Antihyperlipidemic and biochemical activities of Mcy protein in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND This study was aimed to evaluate the protective effects of a novel anti-hyperglycemic "Mcy protein" isolated from the fruits of Momordica cymbalaria in streptozotocin induced- diabetes rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS Wild type and Streptozotocin induced diabetic male wistar albino rats were either treated with single intraperitoneal injection of 2.5 mg Mcy protein/kg body weight or acetate buffer daily for 30 days. Fasting blood glucose and, serum and tissue lipid levels were measured along with biochemical analysis for hepatic and renal function tests. RESULTS Mcy protein significantly reduced the fasting blood glucose and, serum as well as tissue lipid levels (p<0.05), besides normalizing the levels of liver and kidney function markers in the treated diabetic rats when compared to the diabetic controls. Our studies also showed the pancreatic islet regeneration in Mcy treated rats. CONCLUSION Mcy protein can alleviate hyperlipidemia and help manage diabetes by stimulating insulin secretion without evident toxic effects on liver and kidney.