Background & Objective: Regarding growing incidence of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases in diabetes mellitus, the effect of oral intake of Marrubium vulgare (MV) shoots on contractile response of isolated aorta was investigated in rats for two months in Tehran during 2003.
Materials & Methods: In this experimental study 44 male wistar rats were randomly divided into control, MV-treated control, diabetic and MV- treated diabetic groups. To induce diabetes 60 mg/kg streptozotocin was applied intraperitoneally. Two MV- treated groups received MV powder mixed with standard pelleted food at a weight ratio of 1/15. After 2 months, contractile response of aortic rings to KCl and noradrenaline was determined using isolated tissue setup and the results were analysed through Tokey, variance of analysis and repeated measure tests.
Results: Serum glucose level showed a significant increase in diabetic group in the 4th and 8th weeks (P=0.001), compared with the week before experiment, whereas serum glucose level in MV-treated diabetic group showed no significant decline compared with diabetic group. In addition, contractile response to KCL and noradrenaline in MV-treated diabetic group was significantly lower than untreated diabetic group (P=0.03). Furthermore, no significant difference was observed in contractile response to KCL and noreadrenaline between MV-treated control and control groups.
Conclusion: With regard to the obtained results it could be concluded that oral intake of Marrubium vulgare for 2 months attenuates the contractile response of the vascular system and probably prevents the hypertension in diabetic rats. More research in this field is recommended.

Background and Objective: Diabetes mellitus (DM) especially type A, is accompanied by disturbances in learning, memory, and cognitive skills in human society and experimental animals. Regarding the beneficial effect of SM on lipid peroxidation in hyperlipidemia and on serum lipids in DM, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of  prolonged oral administration of SM on learning and memory in diabetic rats.
Materials  and Methods: Female wistar rats (n = 36) were randomly divided into control, SM-treated control, diabetic, and SM-treated diabetic groups. Treatment groups received a mixture of SM and standard rat food at a weight ratio of 6.25% for 4 weeks.To induce diabetes, streptozotocin was injected intraperitoneally at a single dose of 60 mg/kg. For evaluation of learning and memory, initial latency (IL) and step-through latency (STL) were determined at the end of the study using passive avoidance test. Meanwhile, alternation behavior percentage was determined using Y maze test.
Results: There was a significant increase (p = 0.032) in IL in diabetic and SM-treated diabetic groups after 4 weeks compared to control group. There was no significant difference between diabetic and SM-treated diabetic groups. On the other hand, STL decreased significantly (p = 0.032) in diabetic group while it increased significantly (p = 0.027) in SM-treated group compared to control group at the end of the study. The results of Y maze showed that alternation score was not different between treated and untreated diabetic groups.
Conclusion: SM could enhance the consolidation and recall capability of stored information but did not affect spatial memory of diabetic animals.

Background and Objective: Although patients with uncontrolled type 2 Diabetes mellitus(DM) despite conventional treatment with oral hypoglycemic agents eventually require insulin to achieve glycemic control, most of them reject use of insulin. To evaluate the efficacy of adding acarbose to full doses of conventional oral hypoglycemic agents on the metabolic control of the patients this study was designed.
Materials and Methods: In this uncontrolled follow-up study, 20 patients with type 2 DM and persistent poor glycemic control despite maximal doses of sulfonylurea and metformin were recruited to receive additional treatment with acarbose. Insulin therapy was rejected by all the patients and 12 weeks of dietary reinforcement and supervision for their diet and exercise programs failed to improve their glycemic control. An active treatment period with acarbose 100 mg thrice daily was fallowed by a 12-week of placebo. Efficacy was assessed by changes in HbA1c, fasting and 2-h postprandial plasma glucose and fasting plasma lipid levels.
Results: Acarbose treatment was associated with significantly greater reductions in HbA1c (-1.3 +/- 0.2% vs. placebo 0.2 +/- 0.1%, P = 0.038), Fasting Plasma Glucose(FPG)(-25.3 +/-10 mg/dl vs. placebo 10 +/- 6mg/dl , p:0.019), 2-h postprandial glucose (-24 +/- 8 mg/dl vs. placebo   15+/- 7.5 mg/dl, P :0.001) and body mass index(BMI) (-0.5 +/- 0.32 kg/m² vs. placebo 0.42 +/- 0.29 kg/ m², P: 0.01). There were no significant changes in plasma lipids levels.
Conclusion: In patients with type 2 DM inadequately controlled on conventional oral agents, acarbose resulted in beneficial effects on glycemic control and mean body weight. Additional use of acarbose can be considered as a useful alternative in such patients if they are reluctant to accept insulin therapy.Background and Objective: Although patients with uncontrolled type 2 Diabetes mellitus(DM) despite conventional treatment with oral hypoglycemic agents eventually require insulin to achieve glycemic control, most of them reject use of insulin. To evaluate the efficacy of adding acarbose to full doses of conventional oral hypoglycemic agents on the metabolic control of the patients this study was designed.
Materials and Methods: In this uncontrolled follow-up study, 20 patients with type 2 DM and persistent poor glycemic control despite maximal doses of sulfonylurea and metformin were recruited to receive additional treatment with acarbose. Insulin therapy was rejected by all the patients and 12 weeks of dietary reinforcement and supervision for their diet and exercise programs failed to improve their glycemic control. An active treatment period with acarbose 100 mg thrice daily was fallowed by a 12-week of placebo. Efficacy was assessed by changes in HbA1c, fasting and 2-h postprandial plasma glucose and fasting plasma lipid levels.
Results: Acarbose treatment was associated with significantly greater reductions in HbA1c (-1.3 +/- 0.2% vs. placebo 0.2 +/- 0.1%, P = 0.038), Fasting Plasma Glucose(FPG)(-25.3 +/-10 mg/dl vs. placebo 10 +/- 6mg/dl , p:0.019), 2-h postprandial glucose (-24 +/- 8 mg/dl vs. placebo   15+/- 7.5 mg/dl, P :0.001) and body mass index(BMI) (-0.5 +/- 0.32 kg/m² vs. placebo 0.42 +/- 0.29 kg/ m², P: 0.01). There were no significant changes in plasma lipids levels.
Conclusion: In patients with type 2 DM inadequately controlled on conventional oral agents, acarbose resulted in beneficial effects on glycemic control and mean body weight. Additional use of acarbose can be considered as a useful alternative in such patients if they are reluctant to accept insulin therapy.

