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Efficacy of Caffeic Acid on Diabetes and Its Complications in the Mouse
Nada Oršolić1, Damir Sirovina1, Dyana Odeh1
1Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Rooseveltov trg 6, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
Abstract:
Diabetic dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia contribute to excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, leading to deleterious complications, such as nephropathy, atherosclerosis and cardiac dysfunction, and target major organs in the body. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of caffeic acid (CA) on mouse weight and survival, serum level of fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum lipid parameters and atherogenic indices, oxidative damage in blood, liver and kidney tissue, pathophysiological changes and their function markers in healthy and alloxan-induced type 1 diabetic mice. Diabetes was induced in mice with a single intravenous injection of alloxan (75 mg kg-1). Two days later, CA (50 mg kg-1) was given intraperitoneally for seven days in diabetic mice. Diabetes affected glucose level, lipid profile, hematological and biochemical parameters, induced DNA damage and apoptotic/necrotic death in whole blood cells, liver and kidney, leading to weight loss and a decreased lifespan. CA treatment of diabetic mice revealed a protective effect on the liver and kidney, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties and high protection against atherogenic outcomes. The obtained results suggest that CA is a safe and potent agent against diabetes that acts as an effective antioxidant in reducing serum glucose, lipid profile and atherogenic indices, leading to increased lifespan in mice.
Insights
Caffeic acid (CA) demonstrates significant protective effects against diabetes in mice. This antioxidant compound helps lower blood glucose and lipid levels, reduces oxidative damage, and extends lifespan.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Diabetic dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia elevate reactive oxygen species (ROS), causing organ damage.
- Complications include nephropathy, atherosclerosis, and cardiac dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate caffeic acid's (CA) effects on diabetic mice.
- Assess impact on weight, survival, glucose, lipids, and oxidative stress.
Main Methods:
- Type 1 diabetes induced in mice using alloxan.
- Diabetic mice received daily intraperitoneal injections of CA (50 mg/kg) for seven days.
- Evaluated weight, survival, blood glucose, lipid profiles, and tissue oxidative damage.
Main Results:
- Diabetes caused weight loss, reduced lifespan, elevated glucose and lipids, and induced DNA damage and cell death.
- CA treatment improved liver and kidney function, lowered glucose and lipids, and reduced atherogenic risk.
- CA demonstrated antioxidant properties, mitigating oxidative stress.
Conclusions:
- Caffeic acid (CA) is a safe and effective agent against diabetes.
- CA acts as an antioxidant, improving metabolic parameters and increasing lifespan in diabetic mice.
