Quercetin as a Modulator of Diabetic Macrovascular Complications in Murine and Chick Embryo Models

Background: Quercetin, a bioflavonoid, with wide natural occurrence has been found to possess numerous pharmacological benefits. Aim: The present work deals with exploring efficacy of Quercetin against diabetic macrovascular complications taking the aid of the high fat diet fed-low dose streptozotocin rat model. The use of the chick embryo model in this regard was attempted with an aim to address the growing ethical concerns for the use of higher animals in biological experiments. Methods: High Fat Diet (HFD) +STZ (35 mg/kg) induced diabetes was treated with metformin and quercetin in rats. Diabetic simulation was done in chick embryos with ß-hydroxy butyric acid (15 mM) and glucose (20 mM). HbA1c, Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG), TC, TG, HDL, LDH and CK-MB were estimated in rat serum whereas blood glucose and lipid profile tests were done in amniotic fluid, liver and heart tissues of chick embryos. Histopathological study was performed on heart tissues of the wistar albino rats. Results: Increased HbA1c, blood glucose, TC, TG and decreased HDL were found in the chick embryo models proving its success in simulating diabetic condition. Reversal of blood glucose, HbA1c and lipid profile anomalies towards normal after quercetin treatment was comparable to metformin treated groups in both rat and chick embryo models. Quercetin was found to be effective in decreasing elevated serum LDH and more effective in decreasing CKMB levels. Conclusion: Biochemical and histopathological evidences pointed towards quercetin having potential benefits in diabetic macrovascular complications and that the chick embryo is an effective alternative model for the said condition.