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Updated: Mar 22, 2026

A Model of Chronic Nutrient Infusion in the Rat
Published on: August 14, 2013
Spirulina versicolor improves insulin sensitivity and attenuates hyperglycemia-mediated oxidative stress in
Walaa G Hozayen1, Ayman M Mahmoud2, Hanan A Soliman1
1Department of Chemistry, Division of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Egypt.
Aim:
The current study aimed to investigate the anti-hyperglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemic and insulin sensitizing effects of the cyanobacterium Spirulina versicolor extract in fructose-fed rats.
Materials And Methods:
Rats were fed 30% fructose solution in drinking water for 4 weeks. Animals exhibited hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia were selected for further investigations. Diabetic and control rats were orally supplemented with 50 mg/kg body weight S. versicolor extract for 4 weeks.
Results:
At the end of 8 weeks, fructose-fed rats showed a significant increase in serum glucose, insulin, cholesterol, triglycerides, cardiovascular risk indices and insulin resistance. Treatment of the fructose-fed rats with S. versicolor extract improved this metabolic profile. Fructose feeding produced a significant increase in serum tumor necrosis factor alpha and a decrease in adiponectin levels. In addition, fructose-fed rats exhibited a significant increase in liver, kidney and heart lipid peroxidation levels, and declined antioxidant defenses. Supplementation of the fructose-fed rats with S. versicolor extract reversed these alterations.
Conclusion:
S. versicolor attenuates hyperglycemia-mediated oxidative stress and inflammation, and is thus effective in improving insulin sensitivity in fructose-fed rats.
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