Amelioration of oxidative stress mediated inflammation and apoptosis in pancreatic islets by Lupeol in STZ-induced hyperglycaemic mice.

BACKGROUND

Type 1 Diabetes mellitus initiates by loss of pancreatic activity which affects other major organs leading to multi-organ failure. Lupeol, a novel phytochemical, is emerging as a potent bioactive molecule. However, the effect of lupeol on hyperglycaemia is not clearly understood. This study delivers an elaborate vision towards the detailed molecular pathway of lupeol against STZ induced diabetic difficulties of the pancreas.

METHOD: The current experiments were designed to focus on the ameliorative effect of the triterpene in combating oxidative damage on the pancreas in a preclinical streptozotocin induced mouse model. After diabetic induction, the animals were subjected to administration with 75 mg kg-1 body weight of lupeol, thrice a week for 7 weeks. Histological measurements were done to investigate the anatomy of the pancreas as well as molecular mechanisms were explored.

RESULTS

The compound was found to regulate several hyperglycaemic and oxidative stress related markers. Lupeol treatment also reversed the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β) as well as attenuated the NF-κB mediated inflammatory and extrinsic apoptotic pathway.

DISCUSSION: These findings in preclinical streptozotocin induced in vivo mouse model strongly suggest the discovery of novel properties of lupeol against oxidative stress in pancreatic β cells by regulating the NF-κB and extrinsic apoptotic pathway.