Beneficial Effect ofCissus quadrangularisLinn. on Osteopenia Associated with Streptozotocin-Induced Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in Male Wistar Rats
Petroleum ether fraction ofCissus quadrangularis(PECQ) impact on the development of osteopenia in type 1 diabetic rat model has been evaluated. Diabetic rats were treated orally with two doses ofPECQ. Another group of diabetic rats were treated with subcutaneous injection of synthetic human insulin. The cortical and trabecular bone thickness and bone strength were significantly decreased in diabetic rats. Treatment with two doses ofPECQsignificantly prevented these changes in diabetic rats. However,PECQtreatment (two doses) did not alter the glycemic levels in these diabetic rats. Increased levels of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), and hydroxyproline were noted in diabetic rats when compared to normal control rats. The two doses ofPECQtreatment further improved the serum ALP levels and significantly decreased the serum levels of TRAP and hydroxyproline. The effects ofPECQtreatment on histological, biomechanical, and biochemical parameters are comparable to those of insulin. SincePECQimproves the bone health in hyperglycemic conditions by enhancing the cortical and trabecular bone growth and altering the circulating bone markers, it could be used as an effective therapy against diabetes-associated bone disorders.