Metformin on Insulin, Glucagon, Oxidative Stress Markers and Pancreatic Tissue Histology in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract

This study determined the effects of Metformin on plasma insulin, glucagon, oxidative stress status and histology of pancreas in diabetic rats. Grouping was carried out on 21 rats, and were assigned into 3 groups (n = 7 rats per group); non-DM, DM and DM+metformin (200 mg/kg). Diabetes Mellitus was induced and treatments were given daily by oral gavage for 4 weeks. Food intake, fasting blood glucose (FBG), glucagon, malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl were significantly higher while final body weight, insulin and total antioxidant capacity were significantly lower in Diabetes Mellitus group compared with non- Diabetes Mellitus group. There was significantly higher body weight, insulin level and total antioxidant capacity with significantly lower food intake, FBG, glucagon, malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl levels in Diabetes Mellitus +Metformin group compared with the Diabetes Mellitus group. Pancreatic tissue histology revealed islet cells regeneration in Diabetes Mellitus +Metformin group. This in vivo study provides evidence of the potential of antihyperglycemic and improved oxidants- antioxidant status which may be due to the oral hypoglycaemic nature or effects of metformin as seen in this study.