Kolaviron Modulates Glucose Metabolism-associated Genes in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats
A. A. Fowotade
*
Department of Morbid Anatomy, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria.
Y. S. Akinbo
Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, USA.
F. O. Akinbo
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Despite advances in diabetic treatment, side effects of antidiabetic drugs, including hypoglycemia and allergic reactions, drive the search for safer natural alternatives. Kolaviron (KV), a biflavonoid complex from Garcinia kola, has demonstrated antihyperglycemic properties, but its molecular impact on glucose metabolism-related genes remains understudied. This study aims to evaluate the effects of KV on Aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator-like protein 1 (ARNT), Rat Insulin-2 (RATINS), Glucose transport type 4 (GLUT-4), and Toll-like receptor type 4 (TLR-4) gene expressions in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats.
Materials and Methods: A total of 22 adult male and female Wistar rats weighing 200–250 g were divided into five groups. Diabetes was induced in 20 rats using 42 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ). Animals were grouped into five: Group A (non-diabetic control, n=2), Group B (untreated diabetic, n=2), Group C (diabetic, metformin 100 mg/kg, n=6), Group D (diabetic, KV 100 mg/kg, n=6), and Group E (diabetic, KV 200 mg/kg, n=6). Treatments lasted three months. Blood glucose and HbA1c were assessed monthly. mRNA expression of target genes was evaluated by qPCR. Sequence variations were analyzed using Sanger sequencing.
Results: KV at 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight significantly reduced blood glucose and HbA1c levels (P<0.001). There was a significant upregulation of ARNT, RATINS, GLUT-4, and TLR-4 in KV-treated groups, with minor fluctuations in some months. A silent A→G mutation was detected at amino acid 885 of TLR-4 without altering protein function.
Conclusion: KV improved glycemic control and modulated key genes in glucose metabolism without inducing harmful mutations, supporting its potential as a natural antidiabetic agent.
Keywords: Diabetes, kolaviron, streptozotocin, ARNT, RATINS, GLUT-4, TLR-4