Streptozotocin

Diabetes is one of the serious noncommunicable diseases affecting mankind. In India, it ranks 4 with a proportional mortality rate of 2%. Pelargonidin, a simplest anthocyanidin, is known to have potential benefit in alleviating experimental diabetes. However, insolubility in water, low stability and rapid biodegradation of pelargonidin and other flavonoids are major constrains of their effective uses. Nanocapsulation is a method of choice to overcome these limitations. We have synthesized pelargonidin-encapsulated nanoparticles by emulsion-diffusion-evaporation method using poly (D, L-lactide-coglycolide) (PLGA), a bio-compatible polymer. The nanoparticles (P-PLGA) have been characterized by different biophysical techniques. The effects of both free pelargonidin and P-PLGA nanoparticles have been tested in streptozotocininduced diabetic rat model. Diabetic rats were treated with 0.6 mg pelargonidin/kg body wt. or pelargonidin (P)-PLGA nanoparticles containing 0.6 mg pelargonidin/kg ...

It has been suggested that transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetes-induced erectile dysfunction. To investigate the expression and activity of Smad transcriptional factors, the key molecules for the initiation of TGF-beta-mediated fibrosis, in the penis of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Fifty-two 8-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were used and divided into control and diabetic groups. Diabetes was induced by an intravenous injection of STZ. Eight weeks later, erectile function was measured by electrical stimulation of the cavernous nerve (N = 12 per group). The penis was harvested and stained with Masson trichrome or antibody to TGF-beta1, phospho-Smad2 (P-Smad2), smooth muscle alpha-actin, and factor VIII (N = 12 per group). Penis specimens from a separate group of animals were used for TGF-beta1 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), P-Smad2/Smad2, phospho-Smad3 (P-Smad3)/Smad3, fibronectin, collagen I, and collagen IV western blot, or hydroxyproline determination. Erectile function was significantly reduced in diabetic rats compared with that in controls. The expression of TGF-beta1, P-Smad2, and P-Smad3 protein evaluated by ELISA or western blot was higher in diabetic rats than in controls. Compared with that in control rats, P-Smad2 expression was higher mainly in smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts of diabetic rats, whereas no significant differences were noted in endothelial cells or in the dorsal nerve bundle. Cavernous smooth muscle and endothelial cell contents were lower in diabetic rats than in controls. Cavernous fibronectin, collagen IV, and hydroxyproline content was significantly higher in diabetic rats than in controls. Upregulation of TGF-beta1 and activation of the Smad signaling pathway in the penis of diabetic rats might play important roles in diabetes-induced structural changes and deterioration of erectile function.

Streptozotocin (STZ) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, belonging to nitroso group, used mostly for induction of diabetes
in laboratory animals. Induction of diabetes is mediated through glucose transporter (GLUT2) which helps entry of STZ in β
cells of islets of Langerhans of pancreas, leading to cell death by ATP depletion and oxidative stress. Additional possible factors
involving in cell death and apoptosis include alteration in cellular metabolism and impaired function of mitochondria. One of
the limitations in use of STZ is genotoxicity along with other side effects. More frequent reports of Multi-Drug resistance (MDR)
of microbes, have been available recently which have increased pressure on pharmaceutic industry to explore possibility of use
of previously known agents with antibacterial properties. STZ is a potential candidate that needs further detailed research for its
use as an antibiotic, along with use in treatment of pancreatic tumors.