Background and Objective: Gestational diabetes is one of the most common metabolic disorders during pregnancy. In order to find out a simple and cost effective method with acceptable sensitivity and specificity, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and one hour 50-g glucose challenge test (OGCT) were compared in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Materials and Methods: In this prospective cohort study, pregnant women without preexisting diabetes underwent FPG and OGCT tests between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation. If the OGCT threshold values exceeded ≥ 130 mg/dl, the 100g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed using Carpenter and Coustan criteria. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the performance of the two tests. Results: GDM was diagnosed in 7.3% and impaired glucose tolerance in 3.2%. The best cut-off points for GCT and FPG were 134mg/dl(sensitivity: 99.24%, specificity: 76.57%) and 87mg/dl(sensitivity: 80.15%, specificity: 85.62%).By using GCT, an optimal cut-off values of GCT<135mg/dl (sensitivity: 96.95%) to rule out GDM and values ≥ 165mg/dl (specifity: 96.10%) to rule in GDM, would eliminate the need for the OGTT in 80.1% women (misclassification rate: 3.83%). By using FPG, an optimal cut-off values of <76mg/dl (sensitivity: 95.42%) to rule out GDM and values ≥ 91mg/dl (specifity: 95.56%) to rule in GDM, would eliminate the need for the OGTT in 51% women (misclassification rate: 4.43%). Conclusion: The results showed that the best test for predicting macrosomia, preterm delivery and caesarian section is OGCT and for preeclampsia and respiratory distress is FPG. As OGCT can decrease the necessity of OGTT performance with lower misclassification rate comparing to FPG, OGCT would be the best screening test for GDM in Iran.

Background and Objective: Use of medicinal plants for attenuation of hyperglycemia and restoration of lipids to normal level is clinically very important. In this study, the effect of oral administration of Lycium barbarum (LB) fruit on serum glucose and lipids was investigated in diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty two female Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups control, LB-treated control, diabetic, and LB-treated diabetic groups. The treatment groups received oral administration of plant (fruit)-mixed pelleted food (at a weight ratio of 6.25%) for 6 weeks. Serum glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL- and HDL- cholesterol levels were determined before the study, and at 3rd and 6th weeks after the study. Results: LB treated diabetic rats showed a significant reduction in glucose level compared to non treated group at 3rd and 6th weeks (P<0.01- 0.005). There were no significant changes regarding to total serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Meanwhile, LB administration significantly increased HDL-cholesterol level (P<0.05) and reduced LDL-cholesterol level (P<0.01) in treated diabetic group as compared with untreated diabetic group. Conclusion: Oral administration of LB fruit has a significant hypoglycemic effect and led to appropriate changes only in high density lipoprotein-cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Background and Objective: Diabetes Mellitus is a metabolic disease and the most prevalent disorder in pregnancy. Gestational diabetes mellitus is a kind of diabetes that is recognized in pregnancy. Many risk factors have been recognized for gestational diabetes mellitus. Determining new risk factors help to identify women who are at risk for diabetes. This research was conducted in order to determine the relationship between cigarette smoking before or during pregnancy and gestational diabetes mellitus in women referring to health care centers in Tehran during 2008-2009. Materials and Methods: This case –control study was conducted on 110 pregnant women with gestational diabetes (case group) and 96 pregnant women without the condition (control group) referring to healthcare clinics affiliated to Research Centers of Endocrinology and Metabolism at Ayatollah Taleghani Hospitals as well as Iran Research Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism. A questionnaire was used for collecting data by interviewing the subjects. Both groups were matched for age and parity. Results: Demographic characteristics were similar in both groups. There was a significant difference between the two groups in cigarette smoking before or during pregnancy and occurring diabetes mellitus (p=0.0001) with an estimated odds ratio (OR) of 3.79 (%95 CI = 1.37 – 10.53). Conclusion: The present findings showed a significant relationship between cigarette smoking and gestational diabetes mellitus.

