Effect of Taurine, Selenium and Azathioprine Supplements on Blood Glucose, Lipid Peroxidation and Lipid Profile in Experimental Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes is associated with high risk for vascular disease, and aggressive lipid management is generally necessary. The management of dyslipidemia in patients with diabetes requires attention to the full lipid profile, since hypertriglyceridemia is particularly common. This study aimed to determine the effect of taurine, selenium and azathioprine on diabetic complications, including plasma glucose, plasma insulin, oxidative stress (lipid peroxides), and lipid profile (serum total lipid, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDLcholesterol, and triglycerides). Adult male rats (Sprague Dawley strain) were divided into 3 groups (Groups I and II of 15 rats each and group III of 45 rats). The first group was used as a normal control, the second group was used as a diabetic control, and the third group was divided into three subgroups: IIIa: diabetic rats supplemented with taurine (2.5g/kg b.wt) and selenium as sodium selinate (50μ /kg b.wt) as antioxidants. Group IIIb: diabetic rats supplemented with azathioprine as immunosuppressive agent (1mg/Kg b.wt). Group IIIc: diabetic rats supplemented with taurine and selenium (sodium selinate) as antioxidants and azathioprine as immunosuppressive agent. Supplement of both antioxidants and immunosuppressive agent, at the time of induction of diabetes, conducted by daily oral intubations for 90 days. Diabetes was induced by intraperitonial induction of streptozotocin (STZ, 60 mg/kg/body weight) in two doses. Diabetes elevated plasma glucose, erythrocytic LPX, serum total lipid, serum total cholesterol, serum triglycerides, and LDL-cholesterol level and declined plasma insulin and serum HDL-cholesterol in comparison with control group. The supplement of taurine, selenium, and azathioprine showed ameliorative effect than that to diabetic supplemented either with antioxidants (taurine and selenium) or immunosuppressive agent (azathioprine) alone which declined plasma glucose, erythrocytic LPX, serum total lipid, serum total cholesterol, serum triglycerides, and LDL-cholesterol level and elevated plasma insulin and serum HDL-cholesterol to approximately normal level. Daily supplement of taurine, selenium and azathioprine for three months is effective in lipid management in experimental diabetic rats. That supplement at the time of diabetes onset or at early diagnosis is needed to be considered in preventing or at least delay the diabetic complications.