Original Articles
Copyright ©2009 The WJG Press and Baishideng. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Apr 14, 2009; 15(14): 1730-1737
Published online Apr 14, 2009. doi: 10.3748/wjg.15.1730
Effect of Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang on deficiency of N-glycan/nitric oxide and islet damage induced by streptozotocin in diabetic rats
Xiao-Qiu Liu, Ling Wu, Xue-Jun Guo
Xiao-Qiu Liu, Ling Wu, Pi-Wei Institute, Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, Guangdong Province, China
Xue-Jun Guo, Laboratory Animal Research Center, Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, Guangdong Province, China
Author contributions: Liu XQ took part in the animal experiments, provided the vital reagents and analytical tools, designed the study and wrote the manuscript; Wu L performed the animal experiments; Guo XJ took part in the animal experiments.
Correspondence to: Xiao-Qiu Liu, Professor, Pi-Wei Institute, Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 12, Jichang Road, Guangzhou 510405, Guangdong Province, China. lxq6298@yahoo.com.cn
Telephone: +86-20-36585077
Received: December 27, 2008
Revised: March 5, 2009
Accepted: March 12, 2009
Published online: April 14, 2009
Abstract

AIM: To investigate the effect of Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang (Decoction for Reinforcing Middle Jiao and Replenishing Qi) on deficiency of N-glycan/nitric oxide (NO) and islet damage induced by injecting two medium doses of streptozotocin (STZ).

METHODS: Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of STZ at 55 mg/kg on day 1 and day 8. Islet damage was evaluated using a scoring system. Nitrite, nitrate, α-mannosidase and amylase activities were measured by colorimetry. N-glycan patterns of amylase were determined with lectin [ConA, pisum sativum agglutinin (PSA), peanut agglutinin (PNA), and lens culinaris agglutinin (LCA)] affinity precipitation method.

RESULTS: Severe islet necrosis and mild islet atrophy were observed in diabetic rats. The number and size of islets, the activities of α-mannosidase, amylase and nitrite were decreased, while the binding of PNA and LCA to amylase was increased. All of which were improved after treatment with Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang. Islet damage was significantly correlated with nitrite, nitrate, α-mannosidase, amylase and the binding of LCA, PNA, and PSA to amylase.

CONCLUSION: STZ-induced islet damage is related to N-glycan deficiency in proteins by blocking α-mannosidase activity and no deficiency, accumulation of unfolded proteins, and endoplasmic reticulum stress and activation of cellular signals, all of which are improved after treatment with Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang.

Keywords: N-Glycan; Nitric oxide; Diabetic rats; Islet damage; Alpha mannosidase; Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang