Chitosan Protects Peripheral Nerves Against Damage Induced by Diabetes Mellitus

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of diabetes, leading to nerve degeneration.
• Current therapies for DPN are insufficient in preventing nerve damage.
• Chitosan, a biocompatible polysaccharide, possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may offer neuroprotection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the neuroprotective effects of oral chitosan administration.
• To evaluate the impact of chitosan on peripheral nerve function and structure in a mouse model of diabetes.

Main Methods:

• Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice were treated with chitosan (150 mg/kg/day) for 12 weeks.
• Evaluated parameters included metabolic markers, nociception, nerve electrophysiology (CMAP), and nerve histology (IENF density).

Main Results:

• Chitosan improved nerve function by ameliorating thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia.
• Electrophysiological tests showed improved compound motor action potential (CMAP) amplitude and reduced duration.
• Histological analysis revealed increased intraepidermal nerve fiber (IENF) density in chitosan-treated mice.
• Chitosan also demonstrated metabolic benefits by reducing LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

Conclusions:

• Oral chitosan administration provides functional and structural neuroprotection in diabetic neuropathy.
• These benefits were observed despite persistent hyperglycemia in the diabetic model.
• Chitosan represents a promising therapeutic agent for managing diabetic peripheral neuropathy.