| dc.description.abstract |
The functional basis of diabetes-mellitus to a certain extent,
can be elucidated by studying diabetes-induced changes
in metabolic enzymes. Malate dehydrogenase (MDH),
is an enzyme directly involved in glucose metabolism. The
kinetic parameters of MDH and its purified cytosolic isozyme,
S-MDH, have been studied in the liver of streptozotocin-
diabetic rats; also the potential of the leaf extract of A.
marmelose as an was investigated. The
Km of the liver enzyme increased significantly, in both
crude and purified preparations in the diabetic state when
compared to Lhe respective controls. Insulin as well as leaf-
•extract treatment of the diabetic rats brought about a reversal
of K. values to near normal. Vmax of purified S-MDH
was significantly higher in the diabetic state when compared
to the control. Insulin and leaf extract treatment did not
reverse this change. Since MDH is an important enzyme in
glucose metabolism, the variation in its quantitative and
qualitative nature may contribute to the pathological status
of diabetes. The fact that leaf extract of A. marmelose
was found to be as effective as insulin in restoration of blood
glucose and body weight to normal levels, the use of A.
marmelose as potential hypoglycemic agent is suggested. |
en_US |