Effects of the Hydroalcoholic Extract of Zingiber officinale on Arginase I Activity and Expression in the Retina of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract

BackgroundEmerging evidence suggests that an increased arginase activity is involved in vascular dysfunction in experimental animals. Zingiber officinale Roscoe, commonly known as ginger, has been widely used in the traditional medicine for treatment of diabetes.ObjectivesThis study aimed at investigating the effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of Z. officinale on arginase I activity and expression in the retina of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.MethodsIn this experimental study, 16 male Wistar rats weighing 200 – 250 g were assessed. Diabetes was induced via a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (60 mg/kg body weight). The rats were randomly allocated into four experimental groups. Untreated healthy and diabetic controls received 1.5 mL/kg distilled water. Treated diabetic rats received 200, and 400 mg/kg of the Z. officinale extract dissolved in distilled water (1.5 mL/kg). Body weight, blood glucose and insulin concentration were measured by standard methods. The arginase I activity and expression were determined by spectrophotometric and western blot analysis, respectively.ResultsOur results showed that blood glucose concentration was significantly decreased in diabetic rats treated with the extract compared to untreated diabetic controls (P < 0.01). Treatment with 400 mg/kg of the extract reduced arginase I activity and expression (P < 0.05). A significant elevation in body weight was observed in diabetic rats treated with the extract. Serum insulin was significantly increased in diabetic rats treated with 400 mg/kg of the extract compared to diabetic controls (P < 0.05).ConclusionsOur results suggest that the Z. officinale hydroalcoholic extract may potentially be a promising therapeutic option for treating diabetes-induced vascular disorders, possibly through reducing arginase I activity and expression in the retina.

The ginger extract could improve diabetic retinopathy by inhibiting the expression of e/iNOS and G6PDH, apoptosis, inflammation, and angiogenesis

“…Ramudu et al., (2011) also showed that ginger extract could increase the activity of G6PD, and some enzymes involved in the citric acid cycle in the kidney tissue of diabetic rats (Ramudu et al., 2011). Lamuchi‐Deli et al., (2017) also showed that ginger extract (400 mg/kg) improves diabetes‐induced vascular impairment by inhibiting the activity and expression of arginase I (Lamuchi‐Deli et al., 2017). Saraswat et al., (2010) showed that ginger improves diabetes‐induced eye damage by lowering blood sugar and inhibiting the polyol pathway (Saraswat et al., 2010).…”

Effects of Zingiber officinale hydro-alcoholic extract on HMG-COA reductase level in the testis of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

“…Effects of Zingiber officinale extract on the biochemical parameters Before induction of diabetes, the mean of body weight was similar between groups and there was no significant difference in fasting blood glucose concentration. The effect of Z. officinale extract on the body weight, insulin level, and fasting blood glucose concentrations were assessed and the results are presented elsewhere (19).…”

Activation of the GABA-alpha receptor by berberine rescues retinal ganglion cells to attenuate experimental diabetic retinopathy

“…Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of 60 mg/kg body weight STZ (Sigma, St. Louis, MO). Age-matched non-diabetic animals were injected with an equal volume of citrate buffer (Sakai et al, 1995 ; Lamuchi-Deli et al, 2017 ). The induction of diabetes was confirmed by measuring the glucose concentration in blood samples collected from the tail vein using a commercially available blood glucose meter (One Touch Ultra Easy, Johnson & Johnson, USA) with matching glucose test strips.…”