Objective: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of crocin on mRNA expression of antioxidant enzymes, SOD, CAT and GPX in the brain of the STZ induced diabetic rats.Methods: Thirty animals randomized in three groups containing ten animals in each group as follows; control (non-diabetic rats), DM (STZ-induced untreated diabetic rats), DM+crocin (STZ-induced diabetic rats treated with crocin,). Crocin was given at a dose of 20 mg/kg bw/day by gavage for 21 days.Results: STZ injection caused a significant increase in mRNA expression of antioxidant enzymes, SOD, CAT and GPX when compared to control group. Crocin given to diabetic rats significantly decreased mRNA expression of antioxidant enzymes, SOD, CAT and GPX when compared to DM group.Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that crocin can modulate mRNA expression of antioxidant enzymes, SOD, CAT and GPX and oxidative stress in the brain of the STZ induced diabetic rats.

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