Abstract
Squalene is known for its antioxidant and lipid-lowering effects, and some studies have suggested its antidiabetic potential. This study evaluated the effects of squalene in rats with alloxan-induced type 1 diabetes. Twenty-four rats were divided into four groups: healthy control, alloxan control, and two treatment groups receiving squalene at 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg for 30 days. Blood glucose, HbA1c, insulin, lipid profile, kidney function (creatinine), liver glycogen, antioxidant markers (malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, glutathione), and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) were measured. Squalene improved blood glucose control, insulin levels, and lipid profile. It also restored liver glycogen, reduced oxidative stress, and lowered inflammation markers. These effects were more prominent at the higher dose. In addition, network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses identified relevant targets involved in glucose regulation, lipid metabolism, and immune signaling. Squalene showed favorable binding interactions with key proteins such as IL1R1 and SQLE, supporting its role in modulating both inflammatory and metabolic pathways. Squalene showed beneficial effects in diabetic rats by improving metabolic, antioxidant, and inflammatory parameters. These results suggest that squalene may be a useful compound for supporting diabetes management, and further studies are needed to explore its potential.
Data availability
All data generated or analysed during this study are included in this published article and its supplementary information files. Protein structures used for molecular docking were obtained from the Protein Data Bank (PDB), and target information was retrieved from publicly available databases such as UniProt. No new protein sequences, gene expression datasets, or macromolecular structures were generated during this study.
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Conceptualization: AIO, FRJMethodology (in vivo & biochemical assays): FRJ, ESN, AIOInvestigation (animal work, sample collection, assays): FRJ, ESNNetwork pharmacology & molecular docking: AA, HA, AIOFormal analysis & statistics: AIO, ESNData curation: FRJ, ESN, AAVisualization: AA, AIOWriting – original draft: AIO, FRJ, EMA, Writing – review & editing: AIO, HA, AA, ESN.
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Jaafar, F.R., Nassir, E.S., Oraibi, A.I. et al. Network and molecular insights into the antidiabetic potential of squalene in alloxan-induced diabetes. Sci Rep (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-38233-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-38233-z
