The Possible Protective Role of Echinacea and Ginger and both of them on the Lung of Diabetic Male Rats: Histological and Immunohistochemical Study

Abstract

Introduction:Diabetes is a systemic disease characterized by a state of hyperglycemia. Several changes in the respiratory functions had been detected in diabetic patients. Aim of the Work:The current study estimated the efficiency of two herbal extract (ginger and echinacea) on the changes in the lung of diabetic animal model. Materials and Methods: 50 adult male albino rats were used. They were divided into five groups. Control group (group I) received regular diet. Group II: diabetic group (diabetes induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin 60 mg/ kg). Group III: diabetic rats treated with 100mg/kg echinacea orally for 30 days. Group IV: diabetic rats treated with 400mg/kg ginger orally for 30 days. Group V: diabetic rats treated with both 100mg/kg echinacea and 400mg/kg ginger orally for 30 days. Paraffin blocks were prepared for histological and immunohistochemical examinations. Morphometric study and statistical analysis were done for the thickness of the interalveolar septum, the area percentage of collagen fibers and number of positive caspase -3 cells and CD68 positive macrophages. Ultrathin sections were prepared for electron microscopic examination. Results: Diabetes caused a significant increase in the thickness of the interalveolar septa, the area percentage of collagen fibers, the number of caspase-3 positive cells as well as the number of CD68 positive alveolar macrophages compared to the control group. Ultrastructurally, pneumocyte type II appeared with denser nucleus, numerous vacuoles and disorganized lamellar bodies. Conclusion: Groups treated with echinacea or ginger or both showed a significant decrease in the thickness of the interalveolar septa, the area percentage of collagen fibers, the number of caspase-3 positive cells as well as the number of CD68 positive alveolar macrophages compared to the diabetic group. These groups also showed that pneumocyte type II restored their normal appearance.