title: Antioxidant potential of zinc-flavonol complex studied in streptozotocin-diabetic rats.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Diabetic oxidative stress coexists with a reduction in the antioxidant status, which can further increase the deleterious effects of free radicals. Zinc is an essential trace element with significant antidiabetic activity. However, the acceptance of zinc compounds as promising therapeutic antidiabetic agents has been slowed due to concerns regarding chronic toxicity. Recently, we have designed, synthesized and characterized a novel zinc-flavonol complex and evaluated its antidiabetic efficacy in streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of the zinc-flavonol complex in the antioxidant status of diabetic rats.
  
  
  METHODS
  Diabetes was induced in rats by i.p. injection of STZ. Diabetic rats were then treated with the zinc-flavonol complex (5 mg/kg, p.o.) for 30 days. The extent of oxidative stress was assessed by determining lipid peroxide levels, pancreatic tissue antioxidant enzyme activities and plasma concentrations of non-enzymatic antioxidants. In addition, nuclear levels of nuclear factor (NF)-κB p65, pancreatic nitric oxide (NO), and plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 were determined. Pancreatic tissues were examined histologically.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Oral treatment with the zinc-flavonol complex significantly improved antioxidant levels and alleviated levels of oxidative stress markers. Furthermore, significant increases were seen in NF-κB p65, NO, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 levels. Histological observations revealed that the zinc-flavonol complex effectively protects pancreatic β-cells against oxidative damage.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of the present study indicate that the zinc-flavonol complex has an antioxidative and anti-inflammatory role in the diabetic milieu.
authors: Department of Biochemistry, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai, India.
authors: Kalavakunda
authors: K
authors: Vijayaraghavan
authors: Subramanian
authors: S
authors: Iyyampillai
authors: Sorimuthu Pillai
authors: SP
authors: Subramanian
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D056831:Coordination Complexes / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003921:Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D044948:Flavonols / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013311:Streptozocin; D015032:Zinc
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D056831:Coordination Complexes; D044948:Flavonols; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D013311:Streptozocin; D015032:Zinc