Evaluation of the effects of bredemolic acid on selected markers of glucose homeostasis in diet-induced prediabetic rats

Abstract

Context

Pentacyclic triterpenes (such as maslinic acid) are natural anti-diabetic agents that ameliorate glucose metabolism in diet-induced prediabetes. However, the effects of bredemolic acid (BA), maslinic acid isomer, is yet unknown in prediabetic (PD) conditions.

Objectives

To investigate the effects of BA on some glucose homeostasis parameters in high-fat high-carbohydrate (HFHC) diet-induced PD rats.

Methods

Thirty-six (36) male rats (150–180 g) were divided into two groups, the normal diet (ND) non-prediabetic, NPD (n = 6) and the HFHC diet PD groups (n = 30). The PD animals were further sub-divided into five groups (n = 6) where they were treated with BA for 12 weeks while monitoring changes in blood glucose, caloric intake, and body weight.

Results

Diet-induced prediabetes resulted in increased body weight, caloric intake, glycated haemoglobin, and glucose tolerance. BA treatment ameliorated glucose tolerance, lowered plasma insulin and increased expression of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT 4) in rats.

Conclusions

BA administration restored glucose homeostasis in diet-induced prediabetes regardless of diet intervention.

Keywords:

• Bredemolic acid
• glucose homeostasis
• high-fat diet
• high-carbohydrate diet
• prediabetes

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to the Biomedical Resource Unit, University of Kwazulu-Natal, UKZN, for the technical assistance provided.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the College of Health Science (CHS), UKZN, South Africa under grant number: 636735.