Linoleic and alpha linolenic acids ameliorate streptozotocin-induced diabetes in mice.

Key Findings:

The authors hypothesized that LA or ALA treatment, or a combination, might protect the pancreas from the STZ-induced damage. LA and ALA were able to partially reduce the STZ induced pancreas necrosis and to increase insulin plasma levels. Basal plasma glucose levels were normalized by the administration of LA, ALA and LA + ALA. In the pancreata of animals receiving EFA treatment, an increase in the number of beta cells and a significant increase in the number of islets were observed, in particular for ALA and LA + ALA, than in those of animals receiving only STZ, A STZ-linked reduction in D6 desaturase activity was alleviated to some degree by LA, ALA or LA + ALA. Thus LA or ALA reversed the STZ-induced diabetic phenotype and restored D6 desaturase activity and fatty acid metabolism.  EFA supplementation improved insulin and glucose levels in plasma.

ABSTRACT:

Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in mice progresses with decreased desaturase activities and alterations in the metabolism of essential fatty acids (EFA). Objectives: Based on our previous studies with soybean oil that ameliorated the STZ damage in mice, we tested here the accountability of its main EFA components, i.e. linoleic acid (LA) and alpha linolenic acid (ALA) in the prevention of pancreas damage and D6 desaturase decrease. Materials and methods: Seven days after injection with STZ and EFA gavage, ICR mice were sacrificed. Plasma glucose and insulin levels, pancreas histology and liver fatty acid desaturases were analysed. Results: EFA reduced pancreas damage, insulin and glucose plasma levels and restored D6 desaturase activity and mRNA expression levels. Discussion: By reducing pancreas damage, EFA ameliorated insulin levels, D6 desaturase and fatty acid metabolism. LA further enhanced Fads2 promoter activity. Conclusion: EFA ameliorate STZ induced diabetes in mice. (Authors abstract)