Bee wax venom formulation improved glucose homeostasis by enhanced secretion of insulin through closing potassium channel and increased insulin signaling by downregulation of p85 subunit of PI3K in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The aim of the study was to evaluate anti-diabetic potential of bee wax venom (BWV) formulation and to elucidate its mode of action in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and Gas chromatography (GC analysis) of BWV formulation proved the presence of pharmacologically important compounds. BWV formulation significantly decreased the blood glucose level over BV treated group. Moreover, in a confirmation study, BWV formulation significantly normalized the serum biochemical parameters and increased the body weight. At the same time, reversed the altered liver expression of phosphatidylinositide 3-kinases (PI3K) - p85 and liver glucokinase (GCK). Histological analysis of pancreas revealed islet cell number increase and decreased β-cell damage. Co-administered with nifedipine (6.8 mg/kg) and nicorandil (13.8 mg/kg) to diabetic animals along with BWV formulation 0.25 mg/kg revealed its property of insulin secretion through blocking K+ATP (potassium ion) channel.