Effect of Diallyl Disulphide on Hepatic Glucose Regulating Enzymes in Diabetic Rats

Abstract

This study examines whether the glucose regulating enzymes mediate hypoglycaemic effect of diallyl disulphide (DADS) since the biochemical mechanisms by which the latter regulates hepatic glucose-metabolizing enzymes remain unknown. Hepatic hexokinase, glucose-6-P-D and pyruvate kinase are the important glucose metabolising enzymes that control blood glucose homeostasis and considered to be potential targets for antidiabetic drugs. DADS is an important phytoconstituent of garlic (Allium sativum Linn.) which has been reported to possess hypoglycaemic effect. Diabetes was induced in rats by alloxan and the diabetic rats were given DADS for 30 days and the effect was compared with the standard hypoglycaemic drug metformin. The levels of blood glucose and insulin were measured using spectrophotometer and by ELISA method respectively. Activities of hepatic hexokinase, glucose-6-PD, and pyruvate kinase enzymes in hepatic tissues were measured in DADS and metformin treated diabetic rats. DADS significantly reduced the level of blood glucose and simultaneously augmented those of insulin, pyruvate kinase, hexokinase and glucose-6-PD enzyme activities almost similar to metformin. The hypoglycaemic effect of this compound may be explained, in part, by its inhibition of these enzyme activities and improved hepatic glucose utilization. This observation offers scope for new therapeutic approach in treating diabetes particularly in insulin- resistant cases.