Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
- Seyyedeh Maryam Zamanian Dehkordi 1
- mohsen Jafarian Dehkordi 2
- mohammad zavarshani 1
- mohsen asgari 3
- maryam zavarshani 3
1 Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University of Shahrekord, Shahrekord, Iran
2 Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University of Shahrekord, Shahrekord, Iran
3 Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Islamic Azad University of Shahrekord, Shahrekord, Iran
Abstract
Background and objectives: Long-term elevation of blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia) leads to an increased incidence of the non-enzymatic Maillard reaction. This process leads to the production of glycated proteins such as glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), which increases under diabetic conditions. Various studies have shown that serious secondary complications of diabetes, including cardiovascular diseases and chronic kidney damage, are associated with increased HbA1c levels. Hence, lowering HbA1c levels contributes to the management of diabetic complications. In recent years, it has been demonstrated that medicinal plants are capable of decreasing HbA1c production. Considering that diabetes is one of the most common metabolic disorders in dogs, the present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Pistacia atlantica hydroalcoholic extract on hemoglobin glycation isolated from dogs under in vitro conditions.
Methodology: Initially, 20 mL of blood was collected from a clinically healthy dog with normal fasting blood glucose levels, and hemoglobin was isolated from the blood sample. To prepare the hydroalcoholic extract, fruits of Pistacia atlantica Desf. were collected from the mountainous regions of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, Iran. The fruits were air-dried at room temperature and subsequently extracted using a hydroalcoholic solvent (ethanol–water mixture). The hydroalcoholic extract was then prepared at concentrations of 0.1, 0.5, and 1 g/dL. Glucose solutions at concentrations of 20 and 40 mmol/L were also prepared to simulate hyperglycemic conditions. Experimental mixtures containing hemoglobin, glucose, and the designated concentrations of the hydroalcoholic extract were prepared and incubated at 37°C in the dark for 7 and 14 days. Following incubation, HbA1c levels were determined using a colorimetric assay. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 26). Normality of the data was assessed using the Shapiro–Wilk test. Differences among groups were evaluated by one-way analysis of variance (One-way ANOVA), followed by Tukey's post hoc multiple comparison test. A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: On day 7 under 20 mM glucose (hyperglycemic) conditions, HbA1c levels in the positive control and in the 0.1, 0.5, and 1 g/dL Pistacia atlantica extract groups were 9.67 ± 0.141, 8.68 ± 0.021, 9.16 ± 0.212, and 9.40 ± 0.141, respectively. On day 14, HbA1c levels in the same groups were 9.72 ± 0.141, 7.32 ± 0.021, 7.58 ± 0.002, and 8.21 ± 0.002, respectively. Statistical analysis indicated that HbA1c formation was significantly reduced in all extract-treated groups compared with the positive control (P < 0.05). Similarly, under 40 mM glucose conditions, HbA1c levels on day 7 in the positive control and in the 0.1, 0.5, and 1 g/dL extract groups were 18.42 ± 0.593, 17.07 ± 0.070, 17.58 ± 0.353, and 17.63 ± 0.123, respectively. On day 14, the corresponding values were 18.53 ± 0.141, 15.40 ± 0.067, 15.19 ± 0.124, and 16.86 ± 0.125, respectively. Statistical analysis also revealed a significant reduction in HbA1c formation in all extract-treated groups compared to the positive control (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: The results indicate that the fruit of Pistacia atlantica possesses anti-glycation properties and can reduce HbA1c formation under hyperglycemic conditions. Therefore, it seems that the extract of this plant could serve as a therapeutic adjunct for reducing HbA1c levels and consequently reduce secondary complications associated with hyperglycemia, such as diabetes in dogs.
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