Attenuation of lipid metabolic abnormalities, proinflammatory cytokines, and matrix metalloproteinase expression by biochanin-A in isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats.

In the present study, we assessed the therapeutic potential of Biochanin-A (BCA) (10 mg/kg BW/day) pretreatment for 30 days on lipid metabolic abnormalities, proinflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinase expression in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction (MI) in rats. We measured the potential role of BCA on tissue and circulatory lipid profiles as well as on lipid metabolic enzymes: serum inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-6 and MCP1) and serum Matrix Metalloproteinases (particularly, MMP-2 and MMP-9) together with mRNA expressions of TNF-α, IL-6, MMP-2 and MMP-9 by RT-PCR analysis. Administration of ISO to rats significantly distorted their lipid metabolism and augmented inflammatory process, MMP expression and proteolytic activity. In addition, pretreatment with BCA of ISO-induced MI rats significantly reestablished the altered lipid metabolism and concealed the inflammation of cytokines. BCA suppressed the expressions of proinflammatory cytokines and MMPs in ISO-induced MI in rats when compared to normal untreated MI rats. Hence, these results established that BCA could improve the pathological processes of myocardial remodeling which was confirmed by histopathology of heart in MI rats and might be an effective beneficial ingredient for the management of heart failure disorders.

Polyherbal Formulation Ameliorates Diabetic Cardiomyopathy Through Attenuation of Cardiac Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Via NF-κB/Nrf-2/HO-1 Pathway in Diabetic Rats.

ABSTRACT: The present study was intended to evaluate the effect of polyherbal formulation (PHF) made with 3 nutraceuticals, such as Piper nigrum, Terminalia paniculata, and Bauhinia purpurea on inflammation and oxidative stress in diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), which is induced by streptozotocin and nicotinamide administration in rats. We supplemented DCM rats with PHF (250 and 500 mg/kg/BW) for 45 days and evaluated their effects on oxidative stress markers, proinflammatory cytokines, and messenger RNA expressions of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf-2) and its linked genes [heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), superoxide dismutase, catalase] along with inflammatory genes [tumour necrosis factor α and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)]. Our study demonstrated that PHF successfully attenuated inflammation and oxidative stress via messenger RNA upregulation of Nrf-2, HO-1, superoxide dismutase, and catalase and concomitantly with downregulation of tumour necrosis factor α and NF-κB. Conversely, PHF also protected hyperglycemia-mediated cardiac damage, which was confirmed with histopathological and scanning electron microscopy analysis. In conclusion, our results suggested that PHF successfully ameliorated hyperglycemia-mediated inflammation and oxidative stress via regulation of NF-κB/Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway. Therefore, these results recommend that PHF may be a prospective therapeutic agent for DCM.

A Review on Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Action, Ethanobotanical Uses and Nutritional Potential of Kedrostis foetidissima (Jacq.) Cogn.

Nature is an amazing source for food, shelter, clothing and medicine. An impressive number of modern drugs are isolated from many sources like plants, animals and microbes. The development of natural products from traditional medicines is of great importance to society. Modern concepts and methodologies with abundant clinical studies, unique diversity of chemical structures and biological activities aid the modern drug discovery process. Kedrostis foetidissima (Jacq.) Cogn., a traditional medicinal plant of the Cucurbitaceae family, is found in India, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia and Western Malaysia. Almost all parts of the plant are used in traditional systems of medicines and reported having medicinal properties in both in vitro and in vivo studies. In the last few years, extensive research work had been carried out using extracts and isolated phytoconstituents from Kedrostis foetidissima to confirm its pharmacology and biological activities. Many scientific reports show that crude extracts and extensive numbers of phytochemical constituents isolated from Kedrostis foetidissima have activities like antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory and various other important medicinal properties. The therapeutic properties of the plants are mainly attributed to the existence of phytoconstituents like phenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids and steroids. This comprehensive review in various aspects gave a brief overview of phytoconstituents, nutritional values and medicinal property of the plant and might attract the researchers to explore its medicinal activity by discovering novel biologically active compounds that can serve as a lead compound in pharmaceutical and food industry.