Background and Objective: In patients with diabetes, elevated homocysteine levels have been reported to be associated with endothelial dysfunction, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, poor control of disease, nephropathy, macroangiopathy and oxidative stress. Thus, this observational study was performed to determine the plasma homocysteine level and its correlation with clinical, biochemical and nutritional variables.
Materials and Methods: This study was performed on 70 men with type 2 diabetes under metformin
(at least 1500 mg daily) treatment. Regarding plasma homocysteine, patients were divided into two groups: 31patients with normal homocysteine (group 1: Hcy<15 µmol/L) and 39 patients with hyperhomocysteinemia (group 2: Hcy>15 µmol/L).
Results: 55.1% patients had hyperhomocysteinemia but none of them had folate and B12 deficiency. Significant differences between the two groups, were found for serum folate, total antioxidant capacity and creatinine. No differences were found for insulin resistance and glycemic control. Multiple stepwise linear regression analysis using plasma homocysteine as a dependent variable and all other clinical and laboratory parameters as independent variables indicated that age (β=0.344), creatinine (β=0.351), vitamin B12 (β=0.235), total antioxidant capacity (β=0.285) and malondialdehyde (β=0.245) were independently associated with homocysteine concentration. No correlation was found between the homocysteine and glycemic control, HOMA-IR and intake of B vitamins and caffeine. 
Conclusion: Further studies with a large sample size are required to assess the association of plasma homocysteine with total antioxidant capacity and other biomarkers of oxidative stress in type2 diabetes.

Background and Objective: Diabetes mellitus is a complicated metabolic disorder that can impair both spatial learning and memory. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of zinc and melatonin supplements on spatial learning and memory in diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: This experimental study was carried out on 5 groups of male Wistar rats (n=10 for each): the control animals (C) diabetic adult rats with a normal diet (D) diabetic animals receiving 227 mg/l zinc in their water (D+Z) diabetic rats receiving 150 mg/l melatonin in their water (D+M) and diabetic rats receiving both supplements (D+ZM). Supplementation was started 5 days before induction of diabetes with streptozocin (60 mg/kg, single dose). Twenty days later, the spatial learning was evaluated by Morris water maze (MWM) for 5 consecutive days (4 trials per day). The spatial memory retrieval was estimated on the last day. The serum levels of glucose and insulin were also measured. Results: Diabetic rats spent more time and traveled more distance to find the hidden platform than the controls in the learning stage (P<0.0001). They also spent less time (P=0.004) and passed a shorter distance in the target quadrant over the probe trial. Supplementation with zinc and melatonin inhibits the spatial learning and memory impairment in diabetic animals. Conclusion: Zinc and melatonin Supplementation seem to reverse the induced impaired spatial learning and memory in diabetic rats.

Background and Objective: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) complicates 3-5% of all pregnancies. Glucose Challenge Test (GCT) is a universal screening test for GDM between 24-28 of gestation. Plasma glucose is measured 1 hr after ingestion of 50g glucose load. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship of plasma lipids in 13-23 weeks of pregnancy with abnormal GCT (Glucose Challenge Test). Materials and Methods: This prospective longitudinal study was carried out during 2010-2011. The subjects comprised 575 pregnant women aged 18-35 years old who had referred to two health centers (Kosar and Shahid Soleymani) in Shahr rey –Tehran. The subjects were followed until their 24-28 weeks of gestation. Maternal plasma lipid concentrations were measured at 13-23 weeks of gestation and then all participants were screened at 24-28 weeks of gestation with GCT. A value over 140mg/dl in GCT was considered positive. Results: Logistic Regression analyses confirmed that triglyceride (TG) concentration (OR=1.005, 95% CI= 1.001-1.010) associated with abnormal GCT. No evidence of association was found between GCT risk and plasma concentrations of other lipids (i.e., total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein). In ROC curve analysis, the TG cut-off point in abnormal GCT was 142.5 mg/dl (with 61.3% sensitivity, 60.1% specificity, 73% PPV and 74.63% NPV). Conclusion: The findings of this study imply that TG level at 13-23 weeks of pregnancy can be considered as a predictor factor for abnormal GCT.

