Ferulic acid attenuates streptozotocin induced alternation in glycoprotein moiety via regulation of carbohydrate metabolic enzymes in rats

Ferulic acid is a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound that is generally found in plants, vegetables, and fruits. Although ferulic acid has been widely utilized to treat a variety of illnesses, there have been no studies done yet on its potential protective effects on the glycoprotein moiety in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The goal of this study was to concentrate on this issue. Streptozotocin was administered intraperitoneally once to male Wistar albino rats to cause diabetes. Using commercial diagnostic kits, we assessed plasma glucose and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c). Plasma insulin level was assayed with the help of an enzyme—linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit and other assays were made biochemically. In diabetic rats, the levels of blood glucose and HbA1c were noticeably elevated whereas the levels of plasma insulin and haemoglobin (Hb) were significantly lowered. Additionally, the levels of carbohydrate metabolic enzymes such as hexokinase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase were significantly reduced, while fructose-1, 6-bisphosphatase and glucose-6-phosphatase levels were significantly increased. The glycogen metabolic enzymes- glycogen synthase level was significantly decreased whereas glycogen reductase level was increased with a concomitant decrease in glycogen content. Additionally, diabetic rats had dramatically different levels of glycoprotein moiety substances such hexose, hexosamine, fucose, and sialic acid. Ferulic acid and glibenclamide administration reversed all the altered biochemical profiles by correcting the hyperglycemia via enhanced insulin secretion and regulation of carbohydrate metabolism. In terms of its impact on different parameters, ferulic acid had an effect similar to that of glibenclamide. Hence, ferulic acid can be used as an antidiabetic drug.