Effect of Glabridin on the Structure of Ileum and Pancreas in Diabetic Rats: A histological, Immunohistochemical and Ultrastructural Study

The ileum and pancreas exhibit numerous morphological and functional changes in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. Glabridin, a major flavonoid of Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice), possesses multiple pharmacological activities. This study was carried out to clarify the role of glabridin on immunohistochemical and ultrastructural changes and associated oxidative stress in ileum and pancreas of diabetic rats. For this purpose, 30 adult male albino rats were divided into 3 groups (10 animals each); control group, diabetic group and the third group was concomitantly subjected to both induction of diabetes and glabridin treatment. After 28 days all animals were sacrificed and specimens from ileum and pancreatic cells were processed for light and electron microscopic examinations, morphometric analysis with immunohisto-chemical staining of pancreatic beta-cells by anti-insulin antibody. H and E stained ileal sections in diabetic rats exhibited, pleomorphism of villi, with erosion of their apical columnar epithelial cells and cellular infiltrations. Homogeneous material with increased crypt depth, goblet cell numbers and thickness of muscularis layer were also observed, using Scanning electron microscope, ileal villi appeared wider with marked convolutions and minimal loss of microvilli. Pancreatic β-cells ultrathin sections in the diabetic group showed shrinkage nuclei, depletion of β-cells granules, vacuolation and dissolution of mitochondria. Insulin immunoreactivity was apparently reduced by about 50% from total β-cell bulk in diabetic group. Glabridin treatment significantly reduced the observed histological alterations and morphometric changes in the ileum and pancreatic islet cells in diabetic rats. Biochemically, there was a significant increase in lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress markers, namely superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase with decline in glutathione peroxidase, increased levels of blood glucose, glycohaemoglabin, cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL) in group II. These parameters returned to normal respective values after glabridin treatment. Conclusion: Glabridin administration ameliorates diabetes-induced ileal mucosa and pancreatic β-cells morphological and biochemical changes with their associated oxidative stress. [Maha M. Abo Gazia and Nermeen M. Hasan Effect of Glabridin on the Structure of Ileum and Pancreas in Diabetic Rats: A histological, Immunohistochemical and Ultrastructural Study. Nature and Science 2012; 10(3):78-90]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net 12