Background and Objective: Gestational diabetes and hypothyroidism in pregnancy are the most common endocrine disorders which are considered as insulin resistant conditions. Maternal thyroid hormones play an important role in embryogenesis, fetal maturity, and child’s IQ level. It seems that subclinical hypothyroidism in women with gestational diabetes has a higher prevalence. Since thyroid function tests during pregnancy are not considered as part of a routine testing, therefore, we aimed to study thyroid function associated with insulin resistance in pregnant women. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytic study, 142 pregnant women were randomly entered in GDM and normal groups. After obtaining demographic data and measuring all patients’ BMI, Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) was performed. Serum insulin, thyroid function test and anti –TPO antibody were measured on fasting blood samples. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, T-test, Chi-square test and multivariate regression analysis . Results: 68 pregnant women with GDM and 74 normal pregnant women participated in this study. Patients with GDM had higher age and BMI (P< 0.0001). After eliminating the confounding variables, no significant correlation was found between TSH and insulin or HOMA-IR. Elevated anti-TPO was seen in 14.7% of GDM and 6.8% of normal women (P= 0.171). Significant correlation of anti TPO level was found between both insulin level (P= 0.01) and HOMA-IR (P=0.03). Conclusion: This study did not show any association between thyroid dysfunction and GDM. However, a higher anti-TPO level was seen in GDM patients. Further investigations with more sample sizes are recommended. References 1- VelkoskaNakova V, Krstevska B, DimitrovskiCh, et al. Prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and autoimmunity in pregnant women with gestational diabetes and diabetes type. Source Medical Science Faculty. 2010 31: 51-9. 2- Burrow GN, Fisher DA, Larsen PR. Maternal and Fetal thyroid function. N Engl J Med. 1994 331(16): 1072. ٣- Gharib H, Tuttle RM, Baskin HJ, Fish LH, Singer PA, McDermott MT. Subclinical thyroid dysfunction: a joint statement on management from the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, the American Thyroid Association, and the Endocrine Society. Thyroid. 2005 15(1): 24-8. 4- Crowther CA, Hiller JE, Moss JR, McPhee AJ, Jeffries WS, Robinson JS. Effect of treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus on pregnancy outcomes. N Engl J Med. 2005 352(24): 2477-86. 5- Metzger BE, Gabbe SG, Persson B, et al. International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups Consensus Panel International association of diabetes and pregnancy study groups recommendations on the diagnosis and classification of hyperglycemia in pregnancy. Diabetes Care. 2010 33: 676-82. 6- Longo DL, Kasper DL, Jameson JL, Fauci AS, Stephen LH, Joseph L. Harrisons Principle of Internal Medicine .18 th ed. Vol 2.McGraw-Hill: New York 2011. 7- Surks MI, Hollowell JG. Age-specific distribution of serum thyrotropin and antithyroid antibodies in the US population: implications for the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2007 92(12): 4575-82. 8- Olivieri A, Valensise H, Magnani F. et al. High frequency of anti thyroid autoantibodies in pregnant women at increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus. Euro J Endocrinol. 143: 741-747. 9- Bech K, Hoier-Madsen M, Feldt-Rasmussen U, Jensen BM, Molsted-Pedersen L, Kuhl C. Thyroid function and autoimmune manifestations in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus during and after pregnancy. ActaEndocrinologica. 124: 534-9. 10- Luísa R, Sandra P, Maria C, Elvira M, et al. Prevalence of thyroid antibodies in gestational diabetes mellitus. Endocrine Abstracts. 2007 14 P: 338. 11- Casey BM, Dashe JS, Wells CE, et al. Subclinical hypothyroidism and pregnancy outcomes. Obstet Gynecol. 2005 105(2): 239-45. 12- Emmy V, Rosa V, Jolande A, et al. Significance of subclinical thyroid dysfunction and thyroid autoimmunity before conception and in early pregnancy. a systematic review. Hum Reprod Update. 2011 17 (5): 605-19. 13- Mukesh M. Agarwal, Gurdeep S. et al. Thyroid function abnormalities and antithyroid antibody prevalence in pregnant women at high risk for gestational diabetes mellitus. Gynecological Endocrinol. 2006 22: 261-6. 14- Tuzcu A, Bahceci M, Gokalp D, Tuzun Y, Gunes K. Subclinical hypothyroidism may be associated with elevated high-sensitive hyperinsulinemia. J Endocrinol. 2005 52: 89-94. 15- Dimitriadis G, Mitrou P, Lambadiari V, et al. Insulin action in adipose tissue and muscle in hypothyroidism. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006 91: 4930-4937. 16- Eirini M, Dimitrios JH, Anastasios K, et al. Studies of insulin resistance in patients with clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism. Euro J Endocrinol. 2009 160: 785-90. 17- Sheikholeslami H, ZIAEI AQ. A study of the relationship between diabetes and hypothyroidism. J Qazvin Univ Med Sci. 2007 11: 51-6. 18- Bazrafshan HR, Ramezani MA, Salehei A, et al. Thyroid dysfunction and its relation with diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). J Gorgan Uni Med Sci. 2000 2 (1): 5-11. 19- Karamifar H, Amirhakimi G. Goiter and hypothyroidism in children with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. J Kashan Univ Med Sci. (FEYZ). 2004 7 (4): 95-100. 20- Dehghani Zahedani M, Azinfar A, Mahouri K, Mehrdad S. The identification of related risk factors of thyroid disorder in an iranian pregnant population. Iranian J Endocrinol Metab. 2010 12 (4): 352-8. 21-Meshkani R,Taghikhan M,Larijani B,Khatami S,Khoshbin E and Adeli KH.The relationship between homeostasis model assessment and cardiovascular risk factors in Iranian subjects with normal fasting glucose and normal glucose tolerance.Clinica Chimica Acta. 2006 371: 163-175. 22- Spencer CA, Hollowell JG, Kazarosyan M, Braverman LE. National health and nutrition examination survey III thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)-thyroperoxidase antibody relationships demonstrate that TSH upper reference limits may be skewed by occult thyroid dysfunction. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2007 92(11): 4236-40. 23- Surks MI, Goswami G, Daniels GH. The thyrotropin reference range should remain unchanged. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2005 90(9): 5489-96.

