ABSTRACT

Purpose:

Increased oxidant stress plays an important role in the etiopathogenesis of the chronic complications of diabetes. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of vitamin C treatment on the oxidant and antioxidant processes in the liver of diabetic rats.

Materials and Methods:

Wistar Albino rats were divided into 4 groups: 1-Control, 2-Ascorbic Acid (AA, vitamin C), 3-Diabetes, 4-Diabetes+AA. For induction of diabetes, the rats were treated with a single dose of Strep-tozotocin (45 mg/kg, i.p.). After 48 hours, rats whose fasting blood glucose levels were over 200 mg/100 ml were included in the diabetes groups. Rats in the AA and Diabetes+AA groups were treated with AA (20 mg/kg/day), which was administered intragastrically for 21 days. At the end of the experiment, malondialdehyde, glutathione and NOx levels in the liver tissues were determined. ANOVA and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for statistical analyses.

Results:

In the diabetes groups, malondialdehyde levels were increased, while glutathione and NOx levels were decreased. Malondialdehyde levels were decreased while glutathione levels were increased in the AA and Diabetes+AA groups in comparison with the controls. There were no significant differences amongst the groups in terms of NOx levels

Conclusion:

The malondialdehyde and glutathione levels in vitamin C supplemented rat livers indicate that diets rich in vitamin C or vitamin C preparations might be beneficial in the treatment of diabetic patients.