of treatment. At the end the 28th day of the experiment, blood samples collected via heart puncture and the sera were used for estimation of the above-mentioned parameters. The results showed a decrease in FBS, TC, TG, LDL-c, VLDL-c, homocysteine, and MDA level and increase in the level of HDL-c in diabetics treated by walnut leave extracts in a dose-dependent manner after 28 days. The activity of antioxidant enzymes significantly increased in treated groups compared with diabetic control. It can be concluded that cyclohexane extract of walnut leaves has an overall beneficial effect on body weight, fasting blood glucose, lipids profile, antioxidant enzyme activities, and homocysteine.

Prevention of Diabetic Complications by Walnut Leaf Extract via Changing Aldose Reductase Activity: An Experiment in Diabetic Rat Tissue

BACKGROUND

Increased activity of aldose reductase (AR) is one of the mechanisms involved in the development of diabetic complications. Inhibiting AR can be a target to prevent diabetes complications. This study is aimed at evaluating the effect of cyclohexane (CH) and ethanol extracts (ET) of walnut leaves on AR activity in the lens and testis of diabetic rats.

METHODS

Fifty-six male rats classified into seven groups as control and treatment groups and treated for 30 days. The treatment groups were treated with different concentrations of ET and CH. The diabetic control (DC) group was exposed to streptozotocin. AR activity was measured in the lens and testis. The expression of AR in the testis was evaluated by the immunohistochemistry method.

RESULTS

Both extracts significantly reduced the AR activity (ng/mg of tissue protein) in the testis (0.034 ± 0.004, 0.038 ± 0.010, and 0.040 ± 0.007 in the treatment groups vs. 0.075 ± 0.007 in the DC group) and lens (1.66 ± 0.09, 2.70 ± 0.47, and 1.77 ± 0.20 in the treatment groups vs. 6.29 ± 0.48 in the DC group) of the treatment group compared to those of the DC group (P < 0.05). AR expression in the testes of the treatment groups was decreased compared with that of the DC group (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Walnut leaf extracts can reduce the activity and localization of AR in the testes and its activity in the lens of diabetic rats.

Alteration of testicular regulatory and functional molecules following long-time exposure to 900 MHz RFW emitted from BTS

The aim of this investigation was to evaluate changes in testosterone and some of the functional and regulatory molecules of testis such as P450scc, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1α (IL-1α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and nerve growth factor (NGF) following exposure to 900 MHz radio frequency (RF). Thirty adult male Sprague Dawley rats (190 ± 20 g BW) were randomly classified in three equal groups, control (sham, without any exposure), short-time exposure (2 hr) (STE) and long-time exposure (4 hr) (LTE). The exposure was performed for 30 consecutive days. The testosterone level in both exposed groups was significantly less than control (p < .05). Level of TNF-α in both exposed groups was significantly greater than control (p < .05). IL-1α and NGF levels in LTE were significantly higher than the STE and control groups (p < .05). Level of IL-1β in LTE was significantly higher than control (p < .05). Expression of both P450scc and StAR mRNA was significantly down-regulated in both exposed groups compared to control (p < .05). Our results showed that RFW can affect testis and reproductive function through changes in factors, which are important during steroidogenesis, and also through changes in inflammatory factors, which regulate Leydig cell functions.

Evaluation of serum cancer antigen 125, resistin, leptin, homocysteine, and total antioxidant capacity in rat model of endometriosis treated with Curcumin

Endometriosis is one of the most common reproductive diseases of women, with some important biochemical changes in the serum. Curcumin was reported to have anti-endometriosis, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. This study explores the changes of serum levels of Cancer Antigen 125 (CA125), leptin, resistin, homocysteine, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in a rat model of endometriosis and the effect of curcumin treatment on these factors. Fifty female Sprague-Dawley rats (220-250 gr body weight) were randomly divided into control (received 0.3 mL of the vehicle), sham(stress of surgery + 0.3 mL of the vehicle) and three endometriosis groups as danazol treatment (7.2 mg/kg BW, IP), curcumin treatment (48 mg/kg BW, IP) and test (received 0.3 mL of the vehicle). Endometriosis was induced by surgically auto-transplantation of uterine tissue to the abdominal wall and intestinal mesentery. The animals were treated for 4 weeks. On the last day, the blood sample was collected by heart puncture, and the above-mentioned factors were measured in the sera. Leptin in the curcumin treatment group was markedly higher than all of the studied groups, except the danazol group, while there were no significant differences between other groups (P < 0.05). Level of resistin in endometriosis groups did not show significant differences with the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the serum levels of homocysteine and CA 125 between all of the studied groups (P > 0.05). The serum levels of TAC in the control group were significantly higher than all of the studied groups (P < 0.05). Curcumin could prevent the growth of endometriosis, while there was no significant alteration on measured factors in the serum of rat with induced endometriosis. Hence follow up of these parameters in serum may not be a proper indicator to evaluate the status of endometriosis in the rat model.