Diabetic cardiomyopathy: molecular mechanisms, detrimental effects of conventional treatment, and beneficial effects of natural therapy.

ABSTARCT: Diabetic complications are among the largely exigent health problems currently. Cardiovascular complications, including diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), account for more than 80% of diabetic deaths. Investigators are exploring new therapeutic targets to slow or abate diabetes because of the growing occurrence and augmented risk of deaths due to its complications. Research on rodent models of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, and the use of genetic engineering techniques in mice and rats have significantly sophisticated for our understanding of the molecular mechanisms in human DCM. DCM is featured by pathophysiological mechanisms that are hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, left ventricular hypertrophy, damaged left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions, myocardial fibrosis, endothelial dysfunction, myocyte cell death, autophagy, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. A number of molecular and cellular pathways, such as cardiac ubiquitin proteasome system, FoxO transcription factors, hexosamine biosynthetic pathway, polyol pathway, protein kinase C signaling, NF-κB signaling, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor signaling, Nrf2 pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, and micro RNAs, play a major role in DCM. Currently, there are a few drugs for the management of DCM and some of them have considerable adverse effects. So, researchers are focusing on the natural products to ameliorate it. Hence, in this review, we discuss the pathogical, molecular, and cellular mechanisms of DCM; the current diagnostic methods and treatments; adverse effects of conventional treatment; and beneficial effects of natural product-based therapeutics, which may pave the way to new treatment strategies. Graphical Abstract.

Restorative potentiality of S-allylcysteine against diabetic nephropathy through attenuation of oxidative stress and inflammation in streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetic rats.

AIM: In the present study, we evaluated the therapeutic potentiality of S-allylcysteine (SAC) in streptozotocin (STZ)-nicotinamide (NAD)-induced diabetic nephropathy (DN) in experimental rats. METHODS: SAC was orally administered for 45 days to rats with STZ-NAD-induced DN; a metformin-treated group was included for comparison. Effect of SAC on body weight, organ weight, blood glucose, levels of insulin, glycated haemoglobin, and renal biochemical markers was determined. Body composition by total body electrical conductivity (TOBEC) and dual-X ray absorptiometry (DXA), kidney antioxidant analysis, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and western blot analysis of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), interleukin (IL)-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α; histopathological and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis of the kidneys were performed in both control and experimental rats. RESULTS: SAC treatment showed significantly decreased levels of blood glucose, glycated haemoglobin, creatinine, albumin, AST, ALT, creatinine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and expressions of NF-κB, IL-6, and TNF-α compared with DN control rats. Furthermore, SAC administration to DN rats significantly improved body composition and antioxidant defense mechanism which was confirmed by the upregulation of mRNA and protein expressions of antioxidant genes. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, SAC showed adequate therapeutic effect against DN by downregulation of inflammatory factors and attenuation of oxidative stress. Histological and SEM observations also indicated that SAC treatment notably reverses renal damage and protects the kidneys from hyperglycemia-mediated oxidative damage.

Anti obese potential of Cucurbita maxima seeds oil: effect on lipid profile and histoarchitecture in high fat diet induced obese rats.

In this study, we made an attempt to evaluate the potential of Cucurbita maxima seeds oil (CSO) against high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity in rats. We investigated the effect of CSO (100 mg/kg body weight) supplementation over 30 days on the changes of HFD-induced obese rats in body weight, biochemical parameters and lipid profile as well as investigated the effects of CSO on the histopathological changes. Oral administration with CSO revealed significant diminution in body weight gain, glucose and insulin levels, which altered the activity of lipid profile and restored the pathological alterations. It demonstrated that CSO had considerably altered these parameters when evaluated with HFD control rats. In conclusion, this study established that CSO prevents the HFD-induced obesity by altering the markers important to lipid metabolism.

Beneficial Role of Some Natural Products to Attenuate the Diabetic Cardiomyopathy Through Nrf2 Pathway in Cell Culture and Animal Models.

