Effect of chromium picolinate on histopathological alterations in STZ and neonatal STZ diabetic rats

Abstract

Earlier studies from our laboratory have indicated insulin sensitizing action of chromium picolinate as the mechanism of its anti‐diabetic activity in experimental models of type I and type II diabetes. In the present investigation, we have evaluated the effects of chronic administration of chromium picolinate on the functional and histological alterations of streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetes in rats. Type I diabetes was induced by intravenous injection of STZ (40 mg/kg) in adult rats, whereas, type II diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of STZ (90 mg/kg) in 2‐day old rat pups which in adulthood develop abnormalities resembling type II diabetes. Chromium picolinate was administered at 8 μg/ml in drinking water for 6 weeks and was found to improve glucose tolerance and increase insulin sensitivity of STZ‐diabetic rats. This treatment decrease elevated serum creatinine and urea levels as well as elevated serum levels of hepatic enzymes of both groups of diabetic rats. Histopathological studies of kidney and liver show decrease in the intensity and incidence of vacuolations, cellular infiltration and hypertrophy of STZ and nSTZ (neonatal STZ) diabetic rats. Chronic treatment with chromium picolinate however, did not alter the normal function or morphology of control rats. Chronic chromium picolinate at the therapeutic doses that improved glucose tolerance, was observed to have no hepatotoxic or nephrotoxic potential. It was rather found to improve renal and hepatic function and to reduce abnormalities associated with STZ‐diabetes. Chromium picolinate could play an important role in the long term management of diabetes mellitus.

Clinicopathological Study on the Effects of <i>Momordica charantia</i> on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats

“…In diabetic rats, hyperglycemiais the main cause of nephropathy, indicated by glomerular hypertrophy [49], thickening of the glomerular basement membrane [41] [50] and tubular vacuolation [51]. Renal tubular vacuolation has been attributed to the hyperglycemia causing accumulation of glycogen in cellular cytoplasm [52].…”

Preventive role of <i>Withania somnifera</i> on hyperlipidemia and cardiac oxidative stress in streptozotocin induced type 2 diabetic rats

“…Single intraperitoneal (i.p) injection of STZ (100 mg/kg) was given to 2 days old rat pups to induce type 2 diabetes mellitus [13]. Normal control rats received i.p injection of citrate buffer on the 2 nd day of their birth.…”

Effect of Chromium Picolinate on Modified Forced Swimming Test in Diabetic Rats: Involvement of Serotonergic Pathways and Potassium Channels

“…deficiency has been implicated as one of the causes of diabetes mellitus (Shinde & Goyal 2003). It improves glucose tolerance in diabetes, but the exact mechanism is still uncertain.…”