Abstract:
In the present study, we investigate the inhibition of the alpha-amylase enzyme and the antioxidant properties of N-acetyl Cysteine (NAC) in alloxan-induced experimental diabetes in rats. After one month of acclimatization in a room with controlled temperature (22±3 °C) and lighting (12-h light/dark cycle), rats divided into four groups of seven animals each: Group I: Control group (C); Group II: Untreated-diabetic group (UD) induced by injection of freshly dissolved alloxan in 1.0ml of sodium citrate buffer (0.1M, pH4.5) in the intraperitoneal way (i.p), at a rate of 150mg/kg body weight; Group III: Positive Control (PC+) treated orally (gavage) by N-acetyl-cysteine,150mg/kg/b.w; Group IV: Treated diabetic group (TD) by N-acetyl-cysteine (150mg /kg/b.w/day) orally along with the experimental protocol. Diabetes led to increased blood glucose beyond the baseline values. During diabetes situations, the total cholesterol, triglycerides, and malondialdehyde were significantly increased. On the contrary, the antioxidants enzymes activities (Catalase, Superoxide Dismutase, Glutathione Peroxidase, and Glutathione-S-Transferase) were decreased. The administration of NAC significantly improved the studied parameters. These results demonstrate that NAC ameliorates hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and oxidative damage in the diabetes situations. In conclusion, the results obtained suggest that NAC supplementation reduces free radical generation, potentiates the antioxidant defense system, and attenuates intestinal glucose uptake.
