Berberine Suppresses Gestational Diabetes in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetes Mellitus Rats by Suppression of Inflammatory Mediators

Abstract

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a serious health condition witnessed among females who experience insulin resistance and glucose intolerance with the onset of pregnancy. Multiple risk factors prevail both to the gestating mother and the growing fetus at the time of pregnancy which may prolong even postpartum. Aim: Berberine, a natural plant extract known for its anti-inflammatory and potent antidiabetic activity was used to clinically suppress the risk factors involved in Gestational diabetes mellitus. Materials and Methods: Female Wistar rats were used as the models for this study. Streptozotocin was administered to induce diabetes in the female rat model. Berberine was administered to the test animals and monitored with regular analysis of body weight, fetal-placental weight and index, Foetal Blood Glucose (FBG), Serum advanced glycation end products (AGEs), and antioxidant enzyme concentrations. Biochemical parameters, lipids, and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels were assayed to study the influence of Berberine. Results: Upon investigating, it was observed that Berberine produced remarkable activity in suppressing glucose intolerance and insulin resistance by targeting multiple criteria, including inflammatory mediators enlisted above. Conclusion: From this study, it is evident that Berberine can be used as a therapeutic agent to treat gestational diabetes.