NEUROPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF d-?-TOCOTRIENOL RICH FRACTION ON CRUSHED SCIATIC NERVE IN DIABETIC RATS

Bijo Elsy, Aijaz Ahmed Khan* and Veena Maheshwari

ABSTRACT

Background: Peripheral neuropathy in diabetes is believed to be due to the reduced blood flow, altered antioxidant defense mechanism and glycemic status. Aims: Since vitamin E is an antioxidant and its potent neuroprotective form is tocotrienols, the current study was designed to explore the neuroprotective effects of d-δ-tocotrienol rich fraction (d-δ-TRF) on sciatic nerve regeneration not only in healthy but also in diabetic rats. Methods and Material: Diabetes was induced through single subcutaneous injection of alloxan (100 mg/kg). Twenty four albino rats included in the study were divided into four groups; healthy control, diabetic control, healthy treated and diabetic treated. Treated groups were administered d-δ-TRF orally and daily at the dose of 200 mg/kg for three weeks. Right sciatic nerve was approached through mid-thigh skin incision and was crushed with Kocher‟s forceps. Functional, histopathological, histomorphological and biochemical parameters were analyzed on 3rd week. Statistical analysis: One way „ANOVA‟ followed by Tukeys test and Student t test were used for statistical significance. Results: It was noticed that d-δ-TRF significantly improves the antioxidant level, glycemic status and revascularization. It also accelerates regeneration and remyelination of nerve and reorganization of extracellular matrix in both healthy and diabetic rats. Conclusions: It is concluded that the d-δ-TRF is a strong antioxidant and antidiabetic dietary supplement in the management of crushed nerve injury in diabetics.

Keywords: Antioxidant, d-?-tocotrienol rich fraction, Diabetes, Rats, Sciatic nerve.