Diabetic cardiomyopathy, as one of the main cardiac complications in diabetic patients, is identified to connect with oxidative stress that is due to interruption in balance between reactive oxygen species or/and reactive nitrogen species generation and their clearance by antioxidant protection systems. Transcription factor the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) plays a significant role in maintaining the oxidative homeostasis by regulating multiple downstream antioxidants. The Nrf2 plays a significant role in ARE-mediated basal and inducible expression of more than 200 genes that can be grouped into numerous categories as well as antioxidant genes and phase II detoxifying enzymes. On the other hand, activation of Nrf2 by natural and synthetic therapeutics or antioxidants has been revealed effective for the prevention and treatment of toxicities and diseases connected with oxidative stress. Hence, recently focus has been shifted toward plants and plant-based medicines in curing such chronic diseases, as they are supposed to be less toxic. In this review, we focused on the role of some natural products on diabetic cardiomyopathy through Nrf2 pathway.

Obesity-alleviating potential of asiatic acid and its effects on ACC1, UCP2, and CPT1 mRNA expression in high fat diet-induced obese Sprague-Dawley rats.

The present study evaluated the effects of asiatic acid (AA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid from Centella asiatica on lipid metabolism parameters in a rat model of obesity induced using a high fat diet (HFD) for 42 days. AA (20 mg/kg body weight [BW]) was administered orally once daily for 42 days, and an orlistat-treated group of rats (10 mg/kg BW) was included for comparison. Changes in BW, blood glucose levels, insulin resistance and leptin, adiponectin, amylase, and lipase levels in the blood; lipid profiles of plasma; liver antioxidants levels; and acetyl CoA carboxylase(ACC), uncoupling protein-2 (UCP2), and carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT1) mRNA expression were observed in the experimental rats. Our results revealed that AA (20 mg/kg BW), similar to orlistat, reduced the increase in BW; increased bone mineral contents and bone mineral densities; reduced blood glucose levels, insulin resistance, leptin, plasma lipid levels; increased adiponectin, amylase, lipase levels in the blood; showed antioxidant activity; and altered mRNA expression of lipid metabolism-related genes, including ACC, UCP 2, and CPT 1, in the HFD-fed rats. From these results, we concluded that AA possesses significant anti-obesity potential through the suppression of BW gain, lipid lowering action, development of insulin and leptin sensitivity, antioxidant activity, and increased mRNA expression of lipid metabolism-related genes.

Reversal of endothelial dysfunction in aorta of streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced type-2 diabetic rats by S-Allylcysteine.

Dietary measures and plant-based therapies as prescribed by native systems of medicine have gained attraction among diabetics with claims of efficacy. The present study investigated the effects of S-Allylcysteine (SAC) on body weight gain, glucose, insulin, insulin resistance, and nitric oxide synthase in plasma and argininosuccinate synthase (AS) and argininosuccinate lyase (ASL), lipid peroxides and antioxidant enzymes in aorta of control and streptozotocin-nicotinamide (STZ-NA)-induced diabetic rats. Changes in body weight, glucose, insulin, insulin resistance, and antioxidant profiles of aorta and mRNA expressions of nitric oxide synthase, AS, and ASL were observed in experimental rats. SAC (150 mg/kg b.w) showed its therapeutic effects similar to gliclazide in decreasing glucose, insulin resistance, lipid peroxidation, and increasing body weight; insulin, antioxidant enzymes, and mRNA levels of nitric oxide synthase, argininosuccinate synthase, and argininosuccinate lyase genes in STZ-NA rats. Histopathologic studies also revealed the protective nature of SAC on aorta. In conclusion, garlic and its constituents mediate the anti-diabetic potential through mitigating hyperglycemic status, changing insulin resistance by alleviating endothelial dysregulation in both plasma and tissues.

