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Mormodica charantia L. fruit and Genistein ameliorates type 2 diabetes in rats by preventing lipid accumulation, insulin resistance and enhancing beta cell function

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Abstract

Purpose

The present study was aimed at evaluating the role of Momordica charantia L. fruit and Genistein on beta cell, insulin resistance/sensitivity and lipid profile in type 2 diabetic rats.

Methods

Thirty-five (35) albino rats were divided into seven (7) groups of 5 rats each comprising of five (5) non-diabetic and thirty (30) diabetic rats. Groups 1 and 2 served as the normal control and diabetic control groups respectively and received distill water, groups 3 and 4 received Mormodica charantia L. at 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg respectively. Groups 5 and 6 received Genistein at 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg respectively while group 7 received Metformin at 500 mg/kg the experiment lasted for four weeks. All the rats were euthanized at the end of the fourth week.

Results

Lipid profile, glucose and insulin levels were determined from the analysis of serum parameters and the histology of the pancreas. A significant reduction (p < 0.05) in blood glucose levels was noticed in rats that received Momordica charantia L. (MC) and genistein when compared with diabetic control rats. A significant decrease (p < 0.05) in cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels were also noted in rats that received MC and Genistein when compared with the diabetic control rats. MC and Genistein significantly increased (P < 0.05) serum insulin level compared to the diabetic control rats. MC and Genistein significantly decreased (p < 0.05) homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) level compared with the diabetic control group. Pancreas of rats that received MC and Genistein showed regenerating beta-cells.

Conclusion

Momordica charantia L. fruit and Genistein were able to enhance beta cell function and prevent lipid accumulation and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic rats.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Human Anatomy, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

    Wusa Makena & Uduak E. Umana

  2. Department of Human Anatomy, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

    Wusa Makena & Nathan I. Dibal

  3. Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

    Joseph O. Hambolu

  4. Department of Human Anatomy, Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano, Kano State, Nigeria

    James A. Timbuak

  5. Department of Human Anatomy, Federal University Dutse, Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria

    Abdullahi I. Iliya

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  1. Wusa Makena
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  2. Joseph O. Hambolu
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  3. James A. Timbuak
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  4. Uduak E. Umana
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  5. Abdullahi I. Iliya
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  6. Nathan I. Dibal
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Contributions

Conception and design: All authors; Administrative support: JOH, JAT, UEU, AII & NID; Provision of study materials: WM & NID; Collection and assembly of data: WM & NID; Data analysis and interpretation: All authors; Initial draft of manuscript: WM; Critical review of the manuscript: JOH, JAT, UEU, AII & NID; Final approval of manuscript: All authors.

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Correspondence to Nathan I. Dibal.

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The research was approved by ABU Directorate of Academic Planning and Monitoring (Approval No: ABUCAUC/2019/22) and was conducted according to the ARRIVE Guidelines

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Makena, W., Hambolu, J.O., Timbuak, J.A. et al. Mormodica charantia L. fruit and Genistein ameliorates type 2 diabetes in rats by preventing lipid accumulation, insulin resistance and enhancing beta cell function. J Diabetes Metab Disord 19, 1303–1310 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40200-020-00648-4

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