Metabolic Interventions in Diabetic Rat Models
Summary
The use of diabetic rat models, typically induced by streptozotocin administration combined with or without a high-fat diet, has been instrumental in dissecting the mechanisms underlying hyperglycaemia, insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia. Metabolic interventions in these models encompass dietary modulation, phytochemical supplementation and targeted enzyme inhibition, all aimed at restoring glycaemic control, preserving pancreatic β-cell function and attenuating oxidative stress. Key outcomes include improved insulin sensitivity, reduced lipid peroxidation and normalisation of carbohydrate-metabolising enzyme activities. Such studies not only elucidate the pathophysiology of diabetes but also pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies, from natural product-derived compounds to small-molecule inhibitors, with potential translational relevance for human type 2 diabetes management.
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Metabolic Interventions in Diabetic Rat Models publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in metabolic interventions in diabetic rat models across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Streptozotocin-induced diabetes: selective chemical destruction of pancreatic β-cells to create hyperglycaemic rat models.
High-fat diet model: feeding regimen that induces insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia, mimicking metabolic syndrome.
Alpha-glucosidase: intestinal enzyme responsible for final carbohydrate hydrolysis; inhibition slows postprandial glucose rise.
Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β): serine/threonine kinase regulating glycogen synthesis and various signalling pathways.
Nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2): transcription factor that orchestrates antioxidant response element-driven gene expression.
Malondialdehyde (MDA): lipid peroxidation by-product used as a marker of oxidative stress in tissues and serum.
References
- Mango ginger (Curcuma amada Roxb.) may alleviate the effect of high‐fat diet/streptozotocin‐induced diabetes by activation of the GSK‐3β/Fyn/Nrf2 pathway. Food Science & Nutrition (2023).
- Antioxidant potential of theaflavin ameliorates the activities of key enzymes of glucose metabolism in high fat diet and streptozotocin – induced diabetic rats. Redox Report (2019).
- Inhibition of Key Digestive Enzymes Related to Diabetes and Hyperlipidemia and Protection of Liver-Kidney Functions by Trigonelline in Diabetic Rats. Scientia Pharmaceutica (2012).
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