Ginger extract attenuates preliminary steps of streptozotocin-mediated oxidative stress in diabetic rats

Objective: Although the role of streptozotocin (STZ) in the pathogenesis of diabetes in rats has been well investigated, as evidenced by several citations, to our knowledge no study has been carried out yet to examine the preliminary steps of STZ-mediated oxidative stress in pancreatic rat tissues. This study aimed to evaluate the hypoglycemic and potential antioxidant properties of ginger extract (GE) in diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats weighting 250-300 g were allocated to groups as follows: Nondiabetic control group (n = 12) that received chow diet; nondiabetic control group that received chow diet plus oral feeding of GE (n = 12); diabetic group (n = 12) that received chow diet; and diabetic group (n = 12) that received chow diet plus oral feeding of GE. The drug STZ was used as a diabetogenic agent in a single intraperitoneal injection dose of 60 g/kg body weight, and the blood glucose level for each rat was measured twice a week. After 12 weeks, all animals were overnight fasted and sacrificed; serum was collected for biochemical measurements of glucose, insulin, and oxidative stress indices [advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), protein carbonyls, and nitrates plus nitrites]. The pancreas tissues were dissected and homogenized for antioxidant measurements [glutathione (GSH) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC)]. Results: Diabetic rats treated with GE showed a significant protective effect against STZ-induced hyperglycemia and oxidative stress as compared with the control group. Conclusion: Our results suggested that GE possesses potential benefits in controlling type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and that it may also prevent pancreas damage.