Effects of S-Allylcysteine on Biomarkers of the Polyol Pathway in Rats with Type 2 Diabetes.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the effects of S-allylcysteine (SAC) on biomarkers of the polyol pathway in streptozotocin-nicotinamide (STZ-NA)-induced diabetes in rats. METHODS: Diabetes was induced in male albino Wistar rats by intraperitoneal administration of STZ (55 mg kg-1 bw-1) and NA (110 mg kg-1 bw-1). SAC (150 mg kg-1 bw-1) was orally administered to the rats with diabetes for 45 days to assess its effects on blood glucose, insulin, insulin resistance, glycated hemoglobin, aldose reductase (AR), sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH), sorbitol, fructose, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), hydroperoxide, hemoglobin and glutathione (GSH). RESULTS: On SAC administration in the rats with diabetes, the levels of blood glucose, insulin resistance, glycated hemoglobin, AR, SDH, sorbitol, fructose, TBARS and hydroperoxide increased significantly (p<0.05), whereas those of insulin, hemoglobin and GSH decreased. SAC showed therapeutic effects similar to those of gliclazide in decreasing blood glucose, AR, SDH, sorbitol, fructose, glycosylated hemoglobin, TBARS and hydroperoxides levels and significant increases in insulin, hemoglobin and GSH activity in rats with diabetes. Moreover, histopathologic studies also revealed the protective effect of SAC on pancreatic beta cells. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that SAC prevents complications of diabetes by reducing the influx of glucose in the polyol pathway, thereby elevating the GSH level and reducing the activities of AR and SDH. Therefore, SAC may have imperative implications for the deterrence and early treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Ameliorative potential of gingerol: Promising modulation of inflammatory factors and lipid marker enzymes expressions in HFD induced obesity in rats.

Obesity, generally linked to hyperlipidemia, has been occurring of late with distressing alarm and has now become a global phenomenon casting a huge economic burden on the health care system of countries around the world. The present study investigated the effects of gingerol over 30 days on the changes in HFD-induced obese rats in marker enzymes of lipid metabolism such as fatty-acid synthase (FAS), Acetyl CoA Carboxylase (ACC), Carnitine Palmitoyl Transferase-1(CPT-1), HMG co-A Reductase (HMGR), Lecithin Choline Acyl Transferase (LCAT) and Lipoprotein Lipase (LPL) and inflammatory markers (TNF-α and IL-6). The rats were treated orally with gingerol (75 mg kg(-1)) once daily for 30 days with a lorcaserin-treated group (10 mg kg(-1)) included for comparison. Changes in body weight, glucose, insulin resistance and expressions of lipid marker enzymes and inflammatory markers in tissues were observed in experimental rats. The administration of gingerol resulted in a significant reduction in body weight gain, glucose and insulin levels, and insulin resistance, which altered the activity, expressions of lipid marker enzymes and inflammatory markers. It showed that gingerol had significantly altered these parameters when compared with HFD control rats. This study confirms that gingerol prevents HFD-induced hyperlipidemia by modulating the expression of enzymes important to cholesterol metabolism.

Diosgenin reorganises hyperglycaemia and distorted tissue lipid profile in high-fat diet-streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is often connected with significant morbidity, mortality and also has a pivotal role in the development of cardiovascular diseases. Diet intervention, particularly naturaceutical antioxidants have anti-diabetic potential and avert oxidative damage linked with diabetic pathogenesis. The present study investigated the effects of diosgenin, a saponin from fenugreek, on the changes in lipid profile in plasma, liver, heart and brain in high-fat diet-streptozotocin (HFD-STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Diosgenin was administered to HFD-STZ induced diabetic rats by orally at 60 mg kg(-1) body weight for 30 days to assess its effects on body weight gain, glucose, insulin, insulin resistance and cholesterol, triglycerides, free fatty acids and phospholipids in plasma, liver, heart and brain. RESULTS: The levels of body weight, glucose, insulin, insulin resistance, cholesterol, triglycerides, free fatty acids, phospholipids, VLDL-C and LDL-C were increased significantly (P < 0.05) whereas HDL-C level decreased in the HFD/STZ diabetic rats. Administration of diosgenin to HFD-STZ diabetic rats caused a decrease in body weight gain, blood glucose, insulin, insulin resistance and also it modulated lipid profile in plasma and tissues. CONCLUSION: The traditional plant fenugreek and its constituents mediate its anti-diabetic potential through mitigating hyperglycaemic status, altering insulin resistance by alleviating metabolic dysregulation of lipid profile in both plasma and tissues.

