Investigation of the immodulator effect of stevia rebaudiana bertoni by using tumor necrosis factor alpha and interlocin-1 beta in peripheral blood of diabetic rats

Objective: SR which is a plant that is used in the treatment of diabetes and obesity because of it is a low-calorie sweetener and it decreases the blood glucose level. Diabetes is also a disease that includes autoimmune disorders and can cause many lesions following excessive immune response in the patient. This study aims to investigate the immunomodulatory properties of stevia during diabetes. Method: A diabetes model was created by injection of STZ to rats weighing 150-200g. Stevia was given by gavage daily for 28 days to rats with and without diabetes. At the end of 28 days, the amount of IL-1β and TNF-α in the blood was determined by ELISA method. The amounts of CD3, CD4 and CD8 proteins were determined by flow cytometry method. Results: Rat weights increased significantly in the diabetes + 25 mg/kg stevia group compared to the diabetes group. Blood glucose level decreased significantly in the diabetes + 25 mg/kg stevia group compared to the diabetes group. IL-1β cytokine level decreased significantly in the diabetes +25 mg / kg stevia group compared to the diabetes group. TNF-α cytokine level decreased significantly in the diabetes + 25 mg / kg stevia group compared to the diabetes group. The amount of CD8 + T cells decreased significantly in the diabetes + 25 mg/kg stevia group compared to the diabetes group. Conclusion: Changes in T Cells and proinflammatory cytokine levels are indicators that diabetes is an autoimmune disease. The effect of stevia on these cells and cytokines shows the immunomodulatory effects of stevia. Key words: Stevia, Diabetes, Cytokine, Lymphocyte