Investigation of the antidiabetic effect of bee bread (perga) in diabetic rats: A histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical study

This study aimed to investigate the antidiabetic potential of bee bread (perga) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats through histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical evaluations. A total of 40 male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into five groups: Control, Perga (0.5 g/kg), STZ (STZ, 55 mg/kg), STZ + Perga (STZ, 55 mg/kg + Perga, 0.5 g/kg), and STZ + Acarbose (STZ, 55 mg/kg + Acarbose, 20 mg/kg). Experimental diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (55 mg/kg). Perga and acarbose were administered daily via oral gavage throughout the experiment. Blood glucose levels were monitored periodically from tail vein samples. At the end of the experiment, pancreatic tissues were examined histopathologically and immunohistochemically. Serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, LDH, total cholesterol, triglyceride, creatinine, urea, and glucose were also analyzed. STZ administration resulted in marked histopathological lesions in pancreatic tissues and a significant decrease in insulin expression. Biochemical analyses revealed notable diabetes-related alterations. Perga treatment alleviated hyperglycemia, improved histopathological findings, and enhanced insulin immunoexpression in pancreatic tissues. However, adverse alterations in liver enzyme levels were observed in the Perga- treated diabetic group. These findings suggest that bee bread may exert potential antidiabetic effects in STZ-induced experimental diabetes. Nevertheless, the observed hepatic effects warrant further comprehensive studies to clarify the safety and efficacy of bee bread as an antidiabetic agent.