Modulatory effects of diosgenin on attenuating the key enzymes activities of carbohydrate metabolism and glycogen content in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

OBJECTIVE: Fenugreek and its active compound diosgenin are ancient herbal medicines recommended by the World Health Organization. In this study, the effect of diosgenin on changes in carbohydrate metabolic enzymes and glycogen content in muscle and kidneys of streptozotocin-induced diabetes rats were evaluated. METHODS: Diabetes was induced in male albino Wistar rats by intraperitoneal administration of streptozotocin. The diosgenin at different doses (15, 30 and 60 mg/kg body weight) was administered orally to normal and streptozotocin-diabetic rats for 45 days. RESULTS: Streptozotocin intoxication led to a significant increase (p<0.05) in blood glucose and a decrease in insulin levels. The carbohydrate metabolic enzymes and glycogen content were also altered. The daily oral administration of diosgenin at different doses (15, 30 and 60 mg/kg body weight) to diabetic rats for 45 days resulted a significant (p<0.05) decline in blood glucose level and a significant increase in plasma insulin level. The altered activities of carbohydrate metabolic key enzymes in muscle and kidneys of diabetic rats were significantly (p<0.05) reverted to near normal level by the administration of diosgenin. The obtained results were compared with glibenclamide, a standard oral hypoglycemia drug. CONCLUSIONS: The modulatory effects of diosgenin on attenuating the activities of carbohydrate metabolic enzymes afford a promise for persistent use for the treatment of diabetes in the future, even though clinical studies to evaluate this possibility may be warranted.

Anti-obesity action of gingerol: effect on lipid profile, insulin, leptin, amylase and lipase in male obese rats induced by a high-fat diet.

BACKGROUND: Obesity represents a rapidly growing threat to the health of populations and diet intervention has been proposed as one of the strategies for weight loss. Ginger and its constituents have been used for their anti-flatulent, expectorant and appetising properties and they are reported to possess gastro-protective and cholesterol-lowering properties. The present study investigated the effects of gingerol on the changes in body weight, serum glucose, insulin, insulin resistance and lipid profile in plasma and liver as well as on the activity of amylase, lipase and leptin in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese rats. RESULTS: HFD-induced obese rats were treated orally with gingerol (25, 50 and 75 mg kg(-1) ) once daily for 30 days. A lorcaserin-treated group (10 mg kg(-1) ) was included for comparison. The levels of body weight, glucose, lipid profile and insulin, insulin resistance, leptin, amylase and lipase were increased significantly (P < 0.05) in HFD rats. Rats treated with gingerol and fed a HFD showed significantly (P < 0.05) decreased glucose level, body weight, leptin, insulin, amylase, lipase plasma and tissue lipids when compared to normal control. The effect at a dose of 75 mg kg(-1) of gingerol was more pronounced than that of the dose 25 mg kg(-1) and 50 mg kg(-1) . The lorcaserin-treated group also manifested similar effects to those of gingerol. CONCLUSION: These findings suggested that ginger supplementation suppresses obesity induced by a high fat diet and it might be a promising adjuvant therapy for the treatment of obesity and its complications.

S-allylcysteine Improves Streptozotocin-Induced Alterations of Blood Glucose, Liver Cytochrome P450 2E1, Plasma Antioxidant System, and Adipocytes Hormones in Diabetic Rats.

