Role of lipoic acid on insulin resistance and leptin in experimentally diabetic rats
Received 12 August 2009; received in revised form 11 September 2009; accepted 28 September 2009. published online 30 October 2009. Corrected Proof
Abstract
Objective
We aimed to examine the changes in serum insulin and leptin levels in induced type 1 diabetes mellitus in relationship to glycemic state and lipid profiles and to clarify the role of lipoic acid (LA).
Methods
Ninety-six male rats were equally divided into the following: a control group (normal, nondiabetic), a diabetic group induced by subcutaneous injection of alloxan (non-LA-treated), and an LA-treated diabetic group (for 4 weeks). Body weight, serum lipid profile, glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment–insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and leptin were measured.
Results
This study showed a significant increase in serum triacylglycerol (TG), total cholesterol, glucose levels, and HOMA-IR and a significant decrease in body weight gain, insulin, and leptin levels in the diabetic group compared to the control group. LA treatment induced a significant decrease in glucose, TG, and total cholesterol levels and significantly increased serum insulin and leptin levels in comparison with the diabetic group.
Conclusion
Induced diabetes resulted in insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, and hypoleptinemia, while LA ameliorates these changes and improves insulin sensitivity.
ABSTRACT