Beneficial role of diosgenin on oxidative stress in aorta of streptozotocin induced diabetic

Abstract

Aim High blood glucose may auto-oxidize and generate free radicals, which are proposed to induce oxidative stress in many diabetic complications. The present study investigates the beneficial role of diosgenin on oxidative stress in aorta of streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Main methods Diabetes was induced in experimental rats by a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of STZ (55 mg/kg body weight (b.w)). From the sixth week, experimental rats received diosgenin at different doses (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg b.w) once daily for 4 weeks. Fasting plasma glucose, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), plasma insulin, haemoglobin (Hb) and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1C) were measured. Tissue homogenate of aorta was prepared for the quantification of oxidative stress markers. Key findings The glycemic status was significantly improved by oral administration of diosgenin in a dose-dependent manner as compared to diabetic rats. In addition, significantly decreased HbA1C and increased Hb in blood were noticed. The levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and hydroperoxides (HP) were significantly increased whereas reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) were significantly decreased in aorta of diabetic rats. Administration of diosgenin (40 mg/kg b.w) exhibited significant reversal of STZ induced alterations in diabetic rats. All these changes were supported by histopathological observation of aorta. Significance The present study reveals that diosgenin may provide beneficial role on oxidative stress in aorta of STZ induced diabetic rats. This study may have a significant impact on diabetic patients.