Effects of Biochanin A on Resistin, Adiponectin and Some Stress Oxidative Markers in Normal and STZ- Induced Diabetic Rats

Elevated serum level of adiponectin and insulin as well as decreased serum resistin level can improve glucose metabolism. Biochanin A (BCA) is a flavonoid of Soybean that shows antioxidant properties. This study was aimed to examine the effect of BCA on fasting blood sugar (FBS), oxidative stress and serum levels of adiponectin, resistin and insulin in rats with type 1 diabetes.

The rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=6). BCA was administered orally in doses of 10 and 15 mg/kg of body weight. Insulin, resistin and adiponectin were measured using ELISA kits. The activity of Gamma-Glutamyltransferase (GGT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and the levels of Glutathione (GSH) were examined.

The results showed that BCA treatment significantly reduced the FBS level in diabetic rats (p<0.05). Serum insulin was significantly increased in the BCA treated diabetic rats (p<0.05). Moreover, GGT activity and GSH was significantly increased in treated rats (p<0.05). Our findings revealed that the administration of BCA significantly increased the serum adiponectin (p<0.05). Additionally, serum resistin levels were remarkably decreased in treated rats (p<0.05).

Taken together, BCA represents a natural phytoestrogen that has an important role in improvement of glucose metabolism by regulating of adipokines secretion. Our findings slso revealed the beneficial effects of BCA against oxidative stress in diabetes.