Effects of Dietary Supplementing of Spirulina Platensis and Chlorella Vulgaris Microalgae on Hematologic Parameters in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Background: Microalgae are known to have beneficial effects on health. On the other hand, studies have reported negative effects of diabetes on hematological parameters. Effects of Spirulina platensis (SP) and Chlorella vulgaris (CV) microalgae, singly and combined, on hematological parameters in diabetic rats are not still studied. Thus, the present study was conducted to investigate the effects of SP and CV microalgae on hematological parameters in Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: This interventional study was conducted in Tabriz University of Medical Science between October and November 2016. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal administration of Streptozotocin. Thirty-six Wistar rats were treated with CV, SP and their combination for 28 days. Two groups including diabetic control and healthy control were also considered. Blood samples were collected to investigate the levels of hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell count (RBC), white blood cell count (WBC), platelet count, lymphocytes, neutrophils, plasma iron and selenium and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in erythrocytes at 14 and 28 days of trial. Results: Results showed that dietary supplementing of CV and SP microalgae, alone and combination form, could increase the reduced levels of RBC, WBC, platelet, PCV, GPx activity, and selenium in diabetic rats on 28 days (P<0.05). Conclusion: It can be concluded that dietary supplementing of CV and SP microalgae, especially combined form, may partly improve deleterious effects of diabetes on hematological parameters.