Effect of Tributyrin Supplementation on Glucose Levels, Liver and Kidney Integrity in an Experimental Model of Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background and Objective: Studies report the beneficial effects of short-chain fatty acids on intestinal health, hyperglycemia and kidney disease. However, it is unknown whether tributyrin, a prodrug of butyric acid, produces the same effects. Due to the limitations of current treatments for patients with chronic diabetic disease, other alternative therapies could provide a better quality of life for the patient. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate the effect of tributyrin in an animal model with this pathology. Materials and Methods: Twenty-seven male Wistar rats weighing 200-250 g were assigned randomly into three groups. The animals received food and water ad libitum. The G 1 and G 2 animals were chemically induced into a model of chronic diabetes, with liver and kidney damage, using streptozotocin. At G 1 and G 3 (healthy animals): Tributyrin (Tb: 450 mg kgG 1 PO SID) was administered for 4 weeks. To G 2 (control group): Only physiological saline solution 4.5 mL kgG 1 PO SID was given. Hemogram, blood biochemistry and urinalysis were performed at the beginning and every week. In addition, a glucose tolerance test was performed before and at the end of treatment. At the end of the study, histopathology examinations were performed. Results: Supplemented tributyrin increased insulin sensitivity, decreased blood glucose and improved liver and kidney tissue. Conclusion: Oral tributyrin supplementation in a rat model of chronic diabetes mellitus improved blood glucose levels, produced a hepatoprotective effect and delayed kidney disease. Therefore, tributyrin is considered a complementary therapy to the usual treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Vitamin E (α-Tocopherol) Does Not Ameliorate the Toxic Effect of Bisphenol S on the Metabolic Analytes and Pancreas Histoarchitecture of Diabetic Rats

“…Thus, we considered evaluating serum parameters to determine if the coadministration of VitE with BPS attenuated the damage produced by BPS. Additionally, we compared the results with clinical laboratory parameters for Wistar rats and other studies made with diabetic rats [ 41 , 42 , 43 ].…”