L-Arginine supplementation moderates some biochemical parameters and detoxifying enzyme activities in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with some biochemical changes and preventable complications which call for therapeutic supplementations that guarantee meaningful life spending among diabetics. This study investigated the effect of different doses of L-arginine on biochemical parameters and detoxifying enzymes in diabetic rats. Twenty-five adult rats, divided into five groups (five rats each), were induced using alloxan and different doses of L-arginine administered orally for 21 days. Fasting blood glucose concentration was determined daily using tail vein. On day 21, fasting blood samples were collected for biochemical studies and the liver harvested for determination of detoxifying enzymes activities. Atherogenic and coronary risk indices were computed. Results showed that arginine significantly (p<0.05) lowers plasma blood glucose, total cholesterol, LDLC, triglyceride, AST, atherogenic and coronary risk indices while it significantly (p<0.05) increases plasma HDLC and ALT levels in L-arginine treated groups. A significant (p<0.05) decrease in the activities of arginase and rhodanese and a significant (p<0.05) increase in the activities of 3-MST was observed in L-arginine treated and control groups. In conclusion, L-arginine supplementation modifies biochemical parameters and activities of detoxifying enzymes in alloxan diabetes.