Histological and Biochemical Criteria of Pancreas in Diabetic Mice Due to Streptozotocin Exposure and the Potential Role of Saffron

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic health problem, which has undesirable impacts on the quality of life in affected patients. The therapeutic potential of saffron have been documented over the last two decades. The concept of that saffron has a possible anti-diabetic activity is more closely-growing.

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the possible therapeutic potential of aqueous saffron extract (ASE) in diabetic mice via investigating some histological and immunohistochemical assessment for pancreas of different experimental groups.

Material and Methods: Animals were subjected to a single dose of STZ (65 mg/kg body weight). After 24 hours, animals with fasting blood glucose over than 300 mm/dl were considered diabetic. The experimental groups were categorized into; (G1) Normal control, (G2) Saffron, (G3) Diabetic and (G4) Diabetic + saffron. After the onset of diabetes, animals were treated with ASE (80 mg/kg body weight, orally) together with drinking water. After 45 days from the end of the experimental period, liver function tests, and histological studies were performed.

Results: The current results recorded a good phase of regeneration in both the exocrine and endocrine portions of pancreas as regards saffron supplementation after STZ- injection. Also, significant increase in AST, ALT and ALP together with a significant decrease in albumin, in the animals of diabetic group. However, ASE improved the biochemical pattern of all these parameters.

Conclusion: ASE administration at the level of experimental dose showed therapeutic potential on the biochemical and histological picture of treated diabetic mice.