Publication Details
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Spirulina supplementation on oxidative and antioxidant status, as well as on key biochemical parameters—including functional markers and lipid profiles—in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The study was conducted at Tikrit University over a period of 30 days, using female Wistar rats aged 12–13 weeks and weighing 135–200 g. Diabetes was induced in the animals using alloxan at a dose of 150 mg/kg of body weight. The animals were divided into four groups, with nine animals per group: Group 1 (healthy control group) and Group 2 (diabetic control group). Group 3: A group with induced diabetes treated with 20 ml of a Spirulina solution prepared from 10 g of Spirulina per 100 ml of water. Group 4: A group with induced diabetes treated with 20 ml of a Spirulina solution prepared from 15 g of Spirulina per 100 ml of water. Blood and tissue analyses revealed that the alloxan dose caused weight loss and elevated oxidative stress —driven by free radical production and the depletion and inhibition of antioxidants. This impacted biochemical parameters; specifically, it destroyed pancreatic beta cells and raised liver and kidney enzyme levels, resulting in tissue damage in these organs Compared to the groups that consumed Spirulina supplements, these groups showed weight improvement and a There was a significant decrease) P<0.01 in blood glucose levels, insulin resistance, and glycated hemoglobin, as well as in liver and kidney enzyme levels, accompanied by a marked improvement in the functions of these organs. The results also revealed a significant increase (p0.05> in antioxidant levels— such as glutathione and glutathione peroxidase—and a reduction in malondialdehyde (a marker of oxidative stress).