Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 8, 2025
Modeling and Evaluation of Murine Diabetic Cardiomyopathy Model
Published on: November 29, 2024
Antioxidant Effects of Trehalose in an Experimental Model of Type 2 Diabetes
Shabnam Radbakhsh1, Shiva Ganjali1, Seyed Adel Moallem2,3
1Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
Background:
Oxidative stress that occurs as a consequence of the imbalance between antioxidant activity and free radicals can contribute in the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Antioxidant therapies have been proposed as possible approaches to treat and attenuate diabetic complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate potential antioxidant effects of trehalose on oxidative indices in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat model.
Methods:
Diabetic rats were divided randomly into five treatment groups (six rats per group). One test group received 45 mg/kg/day trehalose via intraperitoneal injection, and another received 1.5 mg/kg/day trehalose via oral gavage for 4 weeks. Three control groups were also tested including nondiabetic rats as a normal control (NC), a nontreated diabetic control (DC), and a positive control given 200 mg/kg/day metformin. Levels of thiol groups (-SH), and serum total antioxidant capacity were measured between control and test groups. In addition, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzyme activities were assessed.
Results:
In both oral and injection trehalose-treated groups, a marked increase was observed in serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (p > 0.05) and thiol groups (-SH) (p < 0.05). Also, SOD and GPx activities were increased after 4 weeks of treatment with trehalose.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the present results indicate ameliorative effects of trehalose on oxidative stress, with increase antioxidant enzyme activities in STZ-induced diabetic rats.
Insights
Trehalose demonstrated antioxidant effects in diabetic rats by increasing total antioxidant capacity and key enzyme activities. This suggests trehalose may help manage oxidative stress associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Oxidative stress, an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants, contributes to metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
- Antioxidant therapies are explored for managing and mitigating diabetic complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antioxidant potential of trehalose.
- To evaluate trehalose's effects on oxidative stress markers in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat model.
Main Methods:
- Diabetic rats were administered trehalose (45 mg/kg/day via injection or 1.5 mg/kg/day orally) for four weeks.
- Control groups included non-diabetic rats, untreated diabetic rats, and a metformin-treated group.
- Measurements included serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), thiol groups (-SH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities.
Main Results:
- Trehalose treatment significantly increased serum TAC and thiol group levels in diabetic rats.
- Activities of antioxidant enzymes SOD and GPx were elevated following trehalose administration.
Conclusions:
- Trehalose exhibits ameliorative effects on oxidative stress in STZ-induced diabetic rats.
- The findings suggest trehalose enhances antioxidant enzyme activities, offering potential therapeutic benefits for diabetic complications.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
01:36Carbohydrate Metabolism
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in...
01:20Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility,...
01:22Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...