Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

  Background & Aim: Reactive oxygen species can affect many cellular functions through protein oxidation or initiation of lipid peroxidation cascade. The study was designed to investigate changes in erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity and plasma total antioxidant level due to Securigera Securidaca extract in diabetic rats.

  Material and Methods: The present experimental study was carried out on 30 male rats scientifically named Ratus Norvegicus, including normal and diabetic groups. In addition , each group was divided into three subgroups (5 rats per each): a control group and two subgroups which received 100mg/kg and200 mg/kg of the extract. The rats received all the injections intraperitoneally for thirty days . After the termination of injection period, blood was drawn from the heart and glutathione peroxidase activity and plasma total antioxidant levels were assessed. Statistical differences were evaluated by ANOVA and Students' t- test .

  Results: Glutathione peroxidase activity in diabetic subgroups treated at doses of 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg was heightened in comparison to the diabetic control subgroup(P=0.01 and P=0.004 respectively). Plasma total antioxidant level in diabetic subgroups treated at doses of 100 mg/kg and200mg/kg was increased compared to the diabetic control subgroup (P=0.005and P=0.035 respectively).