Estimation of Serum Glutathione Peroxidase in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rat Treated with Bitter Leaf Extract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease in which there are high blood sugar levels. Type 2 is due to the cells of the body not responding properly to the insulin produced. The aim of this study was to evaluate the enzyme activity in glutathione peroxidase in type 2 diabetic rats induced streptozotocin Wister rats. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods was used. Thirty-two (32) adult rats of Wister strain weighing between 120 g – 200 g of both sexes equally were used. Streptozotocin was used to induce diabetes after high fat diet. The rats were randomly grouped into 4 groups of 8 rats; group 1 are rats fed with only feed and water, group 2 were given 37 mg/kg of streptozotocin with feed and water, group 3 had 37 mg/kg of streptozotocin, feed, water and treated with 2ml of freshly prepared bitter leaf extract daily, group 4 had feed, water, 37mg/kg of streptozotocin and treated with 5 mg/kg of glibenclamide (anti diabetic drug). Severity of the induced diabetic state was assessed by daily and weekly monitoring of body weights and blood glucose levels. The result of fasting blood sugar shows a significant difference (P<0.05) at group 3(7.72±0.99) compared to group 4(9.93±1.22) in week 2.There is also a significant decrease (p<0.05) at group 3(7.72±0.99) compared to group 4(9.90±1.24) in week 3.There is also a significant decrease (p<0.05) at group 3(6.22±1.20) compared to group 46.50±0.70) in week 5. There is a significant increase (p<0.05) at group 1(7.63±0.71) compared to group 4(5.78±1.40), group 2(7.45±0.87) compared to group 4(5.78±1.40)in week 4.There is also a significant decrease in GPX activity in group at group 1(424.59±102.65) compared to group 2(307.34±75.66). There is no significant difference (p>0.05) at group 2(307.34±75.66) compared to group 3(204.31±46.51). There is also no significant difference (p>0.05) at group 2(307.34±75.66) compared to group 4(206.12±55.37). No significant difference (p>0.05) at group 3(204.31±46.51) compared to group 4(206.12±55.37). In conclusion, the result of this study suggest that bitter leaf extract reduced glucose level and has no damage effect on the liver.