Background and Objective: Increasing evidence has shown that diabetes induces cognitive dysfunction and impairs learning and memory. Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid and vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant with multiple pharmacological effects on diabetes. Thus, we investigated the effect of Berberine hydrochloride and vitamin E on diabetes-induced cognitive dysfunction in rats. Materials and Methods: 48 male Wistar rats were randomly selected and allocated in 6 control groups: control treated with vitamin E (30mg/kg), diabetic and Berberine-treated diabetic group (100mg/kg), vitamin E-treated diabetic group (30mg/kg) and a diabetic group treated with both vitamin E and Berbrine. Diabetes was induced by STZ administration at dose of 55mg/kg through Intraperitoneal injection route. Berberine hydrochloride and vitamin E were administered per os, respectively at doses of 100 and 30 mg/kg/day 1 week after STZ injection for a period of 6 weeks. Blood samples were taken from the tail vein 1, 3, 5, 7 weeks after STZ injection to measure blood glucose levels. Behavioral tests including spatial recognition and objective recognition were performed at the end of the study. Results: Diabetic group treated with both drugs demonstrated significant behavioral differences as compared to diabetic, vitamin E-treated diabetic (30mg/kg), and Berberine -treated diabetic (100mg/kg) groups. In the meantime, cognitive test value demonstrated an increase in this group. Conclusion: Berberine hydrochloride and vitamin E administration for 6 weeks improve cognitive dysfunction in streptozotocin -induced diabetes in rats. References 1- Pop-Busui1 R, Sima A, Stevens M, Diabetic neuropathy and oxidative stress. Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2006 22: 257-273. 2- Galer BS, Gianas A, Jensen MP. Painful diabetic polyneuropathy: epidemiology, pain description, and quality of life. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2000 47: 123-28. 3- Yoshikawa T, Yasuda M, Ueda S, et al. Vitamin E in gastric mucosal injury induced by ischemia- reperfusion. Am J Clin Nutr. 1991 53: 2105-45. 4- Devaraj S Jialal I. Alpha-tocopherol decreases tumor necrosis factor-alpha mRNA and protein from activated human monocytes by inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase. Free Radic Biol Med. 2005 38: 1212-1220. 5- Parihar MS, Chaudhary M, Shetty R, Hemnani T. Susceptibility of hippocampus and cerebral cortex to oxidative damage in sterptozotocin treated mice prevention by extracts of Withania somnifera and Aloe vera. J Clin Neurosci. 2004 11: 397- 402. 6- Scarano WR, Messias AG, Oliva SU, Klinefelter GR, Kempinas WG: Sexual behavior, sperm quantity and quality after short-term sterptozotocin-induced hyperglycaemia in rats. Int J Androl. 2006 29: 482-488. 7- Vuddanda PR, Chakrabory S, Singh S. Berberine: a potential phytochemical with multispectrum therapeutic activities. Drugs. 2010 10: 1297- 1307. 8- Kong WJ, Zhang H, Song DQ, et al. Berberine reduce insulin resistance through protein kinase C-dependent up-regulation of insulin receptor expression. Metabolism. 2009 58: 109-19. 9- Zou J, Zhou S, Tang J, zhang K, Guang L, Huang Y, et al. Protective effect of berberine on beta cells in streptozotocin- and high-carbohydrate/ high-fat diet-induced diabetic rats. Eur J Pharmacol. 2009 606: 262-268. 10- Sharma B, Salunke R, Balomajumder C, Daniel S, Roy P. Anti-diabetic potential of alkaloid rich fraction from. Capparis decidua on diabetic mice. J Ethnopharmacol. 2010 127: 457-462. 11- Hua-Dong Wang, Da-Xiang Lu, Ren-Bin Qi, Therapeutic strategies targeting the LPS signaling and cytokines. Pathophysiol. 2009 16: 291-296. 12- Tsoureli Nikita E, Hercogova J, Lotti T, Menchini G. Evaluation of dietary intake of vitamin E in the treatment of atopic dermatitis: a study of the clinical course and evaluation of the immunoglobulin E serum levels. Int J Dermatol. 2002 41(3): 146-50. 13- Sena CM, Nunes E, Gomes A, Santos MS, Proenca T, Martins MI, Seica RM. Supplementation of coenzyme Q10 and alpha-tocopherol lowers glycated hemoglobin level and lipid peroxidation in pancreas of diabetic rats. Nutr Res. 2008 28: 113-121. 