Protection of pancreatic beta-cell by the potential antioxidant bis-o-hydroxycinnamoyl methane, analogue of natural curcuminoid in experimental diabetes.

PURPOSE. To evaluate the antioxidant defense by bis-o-hydroxycinnamoylmethane, analogue of the naturally occurring curcuminoid bis-demethox- ycurcumin in streptozotocin induced diabetes in male Wistar rats and its possible protection of pancreatic β- cell against gradual loss under diabetic condition. METHODS. Male wistar rats were divided into five groups. Group1 served as control rats. Group2 was control rats treated intragastrically with bis-o-hydroxy- cinnamoyl methane at a dose of 15mg/kg body weight for 45 days. Group3, 4 and 5 rats were injected with 40mg /kg body weight of streptozotocin to induce dia- betes. Group4 rats were treated with the drug similar to group2 and group5 rats treated with the reference drug glibenclamide intragastrically for a similar period. After 45 days, the levels of plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin, enzymic antioxidants (SOD, CAT) and non-enzymic antioxidants Vit C, Vit E was deter- mined. Histopathological sections of the pancreas were examined. RESULTS. The levels of plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin which were elevated in group3 diabetic rats were reduced after treatment with the drug. The antioxidant levels showed an increase in the case of treated diabetic rats as compared to group3 dia- betic rats. The islets were shrunken in group3 diabetic rats in comparison to normal rats. In the treated dia- betic rats there was expansion of islets. CONCLU- SIONS. The experimental drug bis-o- hydroxycinnamoylmethane enhances the antioxidant defense against reactive oxygen species produced under hyperglycemic conditions and thus protects the pan- creatic β-cell against loss and exhibits antidiabetic prop- erty.