Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40569910›Full record

ArticlePloS one2025

Effects of Conocarpus lancifolius and crocin on superoxide dismutase and protein kinase B genes and protein expressions in diabetic rats.

Mohamed Lotfy, Abdallah Khalaf, Faisal AlBarghouthy, Abdulla Alhashmi, Hesham Adam, Abdulla Almesmari, Biduth Kundu, Taoufik Ksiksi

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in PloS one, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

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0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Mohamed LotfyBiology Department, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.ORCID 0000-0003-4111-3434
Abdallah KhalafBiology Department, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
Faisal AlBarghouthyBiology Department, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
Abdulla AlhashmiBiology Department, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
Hesham AdamBiology Department, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
Abdulla AlmesmariBiology Department, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
Biduth KunduBiology Department, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
Taoufik KsiksiBiology Department, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundDiabetes mellitus, characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, is a global health challenge. Effective management strategies often focus on improving insulin sensitivity and enhancing antioxidant defenses to mitigate diabetes-related complications. This study explored the therapeutic potential of Conocarpus lancifolius (Co) and crocin in modulating insulin signaling and antioxidant gene expression in diabetic rats.

methodsMale Wistar rats were rendered diabetic via alloxan injection and treated orally with C. lancifolius and crocin. Control groups included normal healthy control and untreated diabetic rats. Insulin signaling pathways were assessed by measuring key markers such as protein kinase B (AKT) through western blot and RT-PCR analysis. Antioxidant gene expressions, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), were quantified to evaluate oxidative stress response.

resultsC. lancifolius and crocin treatment significantly improved fasting blood-glucose levels and insulin sensitivity in diabetic rats. Notably, C. lancifolius and crocin administration resulted in the upregulation of AKT, promoting glucose uptake in peripheral tissues. Additionally, C. lancifolius and crocin increased the expression of the SOD gene, improving antioxidant defense in diabetic rats. DISCUSSION: C. lancifolius and crocin had a dual beneficial effect on diabetic rats by modulating key components of the insulin signaling pathway and bolstering antioxidant defenses. The upregulation of AKT as a key gene in insulin signaling pathways suggests an improvement in insulin sensitivity, which is crucial for glycemic control. Concurrently, the elevated antioxidant SOD gene expression indicates reduced oxidative stress, which is vital for preventing diabetic complications.

conclusionOur findings demonstrate that C. lancifolius and crocin significantly improved glucose tolerance, reduced fasting blood glucose levels, and enhanced antioxidant defense in diabetic rats. Histopathological improvements in the pancreas, liver, kidney, and heart further highlight their protective effects against diabetes-induced tissue damage. Additionally, the upregulation of SOD and AKT at both gene and protein levels suggests a role in modulating oxidative stress and insulin signaling pathways. While promising, further studies are needed to clarify their molecular mechanisms, particularly regarding insulin receptor interaction. These findings support the use of C. lancifolius and crocin as natural adjunct therapies to enhance diabetes treatment outcomes.

Indexed as

CarotenoidsDiabetes Mellitus, ExperimentalPlant ExtractsProto-Oncogene Proteins c-aktSuperoxide DismutaseAnimalsAntioxidantsBlood GlucoseInsulinInsulin ResistanceMaleOxidative StressRatsRats, WistarSignal TransductionAntioxidantsBlood GlucoseCarotenoidscrocinInsulinPlant ExtractsProto-Oncogene Proteins c-aktSuperoxide Dismutase

Identifiers

PMID40569910
PMCPMC12200675

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.