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Efficacy of Oral Nanoparticle-Encapsulated Insulin in Reducing Oxidative Stress and Enhancing Tissue Integrity in a
Nawel Kaddour1, Farah Benyettou2, Kawtar Moulai1
1Laboratory of Physiology, Physiopathology, and Biochemistry of Nutrition, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences of Nature and Life, Earth Sciences and Universe (SNVSTU), University of Tlemcen, Tlemcen, 13000, Algeria.
Introduction:
Diabetes mellitus, a chronic metabolic disorder, leads to systemic organ damage characterized by oxidative stress and structural alterations, contributing to increased morbidity and mortality. Traditional subcutaneous insulin therapy, while managing hyperglycemia, often falls short in addressing the oxidative damage and preventing organ-specific complications. This study evaluates the therapeutic efficacy of a novel oral nanoparticle-mediated insulin (nCOF/Insulin) against these diabetes-induced changes, comparing it with traditional subcutaneous insulin in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat model.
Methods:
We induced diabetes in Wistar rats, dividing them into four groups: standard control, diabetic control, diabetic treated with subcutaneous insulin, and diabetic treated with oral nanoparticle-mediated insulin (nCOF/Insulin). Assessments included organ and body weights, histopathological examinations, and oxidative stress markers (MDA and PCOs) across various organs, including the brain, muscle, intestine, spleen, heart, liver, kidney, and adrenal glands. Additionally, we evaluated antioxidant parameters (GSH and catalase) and conducted immunohistochemical analysis of E-cadherin to assess intestinal integrity.
Results:
Our findings reveal that STZ-induced diabetes significantly impacts organ health, with subcutaneous insulin providing limited mitigation and, in some cases, exacerbating oxidative stress. Conversely, oral nCOF/Insulin treatment effectively restored organ and body weights, reduced oxidative stress markers, and mitigated histological damage. This suggests that oral nCOF/Insulin not only offers superior glycemic control but also addresses the underlying oxidative stress.
Conclusion:
nCOF/Insulin emerges as a promising treatment for diabetes, with the potential to improve patient quality of life by ameliorating oxidative stress and preventing organ-specific complications. This study underscores the need for further investigation into the long-term effects and mechanisms of action of oral nCOF/Insulin, aiming to revolutionize diabetes management and treatment strategies.
Insights
Novel oral nanoparticle-mediated insulin (nCOF/Insulin) effectively combats diabetes-induced organ damage and oxidative stress in rats. This new therapy shows promise beyond traditional insulin for better diabetes management and patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Pharmacology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus causes systemic organ damage via oxidative stress and structural changes, increasing mortality.
- Subcutaneous insulin manages hyperglycemia but inadequately addresses oxidative damage and organ complications.
- Novel therapeutic strategies are needed to mitigate diabetes-induced organ damage and oxidative stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of oral nanoparticle-mediated insulin (nCOF/Insulin) in a diabetic rat model.
- To compare nCOF/Insulin with traditional subcutaneous insulin in mitigating diabetes-induced organ damage.
- To assess the impact of nCOF/Insulin on oxidative stress and organ integrity.
Main Methods:
- Diabetes was induced in Wistar rats using streptozotocin (STZ).
- Rats were divided into control, diabetic, subcutaneous insulin-treated, and oral nCOF/Insulin-treated groups.
- Organ weights, histopathology, oxidative stress markers (MDA, PCOs), antioxidant parameters (GSH, catalase), and intestinal integrity (E-cadherin) were assessed.
Main Results:
- STZ-induced diabetes caused significant organ damage and increased oxidative stress.
- Subcutaneous insulin offered limited protection and sometimes worsened oxidative stress.
- Oral nCOF/Insulin treatment effectively restored organ weights, reduced oxidative stress, and mitigated histological damage.
Conclusions:
- Oral nCOF/Insulin demonstrates superior therapeutic efficacy compared to subcutaneous insulin in a diabetic rat model.
- nCOF/Insulin effectively addresses both hyperglycemia and underlying oxidative stress, ameliorating organ damage.
- This novel oral insulin holds significant potential for revolutionizing diabetes management and improving patient quality of life.

