Nitrate has described as an
endocrine disruptor that promotes onset of diabetes. This study was undertaken to evaluate diabetic effect of high
nitrate intake in young and adult male rats and its amelioration by fenugreek administration. The study revealed significant increase in serum
glucose and blood
glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c%), while serum
insulin and
liver glycogen were decreased among
nitrate exposed animals, in particular the young group. A significant reduction in the
body weight gain and serum
thyroid hormones (T4 & T3) was also recorded. Further reduction in serum levels of
urea and
creatinine, as well as total
protein in serum, liver and pancreas was demonstrated, with elevation in their levels in the urine of all
nitrate exposed groups. Meanwhile, the activity of serum
transaminases (ALT and AST) was increased, with decline in their activity in the liver tissue. In addition, an elevation in serum total
bilirubin, tissues (liver and pancreas)
nitric oxide and
lipid profile, as well as liver activity of
glucose-6-phosphatase was recorded. Fenugreek administration to
nitrate exposed rats was found to be effective in alleviating
hyperglycemia and other biochemical changes characterizing
nitrate-induced diabetes. So, fenugreek can be considered to possess potent activity against onset of
nitrate induced-diabetes.