The protective effect of nicotinamide (NA) on type II diabetes
mellitus induced in rats by streptozotocin (STZ) (50 mg/kg I.P. single
dose) was assessed . The degree of protection was determined
biochemically by measuring pancreatic nitric oxide (NO) and fasting
blood glucose level(FBG) and by histopathological examination of beta
cells (f3-cells). In addition, the study also extended to detect the effect of
NA on liver 8c kidney functions.
In STZ induced diabetic rats, there were significant elevation
(P005) of pancreatic NO2 and NO3 and FBG levels, as well as
reduction in number size, fibrosis and hydropic degeneration of 13-cells.
In rats pretreated with NA (1% in drinking water 3 weeks before
diabetes induction), pancreatic nitrite (NO2 ) and nitrate (NO3 ) levels
were significantly (1=1 0.05) reduced in addition to more or less normal
histopathological picture of 13-cells, but alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were significantly elevated
(PD3.05).
Moreover, in NA post-treated diabetic rats, pancreatic. NO2 and
NO3 and fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were non significantly
changed (13?,.0.05) compared with diabetic non-treated rates with
persistant of the same histopathological picture of 13-cells.
In conclusion, these findings support the suitability of NA for
trials designed to delay or prevent the onset of diabetes mellitus . |
