Serum and liver lipids distributions in streptozotocin induced diabetic rat treated with diet containing yam (Dioscorea bulbifera) flour.

INTRODUCTION Liver disease as a major cause of mortality in patients with diabetes mellitus. There is a interest to investigate the hypolipidemic properties of yam. The goal was assess the role of Brazilian yam (Dioscorea bulbifera) on serum and hepatic levels of triglycerides and cholesterol, in female diabetic rats. METHODS The rats were divided into three groups: Control (C), Diabetic (DM); Diabetic Yam (DMY), treated with diet containing 25g/100g of yam flour. After 5 weeks of experiment, glucose, insulin, gonadal fat and liver mass were evaluated. Serum and liver concentrations of triglycerides and cholesterol concentrations were quantified. Total liver thiols were determined. RESULTS After the 5 weeks, experimental groups shower (P < 0.05): Lower body mass; lower serum insulin; higher food intake and higher blood glucose concentration. DMY (vs. DM) group showed (P < 0.05): Lower blood glucose; higher gonadal fat mass; lower serum and hepatic triglycerides; higher hepatic cholesterol and thiols concentrations. DMY (vs. C) group showed: Similar serum and hepatic triglycerides and hepatic thiols. CONCLUSIONS Brazilian yam (Dioscorea bulbifera) alleviated the consequences of the experimental diabetic disease, suggesting protection to hypertriglyceridemia and lipid peroxidation.