Ameliorative effect of quercetin nanorods on diabetic mice: mechanistic and therapeutic strategies

Abstract

Quercetin is a natural polyphenolic compound that acts as a strong antioxidant for reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by any physical or chemical action. The basic and most destructive feature of diabetes mellitus is hyperglycemia which leads to oxidative stress. This study was designed to investigate the antidiabetic effect of quercetin nanorods (QCNr) in alloxan induced diabetic mice. It is the first study reporting the use of QCNr against diabetes. QCNr was synthesized using pure quercetin by a method which has been developed in our laboratory. The synthesised QCNr were characterised through X-ray diffraction, FT-IR, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDAX) spectrometer equipped SEM techniques. For the animal studies, 20 mice were taken and divided into four groups: normal control, control treated solely with QCNr, diabetic and diabetic treated with quercetin nanorods. Fasting blood glucose, activity of glucose metabolic enzymes, TBARS and carbonylated protein content were assayed. Renal function and liver function was also tested. Amelioration of lipid peroxidation, and protein carbonylation was observed. Liver function and kidney function improved. Antioxidant enzyme levels (SOD, GSH and catalase) were found to be elevated in QCNr supplemented groups. DNA damage was also affected positively by quercetin nanorods when studied through comet assay. The study suggests an antioxidant potential of quercetin nanorods that can protect against damage in diabetes that can possibly lead to associated complications.