14- Al Shamsi M, Amin A, Adeghate E. Beneficial effect of vitamin E on the metabolic parameters of diabetic rats. Mol Cell Biochem. 2004 261: 35-42. 15- Paolisso G, D'Amore A, Giugliano D, Ceriello A, Varnicchio M, D'Onofrio F. Pharmacological doses of vitamin E improve insulin action in healthy subjects and non- insulin-dependent diabetic patients. Am I Clin Nutr. 1993 57: 650-6. 16- Khanduja KL, Avti PK, Kumar S, PathaniaV, Pathak CM. Inhibitory effect of vitamin E on proinflammatory cytokines-and endotoxin- induced nitric oxide release in alveolar macrophages. Life Sci. 2005 76(23): 2669-80. 17- Azzi A, Ricciarelli R, Zingg JM. Non-antioxidant molecular functions of alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E). FEBS Lett. 2002 519: 8-10. 18- Li RK, Cowan DB, Mickle DA, Weisel RD, Burton GW. Effect of vitamin E on human glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX1) expression in cardiomyocytes. Free Radic Biol Med. 1996 21: 419-426. 19- Yoo KY, Hwang IK, Kim JD, Kang IJ, Park J, Yi JS, Kim JK, Bae YS, Won MH. Antiinflammatory effect of the ethanol extract of Berberis koreana in a gerbil model of cerebral ischemia/ reperfusion. Phytother Res. 2008 22: 1527-32. 20- Zhu F, Qian C. Berberine chloride can ameliorate the spatial memory impairment and increase the expression of interleukin-1beta and inducible nitric oxide synthase in the rat model of Alzheimer’s disease. BMC Neurosci. 2006 7: 78. 21- Yu Y, Liu L, X Wang, et al. Modulation of glucagon-like peptide-1 release by berberine: in vivo and in vitro studies. Bioche Pharmacol. 2010 79(7): 1000-6. 22- Jialal I, Venugopal SK. Oxidative strees, inflammation, and diabetic vasculopathies: the role of alpha tocopherol therapy. Free Radic Res. 2002 36(12): 1331-6. 23- Ziaei S. A randomized placedbo controlled trial to determine the effect of vitamin E in treatment of primary dysmenorrheal. BJOG. 2001 108(11): 1181-30. 24- Calfee Mason KG, Lee EY, Spear BT, Glauert HP. Role of the p50 subunit of NF-kappa β in vitamin E-induced changes in mice treated with the peroxi some proliferator, ciprofibrate. Food Chem Toxicol. 2008 46: 2062-2073. 25- Kuznetsova LP, Sochilina EE, Faddeeva MD, Iagodina OV. Effect of some isoquinoline alkaloids on enzymatic activity of acetylcholinesterase and monoamine oxidase. Ukr Biokhim Zh. 2005 77: 147-153. 26- Peng WH, Lo KL, Lee YH, Hung TH, Lin YC. Berberine produces antidepressant-like effects in the forced swim test and in the tail suspension test in mice. Life Sci. 2007 81: 933-8. 27- Peng WH, Wu CR, Chen CS, Chen CF, Leu ZC, Hsieh MT. Anxiolytic effect of berberine on exploratory activity of the mouse in two experimental anxiety models: interaction with drugs acting at 5-HT receptors. Life Sci. 2004 75: 2451-62. 28- Dhir A, Kulkarni SK. Effect of addition of yohimbine (alpha-2-receptor antagonist) to the antidepressant activity of fluoxetine or venlafaxine in the mouse forced swim test. Pharmacol. 2007 80: 239-43. 29- Yoo JH, Yang EM. Inhibitory effects of berberine against morphine-induced locomotor sensitization and analgesic tolerance in mice. Neuroscience. 2006 142(4): 953-61. 30- Vatassery GT. Vitamin E and other endogenous antioxidants in the central nervous system. Geriatrics. 1998 53: 525-527. 31- Biessels GJ, Kerssen A, de Haan EH, Kappelle LJ. Cognitive dysfunction and diabetes: implications for primary care. Prim Care Diabetes. 2007 1(4): 187-93. 32- Tuma I. Diabetes mellitus and cognitive impairments. Vnitr Lek. 2007 53(5): 486-8. 33- Manning PJ, Sutherland WH, Walker RJ, et al. Effect of high-dose vitamin on insulin resistance and associated parameters in overweight subjects. Diabetes Care. 2004 27: 2166-1. 34- Salonen, JT, Nyyssonen K, Tuomainen TP, et al. Increased risk of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus at low plasma vitamin E concentrations: a four year follow up study in men. BMJ. 1995 311: 1124-7. 35- Knekt P, Reunanen A, Marniemi J, Leino A, Aromaa A. Low vitamin E status is a potential risk factor for insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. J Intern Med. 1999 245: 99-102.