Saffron improved depression and reduced homocysteine level in patients with major depression: A Randomized, double-blind study

Objectives:

A correlation between hyperhomocysteinemia, and depression has been reported. Saffron (Crocus sativus) is recommended for treatment of depression; hence, in this study the effect of co-administration of saffron and fluoxetine on plasma homocysteine and depression was evaluated.

Material and methods:

This was a 4-week randomized and double-blind clinical trial which was conducted from March 2013 to February 2014. In this trial, 40 male and females (20-55 years old) diagnosed with severe depression were selected and following filing the Beck form, were randomly divided into two groups. Experimental group was treated with fluoxetine 20 mg/day and saffron 30 mg /day and the control group received placebo and fluoxetine 20 mg/day for four weeks. Before treatment and at the end of the study, fasting blood samples were collected. For females, blood samples were collected on the third day of their menstrual cycle.

Results:

A significant reduction of homocysteine levels was observed in both sex in the experimental group compared to before treatment (p<0.04), while no such significant change was observed in the control group. A Beck questionnaire value showed lower level in both groups on the last day of treatment as compared to before treatment. There was no significant difference between the two groups in Beck value neither before nor after treatment.

Conclusion:

Saffron has beneficial effects on depression and homocysteine level in patients with major depression.

Alterations of the ovarian histomorphometry at pre-puberty in rat offspring from diabetic mothers

Purpose

Maternal diabetes leads to increased blood glucose concentration in the mother and consequently in the foetus, causing various neonatal problems. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of maternal diabetes on foetal ovarian structure.

Methods

Sixteen adult female rats were allocated into two equal groups. Diabetes was induced in one group by alloxan. Both groups became pregnant by natural mating. Thirty days after birth, the female offspring were terminated, the body weight and blood glucose of the animals measured and their ovaries removed. Various histological and cellular parameters were determined using histological and electron microscopy techniques.

Results

Results revealed a significant increase in body weight and blood glucose in the offspring of the diabetic mothers (ODM) compared to that of the controls. The weight, volume and diameter of the ovary and the ovarian capsule thickness were inclined to decrease in ODM compared to that of controls. The number and diameter of primary, pre-antral and antral follicles were decreased in ovaries in the ODM. The electro-micrographs have demonstrated the organelle alterations in oocytes and granulosa cells that suggest the apoptosis progress and oxidative stress.

Conclusions

Maternal hyperglycaemia exhibited deleterious effects on the female reproductive system in the offspring.

Betaine prevents ethanol-induced oxidative stress and reduces total homocysteine in the rat cerebellum

Oxidative stress is a hypothesis for the association of reactive oxygen species with cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, we examined whether oral betaine can act as a preventive agent in ethanol-induced oxidative stress on the cerebellum of rats. Thirty-two adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four equal groups (control, ethanol, betaine, and betaine plus ethanol) with different dietary regimens and were followed up for 1 month. Total homocysteine (tHcy) of plasma and cerebellum homogenate was determined by an Axis(®) homocysteine EIA kit, and antioxidant enzyme (glutathione peroxidase (GPx), SOD, and CAT) activities of cerebellum homogenate were measured chemically by a spectrophotometer. Lipid peroxidation of cerebellum was shown by the measurement of thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS) via a spectrophotometer. Ethanol-induced hyperhomocysteinemia was manifested by an increase in the concentrations of tHcy in the plasma and cerebellum homogenates of the ethanol group, while ethanol-induced oxidative stress was indicated via an increase in lipid peroxidation marker (TBARS) in cerebellum homogenates of ethanol-treated rats. In contrast, betaine prevented hyperhomocysteinemia and oxidative stress in the betaine plus ethanol group as well as the betaine group. The results of the present investigation indicated that the protective effect of betaine is probably related to its ability to strengthen the cerebellum membrane cells by enhancement of antioxidant enzyme activity principally GPx, while the methyl donor effect of betaine to reduce hyperhomocysteinemia has been explained previously and confirmed in the present study.

