Pars Journal of Medical Sciences

Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Aloe Vera on Fetal Cerebellar Development in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Research Center for Noncommunicable Diseases, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran

2 Student Research Committee, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus has destructive effects on fetal brain development. Aloe vera extract contains potent
antioxidants which can be effective in treating diabetes. The present study investigated the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Aloe vera on fetal cerebellar tissue in diabetic rats.
Materials and Methods: Forty eight adult pregnant Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups of 8 including control (C), receiving 400 mg/kg Aloe vera extract (CA), diabetic by injecting with 50 mg/kg streptozotocin (D), diabetic group receiving 20 IU/kg insulin (DI), diabetic group receiving 400 mg/kg Aloe vera extract (DA) and diabetic receiving 20 IU/kg insulin and 400 mg/kg Aloe vera extract (DAI). The rats received insulin subcutaneously and the Aloe vera extract through gavage. Blood glucose and body weight were recorded on days 1, 7, 14 and 18 of gestation. On day 18, the weight of each rat and the number and gender of its fetuses were recorded. Fetal brains were removed and tissue sections of their cerebellum were prepared. The results were analyzed through ANOVA and at the significant level of p≤0.05.
Results: Blood glucose in diabetic groups was significantly higher than C and A groups. Weight of pregnant rats on days 7,14, and 18 significantly decreased in the D, DI, and DAI groups compared to the C and A groups. In all diabetic groups compared to the C and A groups, the number of newborns significantly decreased and the neonatal weight increased. In group D, compared to group C, the thickness and number of gray and white matter cells, the thickness and number of molecular, Purkinje, and granular layer cells decreased significantly. Also, In DI and DAI groups compared to group D, the thickness of gray and white matter, the thickness and number of molecular layer cells and the number of white matter
cells showed a significant change compared to group D.  
Conclusion: It seems that aloe vera prevents the destruction of the fetus brain tissue of diabetic rats by reducing
blood sugar and preventing the increase of harmful oxidants.

 

Keywords

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