Effect of simulated microgravity on the antidiabetic properties of wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Abstract

Microgravity affects plant growth and content. A three-dimensional clinostat was used at 4 rotations/min to rotate the seeds of Triticum aestivum cultivar (Ammon) in three dimensions for 7 days, following which the antioxidant activities of ethanolic extracts were evaluated using both nitric oxide-and hydrogen peroxide-scavenging activities. The antidiabetic activities of ethanolic extracts were evaluated by measuring the concentration of plasma glucose, insulin, C peptide, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c); determining the number of β cells in the pancreatic islets; and performing the glucose tolerance test. Furthermore, the effects of the ethanolic extracts on the lipid profile and liver function were estimated. After rats were sacrificed, their pancreases were isolated and used for histopathological processing. The results indicated that the antioxidant potential and antioxidant metabolite content were significantly increased under microgravity conditions in comparison to those under normal gravity conditions. Rats treated with an extract of wheatgrass (T. aestivum) germinated over a period of 6-10 days under microgravity (WGM) showed a significant reduction in the levels of serum glucose, HbA1C, urea, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, and insulin resistance compared to rats treated with an extract of wheatgrass germinated under gravity. Additionally, the total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly decreased. In contrast, highdensity lipoprotein cholesterol, C-peptide, and insulin levels rose significantly after treatment with T. aestivum germinated under microgravity. WGM is a promising potential diabetic treatment without side effects with a low manufacturing cost.

Effect of aqueous extract of barley and wheat grass in stress induced depression in Swiss mice

“…This study determines the different in-vitro antioxidant activity of barley and wheat grass extract. The hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity of wheatgrass extract at 0.8 and 1 mg/mL concentration in the present study was less (35 and 38%) compared to the study conducted by Durairaj V et al., 2014 (57 and 60%) and Al-Awaida WJ et al., 2020 (40%) [ 26 , 47 ]. Similarly, barley grass extract's hydroxyl radical scavenging activity at 0.20 mg/mL concentration in the present study was 63.85%.…”

“…The metal chelating activity of wheat grass extract at 0.8 and 1 mg/mL concentration in the present study was less (42.38 and 51.16%) compared to the study done by Durairaj et al., 2014 (50 and 55%) [ 26 ]. The percentage of nitric oxide scavenging activity of wheat grass extract at 0.8 and 1 mg/mL concentration in the present study showed a high percentage of scavenging activity (59.90 and 65.55%) compared to the study done by Durairaj V et al., 2014 and Al-Awaida WJ et al., 2020 which was approximately 58 and 60% [ 26 , 47 ].…”

3D Culture Systems for Exploring Cancer Immunology

“…For example, a rotational bioreactor has a self-rotating culture container that can create microgravity ( Figure 6 ). Microgravity research is more common in space cell biology, but the negative impacts of microgravity on immune cell function has been well documented [ 110 ]. The addition of vibration to cell culture systems represents a third approach to turning static 3D culture systems into dynamic culture systems ( Figure 6 ) [ 111 , 112 ].…”

Bee venom ameliorates cardiac dysfunction in diabetic hyperlipidemic rats

“…When this occurs, the body starts to consume fat and muscles for energy, resulting in decreased total bodyweight. 60 At the fourth week of the experimental trial, groups treated with bee venom using two doses (0.5 and 1.23 mg/kg) and combined therapy (metformin and atorvastatin) showed a significant elevation in bodyweight compared to the positive control group. Administration of bee venom improved the bodyweight, which may be due to improved glycemic control and its ability to elevate insulin secretion.…”