Background and Objectives: Diabetes mellitus (DM) especially type2 is one of the main causes of morbidity in developing countries such as Iran. Recently, fenugreek seeds as medical plant have been considered for treatment of diabetes. Therefore, we conducted this study to evaluate the effects of fenugreek seeds on serum metabolic factors and ICAM-1 levels in type 2 diabetic patients. Materials and Methods: This triple-blind randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 88 T2DM patients. Subjects in fenugreek seeds (n=44) and placebo (n=44) groups consumed 10 g/d of powdered whole fenugreek seeds or 5 g/d of wheat starch before two meals for 8 weeks. Anthropometric measurements, dietary records and fasting blood samples were collected at the baseline and at the end of the trial. Results: BMI, energy and protein intake were significantly different between placebo and intervention groups at the beginning of the study. Fenugreek seeds significantly decreased fasting blood glucose (P=0.007), HbA1c (P=0.0001), serum levels of insulin (P=0.03), and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (P=0.004) in trial group compared to the placebo group. No significant changes was seen in ICAM-1 levels (P=0.64). Conclusion: Fenugreek seeds improved glucose metabolism. There was no significant difference in ICAM-1 levels in our intervention, regarding dose and time. It seems that fenugreek seeds may be useful in controlling blood glucose and its complications in type 2 diabetic patients. References 1- Medical nutrition therapy for diabetes mellitus and hyperglycemia of nondiabetic origin. In: Mahan LK, Escott-Stump S. Krause's food and nutrition therapy Missouri: Saunders Elsevier. Diabetes Review. 2008: 768-804. 2- Harati H, Hadaegh F, Saadat N, Azizi F. Population-based incidence of type 2 diabetes and its associated risk factors: results from a six-year cohort study in Iran. BMC Public Health. 2009 9: 186. 3- Eidi AEM, Sokhteh M. Effect of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum. L) seeds on serum parameters in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Nutrition Research. 2007 27: 728-33. 4- Kriketos AD GJ, Peake PW, et al. Inflammation, insulin resistance, and adiposity a study of first-degree relatives of type 2 diabetic subjects. Diabetes Care. 2004 27: 2033-40. 5- Jaleel F, Aftab J, Rahman MA. Relationship between adiponectin, glycemic control and blood lipids in diabetic type 2 postmenopausal women with and without complication of ischemic heart disease. Clinica Chimica Acta. 2006 370: 76-81. 6- Yoshizawa M, Ohsawa K, Ohta M, et al. Elevated serum levels of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 in NIDDM patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 1998 42: 65-70. 7- Weigert J NM, Wanningera J, Wurma S, et al. Reduced response to adiponectin and lower abundance of adiponectin receptor proteins in type 2 diabetic monocytes. FEBS Letters. 2008 582: 1777-82. 8- Luc GAD, Evans A, Amouyel PH, et al. Circulating soluble adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 and incident coronary heart disease: t prime study. Atherosclerosis. 2003 170: 169-76. 9- Lenghel AR KI, Bondor CI, Rusu C, Rahaian R, Caprioara GM. Intercellular adhesion molecule, plasma adiponectin and albuminuria in type 2 diabetic patients. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2012 95: 55-61. 10- Srichamroen A, Field CA, Basu TK. In vitro intestinal glucose uptake is inhibited by galactomannan from Canadian fenugreek seed (Trigonella foenum graecum. L) genetically lean and obese rats. Nutrition Research. 2009 29: 49-54. 11- Srichamroen A, Field CA, Basu TK. The modifying effects of galactomannan from Canadian-grown fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) on the glycemic and lipidemic status in rats. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2008 43: 167-74. 12- Chatterjee S, Sharma A. Bioactive lipid constituents of fenugreek. Food Chemistry. 2010 119: 349-53. 13- Sharma RD RT. Hypoglycaemic effect of fenugreek seeds in non-insulin dependent diabetic subjects. Nutrition research. 1990 10: 731-9. 14- Kassaian N, Forghani B, Amini M. Effect of fenugreek seeds on blood glucose and lipid profiles in type 2 diabetic patients. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2009 79: 9-34. 15- Mandegary A, Sharififar F, Pournourmohammadi SH, Reza Fardiar R, Shooli S. Alkaloid and flavonoid rich fractions of fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) with antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects. Food Chem Toxicol. 2012 50: 2503-7. 16- Tribolo S LF, Connor C, Suri S, et al. Comparative effects of quercetin and its predominant human metabolites on adhesion molecule expression in activated human vascular endothelial cells. Atherosclerosis. 2007 197: 50-6. 17- Pourghassem Gargari B, Aliasgharzadeh A, Asghari Jafar-abadi M. Effects of high performance inulin supplementation on glycemic control and antioxidant status in women with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Metab J. 2013 37: 140-8. 18- Sharma RD. Effect of fenugreek seeds and leaves on blood glucose and serum insulin responses in human subjects. Nutr Res. 1986 6: 64-1353. 19- Tushar K, Kishalay J, Debidas Gh. Protective Effect of aqueous extract of seed of Psoralea corylifolia (Somraji) and seed of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (Methi) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat: a comparative evaluation. Pharmacognosy. 2013 5: 277-85. 20- Puri D, Prabhu KM. Antidiabetic effect of GII compound purified from fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L) seeds in diabetic rabbits. Ind J Clin Biochem. 2012 27: 21-7. 21- Jaiswal N MC, Venkateswarlu K, Sukanya P, Srivastava AK, Narender T, Tamrakar AK. Hydroxyisoleucine stimulates glucose uptake by increasing surface GLUT4 level in skeletal muscle cells via phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase-dependent pathway. Eur J Nutr. 2012 51: 8-893. 22- Atkinson BJ GB, King CD, Josey MA, Olson AL. Moderate GLUT4 overexpression improves insulin sensitivity and fasting triglyceridemia in high-fat diet-fed transgenic mice. Diabetes Metab J. 2013 62: 58-2249. 23- Ogawa J KT, Smirnov SV, Hibi M, et al. A novel L-isoleucine metabolism in Bacillus thuringiensis generating (2S,3R,4S)-4-hydroxyisoleucine, a potential insulinotropic and anti-obesity amino acid. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2010 89: 38-1929. 24- Mohamad S TA, Bamezaia RNK, Basir SF, Baquera NZ. Lower doses of vanadate in combination with trigonella restore altered carbohydrate metabolism and antioxidant status in alloxan-diabetic rats. Clinica Chimica Acta. 2004 342: 105-14. 25- Hamden K MK, Amri Z, Aloulou A, Elfeki A. Inhibition of key digestive enzymes related to diabetes and hyperlipidemia and protection of liver-kidney functions by trigonelline in diabetic rats. Sci Pharm. 2012 81: 46-233. 26- Kannappan S AC. Insulin sensitizing actions of fenugreek seed polyphenols, quercetin & metformin in a rat model. Indian J Med Res. 2009 129: 401-8. 27- Wein S BN, Petersen RK, Kristiansen K, Wolffram S. Quercetin enhances adiponectin secretion by a PPAR-independent mechanism. Eur J Pharm Sci. 2010 41: 16-22. 28- Setorki M, Rafieian M, Heidarian E, et al. The beneficial effects of Vaccinium Myrtilus L. intake on atherosclerosis risk factors in mal new zealand rabbitse. J Zanjan Univ Med Sci. 2012 20: 79. 29- Yamagata K MA, Matsufuji H,Chino M. Dietary flavonoid apigenin inhibits high glucose and tumor necrosis factor α-induced adhesion molecule expression in human endothelial cells. J Nutr Biochem. 2010 21: 116-24.

