The Haematological Effects of Oleanolic Acid in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats: Effects on Selected Markers

Abstract

Background Sustained hyperglycaemia leads to the development of haematological alterations which, if left untreated, is associated with cardiovascular complications. Insulin is the mainstay drug in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D); however, the use of insulin is associated with haematological alterations that could further worsen cardiovascular complications. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate the haematological effects of oleanolic acid (OA) in streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced diabetic rats. Methods The animals were separated into five groups; the nondiabetic group (ND), the diabetic control group (DC), and the treatment groups of insulin (170 μg/kg, s.c), metformin (500 mg/kg, p.o), and OA (80 mg/kg, p.o). OA was administered orally twice a day. Thereafter, the animals were sacrificed, and blood and tissues were collected for haematological, hormonal, and oxidative status analysis. Results Untreated diabetic rats exhibited hyperglycaemia, elevated glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), oxidative stress, and a reduced erythropoietin (EPO) concentration when compared to ND rats. However, administration of OA attenuated hyperglycaemia, HbA1c, and EPO concentrations compared to DC rats. The reduction of blood glucose concentration, HbA1c, and improved EPO concentrations was further associated with a notable increase in red blood cell (RBC) count and other RBC indices. We also observed an increase in the antioxidant status of the RBCs with a concomitant decrease in oxidative stress. Conclusion These findings suggest that OA improves diabetes-induced haematological changes caused by hyperglycaemia and attenuates the progression of cardiovascular complications in DM individuals.

Aspirin and meloxicam co-administration with leaf extract of Terminalia catappa; prevention of red blood cell related cardiovascular complications in alloxan induced diabetic rats

“…The result of mean corpuscular volume MCV in the diabetic group was reduced compared with control. The result is consistent with the findings of [52,46] in diabetic rats. Mean corpuscular volume is the average size and volume of red blood cell which help in the determination of aetiology of anaemia.…”

Modulatory Effects of Oleanolic Acid on Cardiac Anti-Oxidant Status and Inflammatory Response in High Fructose-Fed Neonatal Sprague-Dawley Rats

“…25 OA has also been shown to have beneficial antioxidant effects on red blood cells in streptozotcin-induced diabetic rats. 27 The differences in these studies compared to the current one can possibly be attributed to different experimental models used to investigate the effect of OA on the heart. We used a high fructose diet while the previous studies used chemically induced methods.…”

Hematological indices and their correlation with glucose control parameters in a prediabetic rat model

“…In contrast, earlier study reported a significant increment in RBC indices, such as RBCs, Hb, Hct, and RDW, in prediabetic rats compared with healthy control rats. This condition is probably caused by a state of hyperinsulinemia, where insulin acts as a cofactor in the erythropoiesis process, resulting in an increase in the RBC value [13].…”