Mahmoud A S Morsi
Menoufia University, Egypt
Title: Neuroprotective effect of silymarin on diabetic peripheral neuropathy in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model
Biography
Biography: Mahmoud A S Morsi
Abstract
Background: Diabetic neuropathy is the most common complication of diabetes mellitus. Oxidative stress is considered the key mechanism in the diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) therefore; Silymarin may have a neuroprotective effect against the development of DPN via its anti-oxidant activity. Objectives: In this study, we investigate the possible effects of silymarin on DPN using STZ diabetic rat animal model. Methods: Forty-five male albino rats will be used along the study. Diabetes will be induced by a single Intra-peritoneal injection of Streptozotocin (STZ). All rats with BGL (blood glucose level) ≥250 mg/dl will be randomly assigned into 2 groups; Silymaringroup receiving 100 mg/kg/day of Silymarin by oral gavage for 2 months and Diabetic group receiving equal amount of saline for same duration. Behavioral tests will be done; including open field assessment of vertical and horizontal motor activities and tail immersion test for thermal hyperalgesia. At the end of the experiment, morphological, histopathological, biochemical and immunohistochemical changes of sciatic nerve will be examined. Results: This is an ongoing research and the experiment is still underway. We anticipate finding a possible neuroprotective effect of Silymarin in delaying the development of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in diabetic rats. Conclusions: The current work will add more evidence to the use of Silymarin as one of non-conventional medications of DPN. Silymarin can be used simultaneously as an adjuvant therapy to delay the onset of DPN in diabetic patients.