Protective effect of the polysaccharide from Ophiopogon japonicus on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of OJP1, a polysaccharide isolated from the roots of Ophiopogon japonica, on blood lipid metabolism, antioxidant activity, as well as its protective effect on the liver and kidneys in diabetic rats. Results showed that OJP1 significantly reduced the MDA concentration and increased the activity of both GPx and SOD in the serum, liver and kidneys of diabetic rats. Moreover, the values of TG, TC, LDL-C and HDL-C in diabetic rats were significantly reversed by OJP1 treatment. Biochemical and histopathological analyses also showed that OJP1 can alleviate liver and kidneys injury in diabetic rats. The mRNA expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in diabetic rats decreased significantly after administration of OJP1. Altogether, these results suggest that OJP1 possess potent antioxidant activity and can protect the liver and kidneys from the injurious effects of diabetes.