Assessment of ocular antioxidants biomarkers in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic wistar rats treated with Abelmoschus esculentus ethanol extract

Abstract

Carotenoids are essential for retinal health, preventing blue light damage, and preserving vision. Individuals with diabetes, particularly those with poor blood sugar management, are more likely to develop diabetic retinopathy and macular edema, which may reduce the efficacy of these carotenoids in avoiding eye harm. This study examined the levels of different carotenoid enzymes in diabetic Wistar rats treated with streptozotocin (STZ) and Abelmoschus esculentus ethanol extract. Forty (40) adult male Wistar rats weighing 105–215 g were randomly assigned to diabetic and non-diabetic units in four groups of five each. Diabetes was developed in Wistar rats in unit two following a single intraperitoneal dosage of STZ (60 mg/kg). Group one in each unit received no therapy, while group two received A. esculentus (300 mg/kg bodyweight). Group three received N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) (300 mg/kg body weight), and Group four received A. esculentus plus NAC (300 mg/kg). The drug was administered for 21 days before the rats were slaughtered and blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. The data was analyzed using GraphPad Prism version 8.0, using mean Standard Error of Mean (SEM). Mean differences across groups were evaluated using two-way ANOVA, followed by the Turkey post-hoc test, with p-values < 0.05 indicating statistical significance. The current investigation demonstrates that A. esculentus, both alone and in combination with NAC, has strong hypoglycemic properties and could be used to cure diabetic retinopathy.