Potential ameliorative effects of selenium and chromium supplementation against toxicity and oxidative stress in streptozotocin diabetic rats

Abstract

Background and Objective: Diabetes mellitus is a persistent syndrome affecting carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. The current study was undertaken to assess and evaluate the ameliorator property of selenium and chromium each alone or in combination as antioxidants and as a biological membrane stabilizer in the caring against diabetes mellitus oxidative stress. Methodology: The rats were divided into seven groups (10 per group). The 1st group was served as a control group, while, the 2nd group was treated with STZ and considered as (Diabetic untreated group). The 3rd and 4th groups were normal and treated with Se or Cr each alone. The last three groups were diabetic and treated with either Se and/or Cr each alone or in combination and all animals were treated for 30 days. Results: Administration of STZ (50 mg kg–1 i.p.) to rats resulted in hyperlipidemia, an increase in renal parameters as well as the pancreatic and hepatic MDA level and decreasing glutathione (GSH and CAT) contents of the liver and pancreas. While, inducing an increment in (TNF-α and CRP) as compared to control group. In contrast, the administration of Se (0.5 mg kg–1) or/and Cr (600 Fg day–1) to diabetic rats attenuates the toxicity of diabetes, objectified by pancreatic tissues improvement as in TEM sections. But, this alleviation is more pronounced in the diabetic group treated with the both antioxidants. Thus, the synergistic effect of Se and Cr is most powerful in reducing the toxicity induced by STZ and improving the liver and the pancreas antioxidant status. Conclusion: Diabetes, induced harmful variations in metabolism by elevation of oxidative stress markers and thus Se and Cr are struggling against the oxidative stress via their elaboration in metabolism in addition to their antioxidant properties which may reduce the suffering of diabetic patients.