Enhanced Insulin Secretion Through Upregulation of Transcription Factors by Hydroalcoholic Extract of Securigera securidaca Seeds in Diabetic Animal Model.

AIM: In previous studies, the researchers observed an increase in insulin secretion in STZ-treated diabetic rats following treatment with the hydroalcoholic extract of Securigera securidaca (HESS) seeds. This study focuses on the relationship between the antioxidant properties of HESS with changes in diabetic pancreatic tissue and the gene expression of factors that impact insulin secretion. METHODS: In this controlled experimental study, three varying doses of HESS were administered to three groups of diabetic rats induced by STZ. Oxidative stress indicators like total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS) and malondialdehyde were assessed in both pancreatic and liver tissues. Pancreatic histology was studied post-haematoxylin staining. Insulin and FGF21 levels in the blood were measured using the ELISA method. The expression of Nrf2 and FGF21 genes in the pancreas and liver, along with MafA and PDX-1 genes in the pancreas, was quantified using real-time PCR. RESULTS: The administration of HESS in varying doses led to a dose-dependent rise in blood insulin levels and a decrease in blood glucose levels and oxidative stress. By reducing oxidative stress, HESS treatment lowered the heightened levels of NRF2 and FGF21 in the liver and pancreas of diabetic rats, improving pancreatic tissue health. As oxidative stress decreased, the expression of MafA and PDX1 genes in the pancreas approached levels seen in healthy rats. CONCLUSION: HESS elicits an increase in insulin secretion through the mitigation of oxidative stress and tissue damage, as well as the modulation of gene expression related to the insulin transcription factors PDX-1 and MafA.

Increased serum levels of hepcidin and C-reactive protein in patients with brucellosis.

Background: Increased serum level of C-reactive protein (CRP) as a classic acute phase protein has commonly been reported in acute brucellosis. Hepcidin is also an acute phase protein and has a critical role in host defense. The aim of this study was to compare the level of hepcidin and CRP in patients with brucellosis. Methods: All patients with brucellosis referred to Sina Hospital during a 10-month period were included. Serum samples were checked for hepcidin levels in patients and also in the control group. Information on demographic and clinical characteristics was determined through completion of a questionnaire. Results: A total of 42 patients with brucellosis and 42 healthy controls were enrolled. The most common symptoms of brucellosis were fever (76%) and arthralgia (69%). The mean serum level of hepcidin in patients (42.6±11.7 pg/mL) was significantly higher than in the controls (17.3±4.2 pg/mL) (p<0.001). The mean serum levels of CRP in patients and controls were 12.6±12.2 and 3.1±2.4 mg/L, respectively (p=0.001). Conclusions: Increased serum levels of hepcidin in brucellosis can be considered a diagnostic biomarker of inflammation and active disease. Further studies are needed to identify the role of hepcidin as a host defense mechanism in brucellosis.