Ginger Root Extract Improves GI Health in Diabetic Rats by Improving Intestinal Integrity and Mitochondrial Function

Abstract

Background Emerging research suggests hyperglycemia can increase intestinal permeability. Ginger and its bioactive compounds have been reported to benefit diabetic animals due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In this study, we revealed the beneficial effect of gingerol-enriched ginger (GEG) on intestinal health (i.e., barrier function, mitochondrial function, and anti-inflammation) in diabetic rats. Methods Thirty-three male Sprague Dawley rats were assigned to three groups: low-fat diet (control group), high-fat-diet (HFD) + streptozotocin (single low dose 35 mg/kg body weight (BW) after 2 weeks of HFD feeding) (DM group), and HFD + streptozotocin + 0.75% GEG in diet (GEG group) for 42 days. Glucose tolerance tests (GTT) and insulin tolerance tests (ITT) were conducted at baseline and prior to sample collection. Total pancreatic insulin content was determined by ELISA. Total RNA of intestinal tissues was extracted for mRNA expression using qRT-PCR. Results Compared to the DM group, the GEG group had improved glucose tolerance and increased pancreatic insulin content. Compared to those without GEG (DM group), GEG supplementation (GEG group) increased the gene expression of tight junction (Claudin-3) and antioxidant capacity (SOD1), while it decreased the gene expression for mitochondrial fusion (MFN1), fission (FIS1), biogenesis (PGC-1α, TFAM), mitophagy (LC3B, P62, PINK1), and inflammation (NF-κB). Conclusions Ginger root extract improved glucose homeostasis in diabetic rats, in part, via improving intestinal integrity and mitochondrial dysfunction of GI health.

Peanut Shell Extract Improves Mitochondrial Function in db/db Mice via Suppression of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

“…In this study, the db/db mice had significantly increased gene and protein expression of PINK1 in the liver, brain, and WAT, indicating increased mitophagy through a PINK1-mediated pathway in diabetic mice. Our discovery of increased mitophagy in the above-mentioned tissues of diabetic mice aligns with previous research conducted on diabetic animal models [19,[43][44][45]. Intriguingly, the findings that PINK1 levels were significantly suppressed in all three measured tissues by PSE administration suggest that mitophagy decreased in PSE-treated diabetic mice.…”

“…Similar to the brain findings in db/db mice, dysfunctional mitochondria were noted in the liver and WAT of diabetic mice. Such changes in gene/protein expression levels of fission mediators (DRP1) and fusion mediators (MFN1, MFN2, and OPA1) observed in both tissues of diabetic mice align with findings from prior studies on hyperglycemicinduced mitochondrial fission [19] and fragmentation [28,29]. The present investigation is the pioneering study showcasing the efficacy of PSE to restore the DM-induced changes in both fission and fusion gene/protein expression in diabetic mice.…”

“…Total RNA was isolated from the liver, brain, and WAT using the RNAzol RT (RN190, Molecular Research Center Inc., Cincinnati, OH, USA) and a BAN ratio 1:200 (BN191, Molecular Research Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA). RNA isolation and qRT-PCR for respective gene expression (Supplementary Table S1) were described in our previous work [19]. Gene expressions were normalized using β-actin as a housekeeping gene.…”

In vivo protective effects of 6‑gingerol in cerebral ischemia involve preservation of antioxidant defenses and activation of anti‑apoptotic pathways

“…In line with available studies, the current results demonstrated that animals treated with piracetam (250 mg/kg BW) or 6-gingerol (20 mg/kg BW) exhibited significantly less reduction in the density ratio of Mfn2 to the β-actin band compared with rats in the Rt.MCAO + vehicle group. Supplementation with gingerol-enriched ginger has been revealed to alleviate Mfn2 and mitochondrial inner membrane fusion (OPA1) in diabetic rats ( 58 ). According to findings presented in a previous study, phenolic compounds such as 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol have pharmacological activities that support the generation of functional mitochondria, thereby promoting mitochondrial biogenesis ( 59 ).…”

Whey Improves In Vitro Endothelial Mitochondrial Function and Metabolic Redox Status in Diabetic State

“…To this aim, the search for nutrients and food-derived compounds able to modulate age-related epigenetic mechanisms promoting beneficial/preventive effects still represents an open field. The latest findings show that improved mitochondrial redox capacity by dietary interventions may be an important strategy for preventing and/or treating T2DM and its complications [ 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ]. In this regard, the ability of milk to exert positive effects on human health can be ascribed to its distinguishing content in functional compounds and exosome microRNAs (miRNAs), mainly from Italian Mediterranean buffalo ( Bubalus bubalis ) [ 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 ].…”