title: The prophylactic effect ofViscum albumin streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Viscum album(VA) is a species of mistletoe in the family Santalaceae that is thought to have therapeutic properties for several diseases, including diabetes. In the present study, conventional experimental rat model was used with diabetes induced with streptozotocin (STZ) to evaluate effect of VA on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant system.
  
  
  METHODS
  Total of 32 adult, male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups of 8 rats: Control group, STZ group, VA group, and group administered VA+STZ. VA extract was 100 mg/kg preparation delivered once a day by oral gavage for 10 days. Single dose of 55 mg/kg STZ citrate buffer (0.1 M, pH 4.5) was administered intraperitoneally to induce diabetes. Fasting blood glucose level was measured and recorded. Animals were sacrificed, and catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), and protein present in liver and kidney tissue samples were measured. Activity of CAT, an antioxidant enzyme, was studied according to the Aebi method. MDA, a product of lipid peroxidation, was analyzed using Draper and Hadley spectrophotometric procedure. Protein level was determined using supernatant and extract of tissue homogenates according to Lowry method. Data were assessed using one-way analysis of variance and pairwise comparisons between groups. Post-hoc analysis included Dunnet test, Duncan test, and least significant difference test. P<0.05 was considered significant probability value.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Oxidative stress is associated with diabetic complications. VA administered to diabetic rats reduced oxidative stress and improved their general condition.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Further studies are needed to enhance understanding of potential antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of VA.
authors.affiliation: Suleyman Demirel University Faculty of Medicine, Isparta, Turkey.
authors.forename: Asuman
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Turkkan
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Biochemistry, Suleyman Demirel University Faculty of Medicine, Isparta, Turkey.
authors.forename: Hasan Basri
authors.initials: HB
authors.lastname: Savas
authors.affiliation: Suleyman Demirel University Faculty of Medicine, Isparta, Turkey.
authors.forename: Berire
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Yavuz
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Genetic, Suleyman Demirel University Faculty of Medicine, Isparta, Turkey.
authors.forename: Ayse
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Yigit
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Genetic, Suleyman Demirel University Faculty of Medicine, Isparta, Turkey.
authors.forename: Efkan
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Uz
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Biology and Genetic, Suleyman Demirel University Faculty of Medicine, Isparta, Turkey.
authors.forename: Nezire Asli
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Bayram
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Suleyman Demirel University Faculty of Medicine, Isparta, Turkey.
authors.forename: Banu
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kale
keywords: Antioxidant; CAT; MDA; Viscum album; diabetes