Powdered leaves (500 mg/kg body weight) of medicinal plants M. indica and C. igneus known to possess therapeutic effect were supplemented to streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Leaf powders of both the plants were able to reduce blood glucose levels in the animals by 38 and 21% respectively after 15 days of supplementation. The preliminary results suggest that both the plants

Strobilanthes crispus (Acanthaceae) has been used traditionally as antidiabetic, diuretic, antilytic, and laxative and has been proven scientifically to possess high antioxidant activity, anti-AIDS, and anticancer properties. It is commonly consumed in the form of herbal tea. The ethnopharmacological value of this plant, such as the development of nutraceutical S. crispus herbal tea (fermented and unfermented) and assessment of their antihyperglycemic properties were investigated. The antidiabetic properties of S. crispus fermented and unfermented tea was carried out in normal and streptozotocin-induced hyperglycaemic rats for 21 days. Glucose and lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol) were determined at day 0 (baseline), day 7, and day 21. The results showed that the hot water extract of both fermented and unfermented S. crispus tea reduced blood glucose in hyperglycaemic rats. S. crispus unfermented tea also reduced glucose level in normal rat. Both fermented and unfermented S. crispus tea also showed to improve lipid profile. Antioxidant and polyphenol content that present in the extracts might contribute to the antihyperglycemic and antilipidemic properties. Further study is needed to be carried out in pre-clinical and clinical environment to prove its efficacy in human.

It is well known that diabetes mellitus is associated with impairment of testicular function. In the present study, we aimed to demonstrate the effect of melatonin on testicular damage in male rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. Male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: (1) control group, (2) melatonin-treated nondiabetic group, (3) diabetic group and (4) melatonin-treated diabetic group. Diabetes was induced by STZ injection. Melatonin was administered intraperitoneally at the dose of 10 mg/kg for 5 days. Testicular damage was examined by using hematoxylin and eosin staining and periodic acid-Schiff staining, and apoptosis was determined by terminal-deoxynucleotidyl-transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). Potential disorders associated with seminiferous tubular sperm formation were evaluated using the Johnsen score. Diabetic rats showed a reduction in seminiferous tubule diameter, increased thickening of the basement membrane in seminiferous tubules and...

Background and Aim: Water plays a pivotal role in the body. Alteration of the fluid balance promotes metabolic disorder, thus leading to the development of various diseases, such as diabetes mellitus (DM). Hydrogen-rich water (HW) is recognized as a novel antioxidant. This study aimed to investigate the role of HW on insulin, insulin receptor (IRs), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

Materials and Methods: A total of 30 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: Normal (N), DM rats, DM+metformin (DM+Met, 45 mg/kg body weight [BW]), DM+Met+HW, and DM+HW. DM rats were induced by feeding them a high-fat diet for 30 days and then injecting with repeated low doses of STZ (35 mg/kg BW) intraperitoneally. Fresh HW was administered orally and ad libitum for 14 days. Insulin, IRs, and SOD were observed in each group.

Results: HW therapy increased the level and expression of insulin and IRs. In addition, treatment with HW also elevated the SOD levels in the serum and liver. The study results indicated no significant differences between the administration of HW and metformin.

Conclusion: HW has antioxidant activity in STZ-induced DM rats, increasing insulin, IRs, and SOD.

Aqueous  and  Ethanolic  extracts  of  Cynodon  dactylon and  their
effects  on  Lipidprofile  assay  of  streptozotocin–induced  diabetic
Wistar albino rats were investigated. Diabetes mellitus was induced
by treatment with streptozotocin. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of
Cynodon  dactylon  at  varying  concentrations  (300mg,  500mg  and
700mg/kg  body  weight)  were  administered  to  the  diabetic  rats.
Aqueous and ethanolic extract of herbal preparationof the Bermuda
grass  (Cynodon  dactylon)  showed  a  significantly  decrease  (p<0.05)
in  the  lipid  profile  (cholesterol,  triglyceride,  and  HDL),  but  the
decrease was not progressive, hence they occurred avarying interval.
The extract(s) of the grass (i.e. herbal preparation) has no significant
(p>0.05) effect on LDL within the duration of treatment at different
concentrations.  The  results  of  this  study  strongly  suggest  that
Cynodon  dactylon possess  hypolipidemic  properties  with  the
exception of LDL.

