The effect of fermented tempeh aerobic anaerobic (FETAA) on pancreatic duodenal homeobox 1 (Pdx1) gene expression and HOMA-beta index in diabetic mice

Background: Diabetes is a result of oxidative stress which causes the impaired function of pancreatic beta-cells. Fermented tempeh aerobic anaerobic (FETAA) containing gamma-aminobutyric acid and isoflavones can reduce oxidative stress in diabetes. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate FETAA in improving pancreatic β-cell function in diabetic mice. Methods: Twenty streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice, divided into four groups (n = 5 each group): DM, DM + FETAA 10 mg/100 g BW, DM + FETAA 20 mg/100 g BW, DM + FETAA 40 mg/100 g BW as well as normal group (n = 5). DM mice were treated with FETAA for 21 days. Fasting glucose was determined using the GOD-PAP method, while insulin level was determined by ELISA. The homeostasis model assessment of β-cell function (HOMA-β) was calculated using the HOMA2 calculator, and the Pdx1 mRNA level was determined by Real Time-PCR. Results: The DM mice group treated with FETAA had lower glucose levels than the DM mice group. FETAA dosage of 40 mg/100 g BW was able to reduce the highest blood glucose levels (p<0.05). DM mice group treated with FETAA had higher levels of insulin and HOMA-β than the DM mice group (p <0.05). Treatment of FETAA 10 mg/100 g BW produced the highest insulin content of 57.44 ± 8.132 pmol/L, while treatment of FETAA 40 mg/100 g BW had a HOMA-β value of 72.86 ± 21.85%. Pdx1 mRNA expression in group FETAA-treated DM mice was higher than the DM mice group, although it was not statistically significant (p> 0.05). Conclusion: FETAA could improve HOMA-β, blood glucose levels, but did not affect Pdx1 mRNA expression.