Effect of barley [hordeum vulgare] on the liver of diabetic rats: histological and biochemical study

ABSTRACT

Type II diabetes mellitus is the most common form of diabetes. Barley is a wonderful cereal grain. It is considered as a rich source of antioxidant and magnesium. Magnesium acts as a co-factor for enzymes involved in the glucose metabolism and insulin secretion. Is to investigate effect of barley on the structural and biochemical changes of the liver induced by diabetes. Thirty male albino rats, aged 18 months old, were divided into three groups. Group I [control group] that was fed balanced standard diet for eight weeks. Group II [positive control, barley fed group] that fed barley containing diet for four weeks. Group III [diabetic group] in which diabetes was induced by feeding the rats with high fat diet [fat constitutes 40% of its weight] for four weeks then it was subdivided into two subgroups. Subgroup I [untreated diabetic group] that was fed balanced standard diet for another four weeks. Subgroup II [barley treated diabetic group] that was fed barley containing diet for another four weeks. In untreated diabetic group, there was a significant increase in the serum fructosamine and insulin, insulin resistance and serum aspartate amino transferase AST and significant decrease in the liver glycogen. Light and electron microscopic examination of the liver of diabetic rats revealed a profound histological changes in the form of many vacuoles, ill defined rough endoplasmic reticulum r.ER and dilatation in their cisternae and swollen mitochondria with rarified matrix and loss of its cristae. These structural damage of the liver was associated with a significant increase of hepatic content of oxidative stress markers and a significant decrease in the hepatic activity of markers of antioxidant activitiy. Barley consumption could reverse most of these histological and biochemical changes in the liver of the diabetic group owing to its hypoglycemic and antioxidant effect. It was suggested that barley had a significant protective effect on the diabetic liver