In the study reported, macrophages, smooth muscle and endothelial arterial cells were challenged against different concentrations of 7-ketocholesterol in normoglycemic and high glucose conditions. The hyperglycaemic medium protects only smooth muscle artery cells against the cytotoxic effects of 7-ketocholesterol.

Antidiabetic activities (hypoglycaemic, hypolipidaemic and pancreatic beta cells regeneration) of Momordica charantia (MC) fruits were investigated in alloxan diabetic rabbits. Although MC extracts showed significant hypoglycaemic effects (p < 0.05), these did not result in normal glucose and lipid profile levels. Regeneration of pancreatic beta cells by MC extracts was minimal, with fractional improvement produced by glibenclamide.