Protective Properties of Spheroidal Taxifolin Form in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

One of the key factors in the pathogenesis of diabetes and its complications is oxidative stress. To inhibit this process, antioxidants may be helpful. Herein, we focused on the protective properties of taxifolin spheroidal form (TS) in the streptozotocin rat model of diabetes mellitus. After 4 weeks of treatment with TS, the fasting blood glucose level of the diabetic animals decreased by 12% compared with the level right after the injection of streptozotocin. While the feed intake in the untreated diabetic rats increased by 5.3% compared with the healthy group, the TS-treated group showed a pronounced 15.3% decrease. Therapeutic administration of TS has a protective effect on the pancreas and the liver against the cytotoxic action of streptozotocin. The plasma antioxidant capacity of all diabetic groups appeared to be approximately 15% lower than in healthy rats with no significant difference between the TS-treated and untreated diabetic animals. Apparently, this can be attributed to taxifolin and plasma proteins binding. These data demonstrate the potential of TS in antidiabetic therapy.

Automated summary

Oxidative stress is a key factor in the development of diabetes and its complications. In this study, the protective properties of taxifolin spheroidal form (TS) were examined in a rat model of diabetes. Treatment with TS for 4 weeks resulted in a significant decrease in fasting blood glucose levels and feed intake in diabetic rats. TS also showed a protective effect on the pancreas and liver against the cytotoxic action of streptozotocin.