Anti-diabetic effects of astaxanthin on an STZ-induced diabetic model in rats

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which is characterized by insulin resistance and relative insufficiency, has become the most common chronic metabolic disease threatening global health. The preferred therapies for T2DM include lifestyle interventions use of anti-diabetic drugs. However, considering their adverse reactions, it important to find a low-toxicity effective functional food or drug prevention treatment. Astaxanthin potent antioxidant carotenoid found in marine organisms been reported prevent diet-induced hepatic steatosis. To investigate effects astaxanthin, male Wistar rats were fed high-energy diet 4 weeks, followed low dose streptozotocin (STZ) injection induce model, then an astaxanthin-containing another 3 weeks. significantly decreased blood glucose total cholesterol (TC) levels, increased levels high density lipoprotein (HDL-C) STZ-induced diabetic dependent manner. These results associated with expression sensitivity related genes (adiponectin, adipoR1, adipoR2) vivo, thereby attenuating diabetes. In addition, we also compared astaxanthin monacolin K, downregulate hyperlipidemia hyperglycemia. revealed that K showed similar rats. Therefore, may be developed as agent future.