14 GR was assayed using the method described by Carlberg and

Mannervik.15 The GR assay was performed in a tube that contained Tris–HCl buffer, EDTA, GSSG, NADPH, and a sample in a final volume of 1.0 mL. The decrease in the absorbance of NADPH at 340 nm was monitored using a spectrophotometer.15 The results are expressed as units of enzyme activities per mg of protein. TAC was determined by the ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP assay).16 RNA Extraction and Real-Time RT-PCR Analysis Total RNA was extracted from the Hormones antagonist testis using Tripure RNA Isolation Reagent according to the manufacturer’s instructions Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical (Roche, Germany) and was quantified by spectrophotometry. The integrity of the extracted total RNA was checked by agarose gel electrophoresis and verified by the presence of 28S, 18S rRNA bands. Total RNA was reverse transcribed into the first strand of complementary Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical DNA (cDNA) with Revert AidTM First Strand cDNA Synthesis Kit (Fermentas, EU). Real-time RT-PCR assays for the quantitative determination of StAR, Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical P450scc, and beta actin (internal control) were performed in duplicate using the ABI system (Applied ABI Company, Foster City, CA USA). Primer sequences which were

used for the beta actin, StAR, and P450scc amplification are shown in table 1. Amplifications were performed in 25-μl mixtures containing 1/20 Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical volume of cDNA preparation (2 μl) and 1X SYBR Green PCR Master Mix (PE Applied Biosystems, CA, USA) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Additionally, cDNA samples were amplified with pre-cycling

heat activation at 95°C for 10 min, followed by 40 cycles (15 s at 95°C, 30 s at 58°C, and 30s at 60°C). The concentration of beta actin was determined in each sample, and the relative quantification of mRNA in each sample was conducted using the comparative Ct (threshold cycle) method. The results are depicted as mRNA copies/beta actin units, allowing a direct comparison of the expression levels Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical between the different mRNA species. The quality and correct size of the PCR products were checked by electrophoresis on 1% agarose gel. Table 1 Sequence of the primers used for real-time Dichloromethane dehalogenase PCR Statistical Analysis The data are expressed as mean±SEM. Differences in the variables between the three groups were determined by the analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by the Student Newman-Kelus test, to show specific group differences. The level of significance was taken as P<0.05. All the statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS software (SPSS for Windows, version 12.0). Results Effect of MAE on Body Weight, Serum Glucose, Insulin, and Free Ts The mean value of body weight, serum glucose, insulin, and free Ts level in the studied groups are shown in table 2. There was a reduction in body weight by 45% in the diabetic rats as compared to the control rats.