Background and Objective: Previous studies have distinctly illustrated the decreasing effects of lemon and garlic extracts on blood glucose and cholesterol. In the present study, the anti-diabetic, anti-atherosclerotic and antioxidant effects of combined lemon and garlic extract were evaluated in diabetic rats fed with high cholesterol diet.

Materials and Methods: The experiment was performed in five groups of rats (N=40); control, diabetic, diabetic plus high-cholesterol, diabetic plus extract and diabetic plus high-cholesterol plus extract. Diabetes was induced by an intravenous injection of streptozotocin (37mg/kg). High-cholesterol diet was prepared by adding 4% cholesterol and 1% colic acid to standard food. Treated groups received lemon and garlic extract orally (1ml, twice a day) for 60 days. At the end, the heart malondialdehyde (MDA) and histopathological changes of aorta were assessed.

Results: Blood glucose significantly increased in diabetic groups (>200mg/dl) and blood cholesterol significantly increased in diabetic plus high-cholesterol rats (187±15mg/dl). Combined extract significantly decreased the blood glucose of diabetic plus extract group (147±7mg/dl) compared to diabetic group (P<0.05). Also, this extract meaningfully decreased the blood cholesterol of diabetic plus high-cholesterol plus extract group (102±10mg/dl) compared to diabetic plus high-cholesterol group (P<0.05). The MDA content of the heart were high in diabetic and diabetic plus high-cholesterol groups plus combined extract decreased the level of MDA in both treated groups. Finally, damage to aorta and atherosclerosis was only observed in diabetic& high- cholesterol group.

Conclusion: Based on our findings, combined extract of lemon and garlic was able to prevent atherosclerosis formation and damage of aorta probably by reduction of tissue oxidative stress, blood glucose and cholesterol in diabetic rats fed with high cholesterol diet.

Background and Objective: Based on previous studies, inflammation and oxidative stress play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of diabetic nephropathy. Therefore, we aimed to examine the protective effects of crocin, as a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, on kidney function and oxidative stress in an experimental model of diabetic nephropathy in male wistar rats.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, male wistar rats (190-220 g) were randomly divided into four groups (each n=6); normal, normal treatment, diabetic, diabetic treatment. The rats were made diabetic by an intravenous injection of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg). Treated rats received crocin intraperitoneally with a dose of 40 mg/kg/day for eight weeks. Blood samples were collected for measurement of blood glucose and creatinine levels. The Malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitrate contents of kidney also were assessed.

Results: Chronic hyperglycemia (blood glucose >400 mg/dL) significantly increased the blood creatinine of the diabetic group (4.51±0.45 mg/dL) compared with normal rats (0.72±0.09 mg/dL, P<0.001). Hyperglycemia also decreased the nitrate content (37%) accompanied by an increase in the MDA content (13.00±0.19 µg/mg protein) compared with normal group (10.22±0.54 µg/mg protein). Crocin significantly decreased the blood creatinine of diabetic rats (1.12±0.13 mg/dL, P<0.001), accompanied by a decrease in blood glucose (9%). Finally, the content of MDA significantly decreased by 29% in diabetic treated rats compare to diabetic untreated rats (P<0.001).

Conclusion: Based on the findings of the present study, it is appeared that crocin has a role in the prevention of diabetic nephropathy through inhibition of oxidative stress and reducing lipid oxidation.

Background and Objective: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common metabolic disorders worldwide. Numerous natural compounds have been developed to treat diabetes mellitus. Royal jelly (RJ) has antioxidant and antidiabetic properties. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of RJ on antioxidant status, lipid peroxidation and liver tissue in diabetic rats.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 32 adult male Wistar rats (190-200 gr) were randomly divided into 4 groups including control, royal jelly, diabetic and diabetic treated with royal jelly. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg) and Royal Jelly (100 mg/kg) was gavaged for 42 days. At the end of our study, serum levels of malondialdehyde, total antioxidant capacity (TCA) and superoxide dismutase/glutathione peroxidase activity were determined spectrophotometrically, while the rat’s livers were isolated for histological study.

Results: Consumption of RJ showed a significant decrease in malondialdehyde serum levels (P= 0.007) and a significant increase in total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase (P=0.0019) and glutathione peroxidase activity in the RJ treated diabetic rats compared to diabetic rats (P= 0.003). Administration of royal jelly improved liver histological states.

Conclusion: RJ increases antioxidant power and prevents the occurrence of histopathological changes resulting from diabetes in rats.

Background and Objective: Diabetes causes fertility disorders by interfering with the endocrine gland function. There are reports that, green tea and catechins could have anti-oxidant and hypoglycemic properties. Therefore, in the present study, we evaluated the effects of green tea aqueous extract and catechin influence on pituitary-gonadal axis in rat models of type 1 diabetes.
Materials & Methods: Six groups of Wistar rats (8 in each group), including control, diabetic control (intraperitoneal injection (IP) of 0.5 mL saline solution for 30 days after induction of diabetes), diabetic treated with 100 and 200 mg/kg doses of green tea aqueous extract (IP injection of 0.5 mL green tea extract for 30 days), and diabetic treated with 100 and 200 mg/kg doses of catechin (IP injection 0.5 mL of catechin for 30 days) were used. The induction of diabetes was conducted through an IP injection of 240 mg/kg alloxan. At the end of the treatment course, the serum levels of LH, FSH, estrogen, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and cytoplasmic HOdG-8 in testicular tissue were measured by ELISA method. ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test (P<0.05) were used to perform the data analysis.
Results: The incorporation of 200 mg/kg green tea extract and 100 and 200 mg/kg concentrations of catechin, in comparison with the diabetic control group, led to a significant dose-dependent increase in the serum level of LH, FSH, estrogen, testosterone, and dihydrotestosterone. A dose-dependent significant decrease was observed in HOdG-8 in the testicular tissue of diabetic rats (P<0.05).  
Conclusion: Based on the obtained data, compared to green tea, catechin considerably enhanced the hormonal parameters and reduced HOdG-8 in testicular tissue of diabetic rats.