Identification and Characterization of compounds of the aqueous extract of Passiflora alata. Effect of treatment on diabetes expression and modulation of inflammation in pancreatic islets in the NOD mouse model of type 1 diabetes (non-obese diabetic)

Abstract

Our laboratory has been devoted to study substances that modulate inflammation in experimental type 1 diabetes. Among the projects undertaken highlight the study of diacerhein and gangliosides (drugs available for treatment of inflammation and neural regeneration) drugs with properties of modulation of islets inflammation decreasing the diabetes expression in NOD mice. So, we are currently in the final period of the project that shows effects on the expression of regeneration factors in pancreatic islets. The search for new drugs from medicinal plants has motivated the research for alternative substances with potential anti-inflammatory that could aid in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, this is the case of type 1 diabetes. The literature, not always indexed, suggest that the Passiflora sp has a hypoglycemic property improving the diabetes control. Among the Passiflora components, the alkaloids and flavonoids are the relevant candidates. After a preliminary study follow by the same protocol that diacerhein and gangliosides treatment, the results caught our attention with reference to decreased expression of diabetes and degree of injury to the islet. Thus, we grouped researchers with expertise to in a short time bring relevant knowledge supporting or not, the use of Passiflora alata in the treatment of diabetes. Moreover, the Passiflora sp is a natural food with easy access for consume and consequently studies of biological properties and its use in some inflammatory diseases. Thus, this study aims to evaluate in genetically predisposed mice to type 1 diabetes (NOD mice) the effects of Passiflora alata on the islet inflammatory process and cells phenotyping, expression of cell regeneration markers as neurogenin3, Pdx1, NeuroD contributing to reduce of diabetes expression. Furthermore, we are interested in the study of potential new drugs that modify the diabetes progression. (AU)