Yusuf Nuraliev’s scientific contributions

The herbal medicine of Kursi Wufarikun Ziyabit contains two herbs ( Geranium collinum Steph.ex Willd and Hypericum Scabrum Lnn) in the formula of ethnomedicine. It is usually used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus with a significant therapeutic efficacy. However, the molecular mechanism remains unknown for the action of medicine. In this study, we investigated the mechanism with a focus on an extract (GC30) of the medicine in the regulation of energy metabolism in hepatocytes. GC30 was prepared from a crude extract of the medicine through elution of an AB-8 macro porous resin column loaded with the medicine in 30% ethanol. GC30 exhibited an activity in the inhibition of triglyceride (TG) accumulation in the mouse hepatocytes through a suppression of SREBP1c activity. FGF21 (fibroblast growth factor 21) expression was induced by GC30 in a dosage-dependent manner at concentrations of 25 - 100 μg/ml. The induction was observed in mRNA and protein of FGF21, which were peaked at 2 hours and lasted for 8 hours in the response to GC30 (100 μg/ml). The transcription of FGF21 gene was induced by GC30 for an increase in the FGF21 gene promoter activity. AMPK and PKA activities were induced by GC30 with an elevation in their phosphorylation status, which were associated with a reduction in ATP abundance and an increase in CREB phosphorylation in cells treated with GC30. Oxygen consumption of mitochondria was inhibited in the hepatocytes by GC30. These activities of GC30 were similar to those of diabetes medicines including metformin and berberine. The data suggest that GC30 inhibited ATP production in mitochondria to activate AMPK and PKA in the hepatocytes to induce FGF21 expression. This study suggests a novel activity of the herbal medicine in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism in the hepatocytes.

Diabetes mellitus is a heterogeneous disease developing under the result of the congenital combination and acquired factors, unhealthy lifestyles, especially wrong eating habits, hypokinesis and characterized by chronic progressive course leading to severe micro and macrovascular complications. Geranium collinum, Glycyrrhizaglabra, and Rhuscoriaria, are species growing in Tajikistan, and are characterized as natural sources of phenolic compounds that have several known biological activities and serve as a traditional medicine against various disorders including type 2 diabetic diseases. The chemical profile of "Novobet" was analyzed by LC-ESI-MS/MS. "Novobet" was screened for in vitro antidiabetic (PTP-1B enzyme inhibition) and antioxidant effects (DPPH radical scavenging). The in vivo antidiabetic and acute toxicity of "Novobet" was evaluated in animal models. Based on the pH of the medium, the new anti-diabetic phytomedicine, namely "Novobet", was developed. Glucose and lipids levels and the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum of laboratory animals treated with "Novobet" were investigated. The blood sugar level in experimental rabbits, after treatment with 5mL/kg of "Novobet", was decreased after 7, 15 and 30 days, respectively, which indicated active hypoglycemic action. In addition, the level of total lipids in the blood decreased to 44.5%, and the level of blood cholesterol under the influence of the "Novobet" decreased to 32.2%. The MDA level of rabbit's blood, after treatment with "Novobet" at the dose of 5mL/kg, decreased significantly. A total of 25 major compounds were identified in "Novobet" by LC-ESI-MS/MS spectroscopy. The new Phytomedicine "Novobet", exhibited potent antidiabetic and antioxidant activity and therefore it can serve as a natural antidiabetic and antioxidant nutraceutical.

Objectives: The fast-rising rate of diabetes incidents is a growing concern in Central Asian countries. This article reviews the current understanding of type 2 diabetes etiology, progression and treatment options along with opportunities for utilizing Avicenna's legacy in developing novel botanical therapeutics. Methods: Analysis of relevant publications, including a variety of Avicenna's work in Arabic, English and Russian. Results: With conventional treatment strategy shifting from single-component drugs aimed at one target to multitherapeutic combinations addressing the complex nature of many diseases and conditions, the role of multicomponent botanical preparations may increase. Diabetes mellitus is a serious chronic, progressive disease characterized by hyperglycemia, which is associated with a variety of comorbidities because of considerable damage, dysfunction and failure of multiple organs developed through the disease's progression. Multidisciplinary collaborative research that encompasses innovative tools could be used for effective development of new comprehensive therapeutic products and treatments based on knowledge of traditional medicine and supported by contemporary scientific validation. Conclusion: Comprehensive analysis of Avicenna's 1,000-year-old approach to the treatment of prediabetes and diabetes provides valuable directions in the search for plant-based treatments. Botanical therapeutics may provide relatively inexpensive and safe methods for diabetes treatment.