| Abstrakt: |
Hairy root (HR) cultures of Hypericum perforatum L. yield significant quantities of xanthones with powerful anti-diabetic properties. In vivo studies have revealed that extracts from these HR cultures display antihyperglycemic properties, improving metabolic parameters (body weight, food and water consumption and urine output), lowering lipid levels, and improving serum enzyme activity. Nevertheless, the exact mechanism behind HR extract's actions is still unclear. Therefore, the present research examines the underlying biochemical and molecular mechanism by which HR extract exerts the antihyperglycemic and antidiabetic actions. Identification and quantification of different phenolic compounds in HR extracts were performed by HPLC/DAD/ESI-MSn analysis. HR extract (200 mg/kg body weight) was administered daily to both healthy and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats for 14 days. Glibenclamide-treated animals served as positive controls. Blood glucose levels, plasma insulin concentrations, liver enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) mRNA levels, Protein kinase Cε (PKCε) concentrations, and pancreatic Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) activity were measured. The treatment of diabetic animals with HR extracts increased insulin levels and PARP activity in diabetic rats, resulting in normal blood glucose levels. Furthermore, HR treatment significantly lowered gluconeogenic and increased glycolytic enzyme activities, resulting in a restoration of liver glycogen content. Additionally, rats treated with HR showed an increase in AMPK expression and a decrease in PKCε levels. HR extracts show insulinotropic effects and regulate PARP activity, indicating potential cytoprotective and regenerative effects on βcells. Moreover, the extract regulate hepatic carbohydrate metabolism in diabetic rats through the modulation of AMPK expression and PKCε concentration. Thus, HR extract could be considered as a potent herbal medicine for treating diabetes and a promising source of compounds for antidiabetic drug development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
