Ameliorating Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Underlying Mechanisms of Type 2 Diabetes

Aims: The current study investigated the effects of polyunsaturated Omega-3-fatty acids on underlying mechanism linked with diabetes in streptozocin induced type 2 diabetic Wistar rats.

Study Design: Experimental analytical Study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Isra University Hyderabad and Sindh Agricultural University, Tandojam between November 2016 and November 2018.

Methodology: Seventy-five Wistar rats were assorted to five groups (15 rats per group): negative control group A and positive control group B and experimental groups C, D and E. Rats within group B,C,D, and E were injected with streptozocin (65 mg/kg body weight) to induce diabetes. Experimental groups C, D and E received Omega-3-fatty acid supplemented food in 0.3 g, 0.4 g and 0.5 g/kg bodyweight dosage for 12 weeks, respectively.

Results: Omega-3-fatty acids treated rats showed significant decrease in blood glucose level and rise in serum insulin as compared to positive control group (p-value = 0.001). At the same time, they showed significantly increased expression of insulin gene along with transcription factors: PDX1 and NKX6.1 as compared to group A (p-value = 0.001).

Conclusion: It is concluded that O3FAs reduces insulin resistance in Streptozocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats by modulating the transcription factors essential for insulin gene expression.