Tumor growth and the induction of adenylate kinase (EC 2.7.4.3) and pyruvate kinase (EC 2.7.1.40) in transplantable rat hepatomas were studied in organ-ablated and hormonally treated rats that were fed different diets. Tumor growth was slowed when the rats were (a) fasted, (b) diabetic and fed chow, or (c) diabetic and fasted. Tumor growth increased in diabetic rats fed high-glucose diets or tr...

background: saffron is the dried stigmata of the flowers of saffron (crocus sativus l., iridaceae). saffron is well known for the treatment of gastric disorders in traditional medicine.   objectives: in the search for new potential antiulcer agents, the effects of the ethanol extract of saffron and its active constituents crocin and safranal as compared with omeprazole against gastric ulcer ind...

Flickering light dilates retinal arterioles and increases retinal blood flow, a response termed functional hyperemia. This response is diminished in diabetic patients even before the appearance of overt clinical retinopathy. The loss of functional hyperemia could deprive retinal neurons of oxygen and nutrients, possibly exacerbating the development of diabetic retinopathy. We have tested whethe...

BACKGROUND Endothelin (ET) and angiotensin II (Ang II) are vasoactive/trophic peptides that may contribute to the progression of diabetic nephropathy. The transgenic (mRen-2)27 rat exhibits overexpression of Ang II at sites of normal physiological expression. Unlike other rat strains, the streptozotocin-induced diabetic Ren-2 rat develops progressive renal pathology associated with a declining ...

BACKGROUND Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinases (AMPKs), as a sensor of cellular energy status, have been known to play an important role in the pathophysiology of diabetes and its complications. Because AMPKs are known to be expressed in podocytes, it is possible that podocyte AMPKs could be an important contributing factor in the development of diabetic proteinuria. We investigat...

BACKGROUND Although the anti-diabetic activity of Aegle marmelos (AM) is known, however, its anti-glycation activity is not reported yet. In this study, we have investigated its anti-glycation activity under in vitro and in vivo conditions and determined possible mechanism(s) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. METHODS Effective dose of AM (400 mg/kg) was administrated orally to diabetic...