Anti-hyperglycemic Effects of Diacerein in Alloxan-Induced Diabetes Mellitus in Wistar Albino Rats

Objective: To determine the anti-hyperglycemic effects of interleukin-1 inhibitor (diacerein) in alloxan induced diabetic albino wistar rats.

This experimental study was performed at the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Sindh Agriculture University, Tando Jam within 6 months from April 2016 to September 2016. Total of 160 adult Albino Wistar Rats having an average of 200 to 300 grams body weights were selected. Animals were categorized into 4 groups as;

Group A (n=15): Control rats – receive 0.9% normal saline as placebo
Experimental Groups

Group B (n=15): Experimental Control (Diabetic rats) - Alloxan50 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneal.
Group C (n=15): Diabetic rats + Diacerein (30 mg/kg/day) orally daily.
Group D (n=15): Diabetic rats + Diacerein (50 mg/kg/day) orally daily.
Animals were kept and treated as per the NIH Guideline for Use and Care of Laboratory Animals.

Diabetes mellitus was induced via a single intraperitoneal injection of 50 milligram/kg alloxan monohydrated dissolved in aseptic 0.9% saline. After 72 hours, blood specimens were taken from the caudal vein of the rats and glucose level>200 mg/dL was taken as diabetes. Experimental rats were given diacerein approximately 30 and 50 mg orally for 6 weeks. At the completion of experiment the body weight was measured of each animal by electronic measuring balance and blood sample was taken from each animal of all groups to assess the blood glucose level and HbA1c level. Data were recorded via self-made proforma and analysis was done by using SPSS version 20.

Results: Average body weight of Diabetic control (Group B) was 193.33±22.50 grams, which was lower in contrast to Diacerein treated group C 202.47±25.70 grams and significantly lower as compared to Diacerein treated group D as 212.6±23.43 grams. A significant increase in blood glucose levels 182.07±10.63 mg/dl was noted in the Diabetic control (Group B) compared to Diacerein treated group C (110.13± 8.54 mg/dl) and group D (85.87±8.41 mg/dl) (P=0.001). HbA1c was markedly raised in the Group B- diabetic controls, while diacerein treated diabetic rats (groups C and D) showed a significant decrease in HbA1c (P=0.001).

Conclusion: It was concluded that Diacerein achieves the Euglycemic state by reducing the levels of blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in Alloxan-Induced diabetes mellitus in Wistar Albino Rats.