Molecular Modulation of Incretin System, Glucose Transport Pathway and Inflammatory Cytokine by Sphenostylis stenocarpa–Ficus exasperata Fortified Biscuits in Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Sidiqat A. Shodehinde, Olamide V. Awelewa, Lateef Bello, Victor O. Awojulu, Daniel O. Nwankwo, Basit K. Dauda, Peace O. Onikoro, Bamidele Ogunleye, Oluwafemi A. Orosun, Precious O. Ibitolu and Simbiat O. Olatunde

Introduction/Background of the study: Diabetes mellitus is characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and inflammation, involving disruptions in incretin hormones, glucose transport, and inflammatory cytokines. Functional foods fortified with bioactive plants offer potential complementary therapies. This study investigates the molecular modulation effects of biscuits fortified with varying proportions of Sphenostylis stenocarpa and Ficus exasperata on key diabetes-related biomarkers in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Materials and Methods: Biscuits were prepared with reciprocal ratios of Ficus exasperata leaf (fermented and unfermented) and Sphenostylis stenocarpa flour. Diabetic rats were administered fortified biscuits for 14 days. Pancreatic tissues were analyzed for gene expression of GLP-1, DPP-4, GLUT-4, and IL-6 via RT-PCR. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA with significance set at p<0.05.

Results: Fortification with 20g Ficus exasperata and 40g Sphenostylis stenocarpa significantly upregulated GLP-1 gene expression, enhancing incretin signaling. Higher Ficus exasperata doses (40g) downregulated DPP-4 and IL-6 genes expression. While fermented Ficus exasperata biscuits improved insulin-stimulated glucose transport via upregulation of GLUT-4 gene expression at both doses, the unfermented formulations showed superior upregulation of GLP-1 gene expression, anti-inflammatory and DPP-4 inhibitory effects.

Conclusion: S. stenocarpa–F. exasperata fortified biscuits positively modulate molecular pathways implicated in diabetes, improving glycemic control and attenuating inflammation. These functional biscuits hold promise as adjunct dietary interventions for diabetes management. Further studies are warranted to explore bioactive profiles and clinical efficacy.

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