The Effect of Thymus vulgaris on Hepatic Enzymes Activity and Apoptosis-Related Gene Expression in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Figure 6

Schematic model depicting the mechanism of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced cytotoxicity in liver cells. STZ competes with glucose (Glu) to enter the cells via GLUT 2 receptors, causing Akt phosphorylation, which, in turn, causes further translocation of the GLUT 2 receptors. STZ also causes apoptosis by affecting the TNF-a receptor. The model also shows that STZ induces cytotoxicity and apoptosis through increased ROS/NOS production, oxidative/nitrosative stress, increased LPO, DNA damage, a decreased GSH/GSSG ratio, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Although T. vulgaris protects the liver cells from damage of STZ through NF-κB pathways, T. vulgaris appears to be protective against STZ-induced apoptosis in liver cells through its potent antioxidant compounds.