Effects of Coenzyme Q10 on Some Blood Antioxidant System Parameters and Histological Changes in the Pancreas and Aorta of Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of Coenzyme Q10 on antioxidant enzymes in diabetic rats. Group I was not exposed any application. Group II was intraperitoneally administrated 0.3 ml corn oil in daily for four weeks. Group III received 10 mg/kg CoQ10 in 0.3 ml corn oil intraperitoneally daily for four weeks. Diabetes was induced by subcutaneous injections of streptozotocin in group IV. Group V was made diabetic in the same way and then these animals were intraperitoneally injected with 10 mg/kg CoQ10 in 0.3 ml cornoil daily for four weeks. In blood samples, GSH, TBARS, SOD, NO levels and GPx, CAT activities were determined. Pancreas and aorta tissue samples were examined using histological and immunohistochemical methods. Plasma SOD, GPx, CAT and GSH levels in diabetic group were significantly lower than control group. These parameters significantly increased with CoQ10 application to diabetic rats when compared to diabetic group. The increased plasma TBARS level with diabetes reduced with CoQ10 treatment. The histological findings of the study support the changes in enzyme levels as a result of CoQ10 application. In conclusion, CoQ10 application to diabetic rats may have beneficial effects on some negative changes caused by diabetes.