Expression of Phosphofructokinase-1 Gene in Streptozotocinized Diabetic Rats Fed Fermented and Non-Fermented Maize Diets

Aim: This nutrigenomic research study is to investigate the impact of fermented maize (FM) and non-fermented maize (N-FM) diets on the expression of phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK-1) gene in a diabetic state.

Methodology: The rats were equally grouped into four for the subsequent two weeks after acclimatization; Group 1 contained streptozotocinized-diabetic rats fed with FM diet (DFM), Group 2 contained streptozotocinized-diabetic rats fed with N-FM diet (DNM), Group 3 contained the normal control rats fed with standard rodent chow (NCG) and Group 4 contained diabetic control rats fed with standard rodent chow (DCG). The total phenol, flavonoid and antioxidant capacity (in vitro) of the maize diets were analyzed.

Results: Rats fed the N-FM diet had higher concentration of phenols (73.20±0.9 mg/100 g) and flavonoids (82.83±1.02 mg/100 g). The in vitro antioxidant assay showed a statistically significant difference between the FM and N-FM diets (p<0.05). After the two weeks period, animals were sacrificed and blood samples obtained for blood chemistry and lipid profile tests. The livers were harvested for antioxidant activity and gene expression assay. The antioxidant assay showed no statistically significant difference among all groups, as well as the blood chemistry and lipid profile. The gene expression assay carried out using two-step Real-time qPCR, showed that PFK-1 gene was more expressed in the DFM group when compared to the DNM and DCG groups.

Conclusion: The FM diet enhanced the expression of PFK-1 gene in streptozotocinized-diabetic rats.