Plants are an entity essential to the function of the biosphere as well as human health. In the context of human health, this research investigated the effect of Lasia spinosa (Lour) leaf methanolic extracts (LSML) on antioxidative enzymes and gene expression as well as biochemical and histological markers in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes model. Fructose-fed streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic animals were subjected to a four-week intervention followed by the assessment of the animal’s blood and tissues for enzymatic, biochemical, histological, and genetic changes. LSML-treated groups were shown to decrease plasma glucose levels and improve body and organ weights compared to the untreated group in a dose-dependent manner. At the doses of 125 and 250 mg/kg b.w., LSML were able to normalize serum, hepatic, and renal biochemical parameters and restore the pancreas, kidney, liver, and spleen tissue architectures to their native state. A considerable increase (p < 0.01) of liver antioxidant enzymes CAT, SOD, GSH, and a decrease of MDA level in LSML-treated groups were found at higher doses. The improved mRNA expression level of antioxidant genes CAT, SOD2, PON1, and PFK1 was also found at the doses of 125 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg BW when compared to untreated control groups. The results demonstrate that LSML impacts the upregulation of antioxidative gene expressions, thus improving the diabetic complications in animal models which need to be affirmed by compound-based antioxidative actions for therapeutic development.

Background: The present study was aimed at investigating the prevalence of hypothyroidism in pregnant women in their first trimester in Chattagram, an iodine-sufficient area in Bangladesh. We also studied whether hypothyroidism in pregnancy has any correlation with high titres of anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies and the occurrence of gestational diabetes mellitus.Methods: Our study included 100 pregnant women at their first antenatal checkup based on certain preselected criteria in two tertiary care hospitals in Chattogram. The levels of serum TSH, FT4, and anti-TPO were estimated to detect thyroid function from the collected blood sample. The oral glucose tolerance test was carried out between 24 and 28 weeks of gestational age. A standard predesigned proforma was used to record a detailed patient history and the findings of general physical examinations.Results: According to our results, thyroid disorder and GDM affect 19% and 13% of total pregnancies, respectively. Among TD patients, subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) prevails the most (11%). The majority of the hypothyroid patients with a high titre of anti-TPO positivity (11%) indicate an autoimmune etiology (p<0.001). Furthermore, a statistically significant relationship (p<0.01) was established between hypothyroidism and GDM. No demographic data was observed to affect GDM and hypothyroidism.Conclusion: Thyroid disorders affect one in every six pregnant women in the southern part of Bangladesh. Moreover, hypothyroid pregnant women were found to be highly susceptible to GDM. Euthyroid women with a high titre of anti-TPO during their gestation should be closely monitored for the development of hypothyroidism and GDM.