Effects of sunflower seeds powder on insulin related genes in high Fat diets fed and streptozotocin induced prediabetes in Wistar Rats

Obesity and prediabetes are significant global health issues that may progress to diabetes mellitus and associated complications. High-fat diets and streptozotocin treatment are known to contribute to these conditions. Sunflower seeds (Helianthus annuus), even at high doses have demonstrated potential in lowering blood sugar levels. This study investigated the effects of sunflower seed powder on insulin-related gene expression in Wistar rats subjected to a high-fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin-induced prediabetes. A total of 27 male Wistar rats (350–400 grams) were randomly assigned to 9 groups and fed for 6 weeks. Pancreatic tissue was analyzed for gene expression of insulin (INS), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2), and insulin receptor (INSR). The results revealed that HFD and streptozotocin treatment decreased expression of INSR, IGF-1, and GLUT2 while increasing INSR expression. However, sunflower seed powder dietary supplementation significantly enhanced messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression of INS, IGF-1, GLUT2, and INSR, suggesting a potential preventing of prediabetes and insulin resistance. This study highlights the beneficial effects of sunflower seed powder in modulating key genes involved in insulin signaling and glucose metabolism, providing a potential therapeutic strategy for managing prediabetes and obesity-related metabolic disorders.