Pathomorphological effects of Alloxan induced acute hypoglycaemia in rabbits

The Influence of Sildenafil-Metformin Combination on Hyperalgesia and Biochemical Markers in Diabetic Neuropathy in Mice

Background and objectives: Worldwide, approximately 500 million people suffer from diabetes and at least 50% of these people develop neuropathy. Currently, therapeutic strategies for reducing diabetic neuropathy (DN)-associated pain are limited and have several side effects. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the antihyperalgesic action of different sildenafil (phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor) and metformin (antihyperglycemic agent) combinations in alloxan-induced DN. Methods: The study included 100 diabetic mice and 20 non-diabetic mice that were subjected to hot and cold stimulus tests. Furthermore, we determined the influence of this combination on TNF-α, IL-6 and nitrites levels in brain and liver tissues. Results: In both the hot-plate and tail withdrawal test, all sildenafil-metformin combinations administered in our study showed a significant increase in pain reaction latencies when compared to the diabetic control group. Furthermore, all combinations decreased blood glucose levels due to the hypoglycemic effect of metformin. Additionally, changes in nitrite levels and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) were observed after 14 days of treatment with different sildenafil-metformin combinations. Conclusions: The combination of these two substances increased the pain reaction latency of diabetic animals in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, all sildenafil-metformin combinations significantly reduced the concentration of nitrites in the brain and liver, which are final products formed under the action of iNOS.

Assessment of antidiabetic potential of Musa acuminata peel extract and its fractions in experimental animals and characterisation of its bioactive compounds by HPTLC

Musa acuminata is a rich source of nutritional food with acclaimed therapeutic uses. Banana pulp has been reported to possess antidiabetic properties. The present study aimed to investigate antidiabetic potential of Musa acuminata peels and its fractions along with diabetic complications. Animals were divided into various groups (n = 6), EMA 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/day and various fractions 50 and 100 mg/kg/day along with vehicle administered orally to alloxan-induced diabetic rats (n = 6) for 21 days for extract and for 7 days for fractions. Musa acuminata possess antidiabetic potential by reducing plasma glucose by utilising glucose in the periphery and production of hepatic glycogen and further reduce protein catabolism which is responsible for improvement in body weight along with reduction in diabetic complications such as dyslipidemia, peripheral neuropathy and nephropathy. Protective role of Musa acuminata in treatment of diabetes and its complications.

Practical considerations for reducing mortality rates in alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits

Chemically-induced diabetic animal models have been employed in many areas of diabetes mellitus (DM) research, but managing post-induction animal survival rates remains one of the main downsides.

The aim of the present study was to propose a reliable approach to animal management and monitoring after DM induction in a rabbit model in order to reduce animal mortality rates.

DM was induced by injecting alloxan in 12 New Zealand White rabbits. A preventive subcutaneous glucose administration to counteract a potentially lethal hypoglycemic phase following alloxan injection was performed on individual bases. Blood glucose level (BGL) was checked hourly for the first 36 h, then every 2 h until the hyperglycemic state was confirmed.

All 12 rabbits survived a 48-hour post-induction phase. The critical hypoglycemic phase's start points and duration differed significantly among the rabbits, lasting from 6.7 to 37 h (19.75 ± 8.44). The rabbits entered the final hyperglycemic phase 18 h at the earliest and 42 h at the latest after induction (26.63 ± 7.07). The average daily BGLs throughout the study period ranged from 268 to 512 mg/dL (413.73 ± 76.69). Eleven rabbits survived until the end of the experiment.

The variability of rabbits' responses to alloxan injection emphasizes the importance of monitoring rabbit behavior and thoroughly checking BGLs, followed by a preventive glucose administration based on rabbits' individual needs for up to 36 h after alloxan injection. The proposed approach seems to reduce animal mortality.