The Expression of TNF-α and IL-6: Exploring the Histological and Biochemical Antidiabetic Effects of Okra Seed on Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Model
摘要
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is characterized by hyperglycemia and is a chronic metabolic disorder with systemic inflammatory manifestation. Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are the molecules involved in the pathophysiology of DM because both aggravate insulin resistance and inflammatory states. This paper investigates the histological and biochemical effects of okra seed (Abelmoschus esculentus) on alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus rat model as a means for improving or potentially modulating blood glucose (BG) levels and expression of TNF-α and IL-6. Thirty albino rats were divided into three groups: control, diabetic, and okra-treated diabetic groups. Induction of diabetes was via alloxan monohydrate, and the okra group received daily supplementation of okra seed extract for four weeks. In biochemical analyses, the diabetic group was found to have statistically significantly increased levels of BG, cholesterol, and triglycerides in comparison to the control group (p < 0.001). The indices, in part, confirm the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of okra on rat models. Histological examination of liver tissue elucidated severe inflammatory changes observed in the diabetic group, including hepatocyte hypertrophy and disarrangement of the architecture. These changes demonstrated partial reversal in the okra-treated group, where there was reduced infiltration and better morphology of the hepatocytes. Immunohistological analysis indicated TNF-α and IL-6 expression by the diabetic group, while treatment with okra significantly downregulated IL-6 expression (p < 0.001). On the contrary, the reduction of TNF-α by okra treatment was not statistically significant (p = 0.182). In conclusion, okra seed extract demonstrates anti-diabetic activity by improving basal glycemia, lowering lipid levels, and affecting inflammatory indicators. The potential of okra in this way as a supplementary treatment for the management of DM and its complications would be justified. It would call for further investigation into mechanistic and clinical applications.