Cinnamon Extract Regulates Gene Expression of Lipid and Carbohydrate Metabolism in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats

Abstract

Cinnamon is a herbal medication plant used widely for many diseases in the Middle East and ancient countries. Cinnamon Extract (CE) contains many active substances that modulate insulin sensitivity and acts as anti-diabetic medication. Diabetes mellitus is a disease characterized by disturbance in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of Cinnamon Extract (CE, 200 mg kg^-1 body weight) on genes expression of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetes in Wistar rats. Administration of CE to STZ diabetic rats for 2 months normalized TG, cholesterol, VLDL, HDL and glucose levels. CE administration increased FAS and STREB-1c gene expressions that were inhibited in diabetic rats. Moreover, CE inhibited significantly the increase in LPL, HSL and resistin expression. In parallel, CE increased the expression of PPECK and GLUT2 and inhibited the decrement in IGF and PK expression. In conclusion, CE regulates the expression of genes related to lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in a way to control the metabolic disorders occur during diabetes.