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Mitigation of Hepatic and Pancreatic Injury by Spondias tuberosa Extract Through Oxidative Enzyme Modulation and
Vitória Natália Ferreira de Sena1, Cecília Paulino Cassiano da Silva1, Letícia Alves Borges E Pires1
1Department of Morphology Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte Natal Rio Grande do Norte Brazil.
Abstract:
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder marked by hyperglycemia due to impaired insulin secretion and/or action. Conventional therapies are often limited by side effects, highlighting the need for alternative treatments. Natural products have gained interest as promising therapeutic agents. Spondias tuberosa Arruda (umbu), traditionally used in Brazilian folk medicine, exhibits pharmacological potential against metabolic diseases. This study evaluated organoprotective and antioxidant effects of S. tuberosa extract (ExSt) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats through clinical, biochemical, histopathological evaluations, as well as analysis of oxidative stress-related markers. Fifty-two Wistar rats were divided into five groups: CT (nondiabetic control), DM (diabetic), EX (nondiabetic + ExSt), DMEX (diabetic + ExSt), and DMIN (diabetic + insulin). Diabetes was induced by STZ (50 mg/kg, i.p.), and treatments with ExSt (500 mg/kg, orally) or NPH insulin (10 IU, s.c.) were administered for 30 days. Diabetic rats exhibited hyperglycemia, polyphagia, polydipsia, weight loss, and increased transaminases (AST, ALT), along with hepatic and pancreatic alterations. Treatment with ExSt moderately reduced AST and ALT levels, strongly preserved pancreatic morphology, and attenuated hepatic glycogen depletion by 50% despite the maintenance of hyperglycemia. Additionally, ExSt downregulated TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 expression and modulated oxidative stress-related enzymes, indicating antioxidant and antifibrotic mechanisms. These findings demonstrate that S. tuberosa extract mitigates hepatic and pancreatic injury in experimental diabetes through modulation of oxidative enzymes and TGF-β signaling, supporting its potential as a natural therapeutic alternative derived from Brazil's biodiversity.
Insights
Spondias tuberosa extract shows promise in managing diabetes complications. It helps protect organs and reduce oxidative stress in diabetic rats, offering a potential natural alternative for metabolic disorders.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products
- Metabolic Diseases
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia.
- Conventional DM therapies have limitations and side effects, necessitating alternative treatments.
- Natural products, like Spondias tuberosa (umbu), are explored for their therapeutic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the organoprotective and antioxidant effects of Spondias tuberosa extract (ExSt) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.
- To investigate the impact of ExSt on clinical, biochemical, histopathological, and oxidative stress markers in experimental diabetes.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-two Wistar rats were divided into five groups: control, diabetic, diabetic + ExSt, nondiabetic + ExSt, and diabetic + insulin.
- Diabetes was induced using streptozotocin (STZ).
- Treatments included ExSt (500 mg/kg, orally) or NPH insulin (10 IU, s.c.) for 30 days.
Main Results:
- Diabetic rats showed hyperglycemia, polyphagia, polydipsia, weight loss, elevated AST/ALT, and hepatic/pancreatic damage.
- ExSt treatment moderately reduced AST/ALT levels and preserved pancreatic morphology.
- ExSt attenuated hepatic glycogen depletion, downregulated TGF-β1/β2 expression, and modulated oxidative stress markers.
Conclusions:
- Spondias tuberosa extract mitigates hepatic and pancreatic injury in experimental diabetes.
- The extract exerts antioxidant and antifibrotic effects by modulating oxidative enzymes and TGF-β signaling.
- Spondias tuberosa extract represents a potential natural therapeutic alternative for managing diabetes complications.