BACKGROUND: S-allylcysteine, a garlic derivative, could have a protective effect against pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus. OBJECTIVES: Sustained free radical generation and oxidative damage to system leads to the final conclusion phase of diabetes and also it coexists with a constant diminution in the antioxidant status.The present study aims to evaluate the therapeutic effects of S-allylcysteine (SAC) against adipocytes hormones and antioxidant defense systems of plasma and erythrocytes of treptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetes in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Diabetic rats were administered SAC (150 mg/kg b.w) orally for 45 days. At 46(th) day, the rats were anesthetized, and blood and liver sample were collected for analyzing glucose, plasma insulin, CYP2E1 activity, Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), hydroperoxide, enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants, reduced glutathione (GSH), ceruloplasmin, plasma leptin, and adiponectin. RESULTS: The levels of glucose, CYP2E1 activity, Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), hydroperoxide, and ceruloplasmin were increased significantly; whereas, the levels of plasma insulin, reduced glutathione, enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants, leptin and adiponectin were decreased in experimental diabetic rats. Administration of SAC to diabetic rats led to a decrease in the levels of glucose, CYP2E1 activity, TBARS, and ceruloplasmin. In addition, the levels of plasma insulin, enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants leptin and adiponectin were increased in SAC treated diabetic rats. Gliclazide, a standard drug for diabetes, was used for the comparative purpose. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present investigation suggest that SAC could be used as a food supplement in the treatment of diabetes characterized by provoked antioxidant status, altered blood glucose, and hormones level.

Effect of S-allylcysteine, a sulphur containing amino acid on iron metabolism in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.

It is suggested that iron may play a role in the pathogenesis of diabetes. Iron is not only chaperoned through its essential functional pathways, but it also causes damage to biological systems by catalyzing the production of reactive oxygen species. So, the parenchymal tissues of several organs are subject to cell injury and functional insufficiency due to excess deposition of iron. The present study investigated the effects of S-allylcysteine (SAC), a sulphur containing amino acid derived from garlic on the changes in iron metabolism induced by oxidative stress in tissues, as well as on serum biochemical parameters of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. SAC was administered orally for 45days to control and experimental diabetic rats. The effects of SAC on glucose, insulin, serum iron, ferritin, transferrin, serum bilirubin, heart heme oxygenase activity (HO) and δ-aminolevulinicacid dehydratase activity (δ-ALA-D) in liver and kidneys were studied. The levels of glucose, iron, ferritin, bilirubin and HO in liver were increased significantly (p<0.05) whereas the levels of insulin, transferrin and δ-ALA-D in tissues were decreased in diabetic rats. Administration of SAC to diabetic rats showed a decrease in blood glucose, iron, ferritin, bilirubin and HO. In addition, the levels of insulin, transferrin and δ-ALA-D activity in tissues were increased in SAC treated diabetic rats. These findings suggest that S-allylcysteine could have a protective effect against alterations in oxidative stress induced iron metabolism in the diabetic state which was evidenced by the capacity of this natural antioxidant to modulate parameters of iron metabolism.

Antidiabetic effect of S-allylcysteine: effect on thyroid hormone and circulatory antioxidant system in experimental diabetic rats.

OBJECTIVE: It is considered that diabetes mellitus and thyroid disease are the two common endocrine disorders and also suggested that insulin and thyroid hormones influence each other actions. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of the administration of S-allylcysteine (SAC), a sulfur containing amino acid derived from garlic on blood glucose, insulin, HbA1C, total protein, albumin, Thyroid hormone (T3, T4), TSH, TBARS and circulatory antioxidant levels (SOD, CAT, GSH and GPx) in STZ-induced diabetic rats. METHODS: SAC was administered orally for 45 days to control and STZ induced diabetic rats. The effects of SAC on glucose, plasma insulin, HbA1C, total protein, albumin, Thyroid hormone, TSH and circulatory antioxidant levels were studied. RESULTS: The levels of glucose, TBARS, hydroperoxide and HbA1C were increased significantly whereas the levels of plasma insulin, reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, GSH, GPx, total protein, albumin, Thyroid hormone and TSH were decreased in STZ induced diabetic rats. Administration of SAC to diabetic rats showed a decrease in plasma glucose, TBARS, hydroperoxide and HbA1C. In addition, the levels of plasma insulin, SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH, total protein, albumin, Thyroid hormone and TSH were increased in SAC treated diabetic rats. The effect of SAC was compared with gliclazide, a well-known antioxidant and antihyperglycemic drug. CONCLUSION: From these findings, it is indicated that SAC might be acting through activation in the synthesis and/or secretion of circulating thyroid hormones which in turn stimulate the synthesis of insulin.