Objectives:The present study was designed to explore the protective
effect of  Cassia auriculata  L. flower extract (CAE) in high fat diet
and streptozotocin induced type 2 diabetic (T2DM) rats.
Methods:T2DM was induced by a combination of high fat dietand
low  dose  streptozocin.  Rats  in  different  groups  were  treated  with
Cassia auriculata L. flower extract at two different doses viz. 300mg
and 500mg/Kg body weight and the hypoglycemic potential as well
as  lipid  lowering  and  antioxidant  properties  of  CAE in  liver  and
pancreas were evaluated.
Results:  T2DM  rats  showed  significantly  elevated  glucose  and
reduced c-peptide levels in serum. Also there was significant increase
in  serum  marker  enzymes  of  liver  toxicity-alanine  transaminase
(SGPT),  aspartate  transaminase  (SGOT)  and  alkaline  phosphatase
(ALP) along with significant reduction in liver glycogen and increase
in  lipid  peroxidation  levels.  There  was  also  deregulation  in  lipid
levels  in  plasma  and  liver  and  significant  reduction  in  antioxidant
enzymes  in  plasma,  liver  and  pancreas.  Encouragingly,  treatment
with Cassia auriculata extract caused significant improvement in the
glucose, insulin, lipid levels in plasma and the antioxidant status of
liver and pancreas.
Conclusion: Out  of  the  two  doses  of  CAE  used  in  this  study,
500mg/kg b.w dose was found to be more effective inregulating the
levels of antioxidants and lipid levels in plasma,  liver and pancreas
indicating its potential to ameliorate peripheral insulin resistance.

In view of therapeutic values associated with Syzygium cumini and increasing consumer demand for functional foods, a non-conventional alcoholic beverage prepared from the stem of Syzygium cumini was evaluated for its efficacy against streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus in male wistar rats. The beverage was observed to be safe for consumption as it did not produce any anomalies in the biochemical markers of liver and kidney of normal rats, rather exerted protective effects on hepatic and renal functions by improving the levels of biochemical indicators. After an oral administration of a daily single of dose of 4ml/kg for a period of 30 days, stem beverage was able to rectify the abnormalities in blood glucose levels, lipid profile and atherogenic index of diabetic rats. The beverage also arrested the deviations in hepatic and renal functions of diabetic rats. Histological studies of pancreas also confirmed the anti-diabetic behaviour of stem beverage. The pharmacological properties of the beverage can be ascribed to the presence of various phenolics and tannins in it. The use of this beverage for the management of diabetes mellitus and associated dyslipidemia is suggested.

In this study, quantification of phenolic compounds and the investigation of antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of the fruit of Solanum torvum Swartz. are described. S. torvum fruit methanol extract (STMe) was administered orally at a dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg/day to streptozotocin induced diabetic rats for 30 days. The levels of glucose, insulin, total protein, hemoglobin, glycated hemoglobin, liver glycogen and marker enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism, hepatic function and antioxidants were analyzed. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed that STMe contained high levels of phenolic compounds, mainly rutin (1.36% w/w), caffeic acid (12.03% w/w), gallic acid (4.78% w/w) and catechin (0.46% w/w). STMe at 200 and 400 mg/kg reduced blood glucose level by 17.04% and 42.10%, respectively in diabetic rats. The levels and/or activities of other biochemical parameters were restored significantly compared to diabetic control rats due to treatment with fruit extract. Histology of liver and pancreas in STMe treated groups substantiated the cytoprotective action of the drug. Immunohistochemical observation of islets in extract treated diabetic rats showed apparent β-cells regeneration. These findings suggest that S. torvum fruit containing phenolic compounds has great potential as a natural source of antidiabetic and antioxidant drug.► Solanum torvum fruit is used as food material. ► S. torvum is known to possess antimicrobial, antiviral, immunosecretory, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. ► S. torvum fruit contains phenolic compounds. ► S. torvum fruit showed promising antidiabetic and antioxidant effects.