Endocrine profile and testicular histomorphometry in adult rat offspring of diabetic mothers

This investigation was conducted to evaluate the effect of maternal diabetes on fetal testicular structure and function, and reproductive hormones levels. Sixteen female rats were divided into two groups. Diabetes was induced in one group by alloxan. Blood was collected from 90-day-old male offspring of both groups, and the level of blood glucose, testosterone, FSH and LH in their serum was measured. Weight, volume and various histological parameters of testes were determined. A significant increase in blood glucose and decrease in LH, FSH and testosterone in sera of offspring of diabetic mothers (ODM) were observed. The weight and volume of testes in the ODM were 22.7 and 22.9% higher, respectively, than those of the control group (P < 0.05), while the ratio of testes to body weight did not change significantly. The number of seminiferous tubules increased (+21%) significantly (P < 0.05), while thickness of the testicular capsule (-25%), number of Leydig cells (-15.6%), number of Sertoli cells (-14.9%), number of spermatogonia (-26.3%) and diameter of seminiferous tubules (-11%) showed significantly reduced values in the ODM compare to the control. In conclusion, maternal hyperglycemia has a deleterious effect on testicular parameters during fetal life, which will affect reproductive endocrine during postpuberty.

Arginase alteration in the reproductive system of alloxan-diabetic dogs

This study was conducted to evaluate possible alteration in the activity of arginase, an important enzyme of cell proliferation and vascular smooth muscle contraction regulator in diabetics, that may be correlated with low fertility in diabetic patients. In this investigation, 6 apparently healthy adult male dogs were selected and divided in two groups, diabetics and non-diabetics. Diabetes mellitus was induced in one group by intravenous (IV) injection of alloxan (100 mg/kg). Dogs with a fasting blood glucose (FBS) of more than 200 mg/dl were considered to be diabetic. Four weeks following induction of diabetes mellitus, the animals in both groups were anesthetized by an IV injection of sodium thiopental. Livers and whole reproductive systems, including the testes, penis, urethra, and prostate, were dissected. The epididymides, corpus cavernosum, corpus spongiosum, penile urethra, and vas deferens were also dissected and removed from the reproductive system. Arginase activity and total protein were measured by the urea and Lowry's methods respectively in above mentioned sections. Plasma testosterone was determined by the radioimmunoassay method. The results showed significantly (P<0.05) increased arginase specific activity (ASA) in the liver, epididymis, prostate, corpus cavernosum and corpus spongiosum of the diabetic dogs. In the reproductive system of the diabetic dog, the maximum and minimum ASA was seen in the corpus cavernosum and testes, respectively (105.12 +/- 8.76 vs. 25.0 +/- 0.55). No such variation was observed in the ASA of normal dogs (39.0 +/- 5.47 vs. 25.0 +/- 5.47). There was no significant difference in plasma testosterone level between the groups. In conclusion, diabetes increased the ASA in liver, prostate, epididymis, corpora cavernosa, and corpora spongiosum of the male dogs and may contribute to erectile dysfunction or low fertility in diabetics.

Effect of walnut leaf, coriander and pomegranate on blood glucose and histopathology of pancreas of alloxan induced diabetic rats

Mechanism of most of herbal used for diabetes mellitus treatment has not been well defined. This study was performed to investigate hypoglycemic effect of walnut leaf (Juglans regia L.), coriander leaf (Coriandrum sativum L.) or pomegranate seed (Punica granatum L.), and their possible role on pancreatic tissue. Diabetes mellitus was induced in 20 adult male Sprague Dawley rats and the animals were divided into four groups; three of them fed a diet supplemented with about 15 gram (60 g/ kg body weight /day) of mentioned plants for 15 days. The fourth diabetic untreated group (positive control) and a non-diabetic group (negative control) received standard diet. Blood glucose was measured every day and on the last day pancreases were isolated and stained with hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) and Gomeri aldehyde fuchsin (GAF). Histomorphology and following morphometric factors were studied; Volume density of beta cells, volume density of islets, percent of beta cells, number of islets per square centimeter and average area of islets. The results of this study indicate that only walnut leaf was able to reduce blood glucose significantly compared with diabetic untreated group (9.029 vs. 14.358 mmol/l) (P<0.05). Hypercellularity of islets tissue, increased hyperchromic nucleus in pancreatic islets of this group was obvious. Density of islets in pancreatic tissue, percent of beta cells and islets size increased significantly in this group in comparison with diabetic untreated group which may signify regeneration of islets or beta cells in group received walnut leaf (P<0.05).