leaf extract reduces pancreatic β-cell apoptosis by inhibiting JNK activation and modulating oxidative stress and inflammation in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND

Controlling apoptosis induced by oxidative stress in pancreatic β-cells provides promising strategies for preventing and treating diabetes. leaves possess bioactive constituents with potential antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties.

AIM

This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which extract protects pancreatic β-cells from apoptotic damage in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

METHODS

Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by intraperitoneal injection of 45 mg/kg STZ, followed by 28 days of treatment with leaf extract and Glibenclamide as the standard drug. At the end of the study, blood samples were collected to measure glucose levels, oxidative stress markers, and inflammation. Pancreatic tissue was stained immunohistochemically to detect c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and Caspase-3 expression.

RESULTS

The administration of leaf extract to diabetic rats significantly reduced fasting blood glucose, malondialdehyde, and tumor necrosis factor-α levels, while concurrently enhancing the activity of superoxide dismutase. The immunohistochemical studies revealed a decrease in the expression of JNK and caspase-3 in the pancreatic islets of diabetic rats.

CONCLUSION

exhibits the potential to protect pancreatic β-cells from apoptosis by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation.