Beneficial effect of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on neurosensorial impairments and oxidative status in Streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.

OBJECTIVES The present study evaluated the beneficial effects of omega 3 PUFA present in fish oil on neurosensorial impairments, namely learning, memory and anxiety in Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. The brain homogenate was analysed for oxidative status following Omega 3 PUFA treatment. METHODS Male, Wistar rats of 2-3 months old were divided into non diabetic controls, diabetic control, & fish oil treated diabetic rats (n = 6). Diabetes was induced by injection of STZ (48 mg/kg, ip). Animals were treated orally for 30 days with a dose in each group of 0.5 g/kg/day of fish oil. All experiments were conducted after ethical committee clearance was obtained. RESULTS Memory and exploratory behavior were improved (p < 0.01) in fish oil treated rats as compared with diabetic rats. A significant (p < 0.001) decrease in MDA and a significant increase (p < 0.001) in total antioxidant level (TAO) were observed in fish oil treated rats. CONCLUSION Omega 3 PUFA present in fish oil could be used an adjuvant therapy for treatment and prevention of neurosensorial impairment in diabetes mellitus.