Therapeutic effect of quercetin on the hypothalamus of stz nicotinamide induced diabetic rats

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia and disturbances in sugar, fat, and protein metabolism. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of quercetin on the hypothalamus in adult male Wistar rats with STZ-nicotinamide-induced diabetes. Forty rats were divided into eight groups, each receiving different treatments. The control group received a standard diet, while other groups were administered various doses of quercetin alone, diabetes induction agents alone, or a combination of quercetin and diabetes induction agents. Treatments were administered orally for eight weeks. Results revealed significant differences in body weight among the groups, with diabetic rats showing a decrease compared to the control group. However, rats treated with quercetin or metformin exhibited a significant increase in body weight compared to the diabetic control group. Additionally, diabetes induction significantly decreased plasma insulin, plasma testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone levels, while quercetin treatment led to significant increases in these hormone levels. Histological examination of the hypothalamus showed notable findings. Control group rats displayed normal histomorphological features, while diabetic control rats exhibited swollen and distorted hypothalamic cells with cellular apoptosis. Interestingly, rats treated with quercetin showed a reduction in apoptotic cells, indicating a protective effect on hypothalamic cells. In conclusion, our findings suggest that quercetin possesses potential therapeutic properties in ameliorating the detrimental effects of STZ-nicotinamide-induced diabetes on the hypothalamus in adult male Wistar rats.