Comparative effects of combinations of metformin, omega-3 and omega-6 oil in the treatment of alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Emerging evidence suggests beneficial effects of omega fatty acids on diabetic complications. This study was designed to investigate the impact of Omega-3 and Omega-6 oil in the management of oxidative stress associated with complications in diabetes in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Experimental rats used in this study were grouped into four as non-diabetics and untreated, alloxan induced diabetic group, alloxan induced and treated with Metformin, lloxan induced and administered Metformin + Omega-3, alloxan induced and administered Metformin + Omega-6 oil. Effect of Metformin + Omega-3 and Metformin + Omega-6 on plasma glucose were also evaluated. Serum lipid profile before and after treatment, lipid peroxidation activity of malondialdehyde, and antioxidant enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase were assessed. Histological examination of pancreas and liver biopsy were also carried out. The results showed that fasting blood glucose (FBS) levels in day 1, day 7, day 14 and day 21 were significantly (p<0.05) lower than in the other groups. Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly (P>0.05) higher in Metformin + Omega-6 group when compared with diabetic control group at P= 0.011. Malondialdehyde (MDA) activity studied among groups was significantly lower (P< 0.05) in Metformin + Omega-3 group and Metformin + Omega-6 group when compared with the diabetic control group at P =0.008 and 0.016 respectively. There was statistically significant mean weight reduction (P<0.05) post intervention for all the alloxan-exposed rats. Metformin + Omega-6 group liver photomicrograph showed marked regenerated hepatocytes with normal histologic architecture. Metformin + Omega-3 group and Metformin + Omega-6 group photomicrograph revealed moderate regeneration of β cells of the Islets of Langerhans. The study demonstrates that treatment with Metformin and Omega-3 / Omega-6 oil intervention in diabetic rats significantly ameliorates hyperglycemia, exhibits pancreatic protective effects and reduces lipid peroxidation activity of MDA.