Amaranthus viridis Linn., a common spinach, modulates C-reactive protein, protein profile, ceruloplasmin and glycoprotein in experimental induced myocardial infarcted rats.

BACKGROUND: Glycoprotein is one of the components of the cardiac extracellular matrix and plays an important role in cardiac remodelling during various cardiac diseases, including myocardial infarction (MI). This study was aimed at evaluating the preventive role of Amaranthus viridis Linn. on C-reactive protein (CRP), total protein, albumin, globulin, ceruloplasmin and glycoproteins in the serum and heart of experimental induced myocardial infarcted (MI) rats. RESULTS: MI was induced in male Wistar rats by subcutaneous injection of 20 mg kg(-1) isoproterenol (ISO) kg(-1) body weight (BW) twice at an interval of 24 h. ISO-induced MI rats showed a significant increase in the levels of serum CRP and ceruloplasmin and a significant decrease in the levels of serum total protein, albumin and globulin. Glycoprotein levels in the serum and heart were increased in ISO-induced MI rats. Oral administration of 300 mg A. viridis kg(-1) BW day(-1) for a period of 45 days altered the metabolic derangement in ISO-induced MI rats. CONCLUSION: This study exemplifies the protective effect of A. viridis on ISO-induced cardiotoxicity in male Wistar rats. The data further reinforce the cardioprotective effect of A. viridis by altering CRP and glycoprotein levels.

Ameliorative potential of S-allylcysteine: effect on lipid profile and changes in tissue fatty acid composition in experimental diabetes.

Hyperlipidemia is an associated complication of diabetes mellitus. The association of hyperglycemia with an alteration of lipid parameters presents a major risk for cardiovascular complications in diabetes. The present study was designed to examine the antihyperlipidemic effect of S-allylcysteine (SAC) in STZ induced diabetic rats. The levels of blood glucose, cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), free fatty acids, phospholipids and fatty acid composition were estimated in the liver and kidneys of control and experimental groups of rats. Oral administration of SAC at a dose of 150 mg/kg bodyweight per day to STZ-induced diabetic rats for a period of 45 days resulted in a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose, TC, TG, free fatty acids, phospholipids, LDL-C, VLDL-C and elevation of HDL-C in comparison with diabetic control group. Oral administration of SAC to diabetic rats also decreased the concentrations of fatty acids, viz., palmitic, stearic (16:1), and oleic acid (18:1), whereas linolenic (18:3) and arachidonic acid (20:4) were elevated. The antihyperlipidemic effect of SAC was compared with glyclazide; a well-known antihyperglycemic drug. The result of the present study indicates that SAC showed an antihyperlipidemic effect in addition to its antidiabetic effect in experimental diabetes.

Ameliorative potential of S-allyl cysteine on oxidative stress in STZ induced diabetic rats.

Increased oxidative stress and impaired antioxidant defense mechanism are important factors in the pathogenesis and progression of diabetes mellitus and other oxidant-related diseases. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the possible protective effects of S-allyl cysteine (SAC) against oxidative stress in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. SAC was administered orally for 45 days to control and STZ induced diabetic rats. The effects of SAC on glucose, plasma insulin, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), hydroperoxide, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and GSH/GSSG ratio were studied. The levels of glucose, TBARS, hydroperoxide, and GSSG were increased significantly whereas the levels of plasma insulin, reduced glutathione, GSH/GSSG ratio, superoxide dismutase, catalase and GPx were decreased in STZ induced diabetic rats. Administration of SAC to diabetic rats showed a decrease in plasma glucose, TBARS, hydroperoxide and GSSG. In addition, the levels of plasma insulin, superoxide dismutase, catalase, GPx and reduced glutathione (GSH) were increased in SAC treated diabetic rats. The above findings were supported by histological observations of the liver and kidney. The antioxidant effect of SAC was compared with glyclazide, a well-known antioxidant and antihyperglycemic drug. The present study indicates that the SAC possesses a significant favorable effect on antioxidant defense system in addition to its antidiabetic effect.