Neuroprotective Effects of Resveratrol in STZ-induced Diabetic Neuropathy in Rats by Behavioral and Biochemical Effects

Objectives

Diabetic neuropathy is one of the major complications, which is characterized by chronic neuropathic pain, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation related to diabetes. The current research is designed to assess the anti-neuropathic ability of resveratrol in Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

Materials and Methods

Male Wistar rats (220-280 g) were made diabetic by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (50 mg/kg). Rats (confirmed with hyperglycaemia) were fed resveratrol (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg p.o) for a period of four weeks. Flexion and heat plate tests were used to measure neuropathic pain in tail immersion. Fasting blood glucose was measured using a glucometer after overnight fasting. Biochemical parameters such as TNF-α in serum and brain nitrite levels are found to measure the responses of inflammatory and oxidative stress.

Results

The administration of STZ had caused a great hyperglycaemia, body weight decreases, lowered nociceptive threshold, and also an increase in serum TNF-α. The treatment of resveratrol had a great effect in halting these modifications in a dose-dependent fashion. The maximum dose (40 mg/kg) had a significant positive effect on pain threshold, decreased the signs of inflammatory and oxidative stress, and partially normalised glucose levels by normal standards.

Conclusion

Resveratrol proves to have a superior protective effect against diabetic neuropathy by acting as a regulator of oxidative stress and inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This indicates that resveratrol has potential as a therapeutic candidate to be used in controlling diabetic neuropathic pain.