Diosmin ameliorates the effects of oxidative stress in lenses of streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic cataractogenesis is a complex process connected with hyperglycemia and oxidative stress. Free radicals induce many unfavorable changes in the activity of the antioxidative enzymes and may also lead to oxidative damage. Since diosmin, a plant-derived flavonoid, reveals antioxidative activity, the aim of the study was to investigate if this substance may counteract the oxidative stress in the lenses of diabetic rats.

METHODS: The study was conducted on the male Wistar rats with streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetes. After the administration of diosmin at the doses of 50 and 100mg/kg for 4 weeks the oxidative stress markers in the lenses of these rats were evaluated. Tested markers included: activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase, as well as levels of total and soluble protein, level of glutathione, vitamin C, advanced oxidation protein products and malonyldialdehyde.

RESULTS: The obtained results indicate that the administration of diosmin to the diabetic rats counteracted the unfavorable changes induced by diabetes in the lenses.

CONCLUSION: It can be assumed that diosmin may be a promising compound in prevention or delaying the cataract formation during diabetes.