Protective potential of fish oil supplementation against insulin resistance and pancreatic islet damage in STZ-induced Wistar rats

• Published in: Open Veterinary Journal
• Main Author: Titisari N.; Fauzi A.; Razak I.S.A.; Samsulrizal N.; Ahmad H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tripoli 2023
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85170550103&doi=10.5455%2fOVJ.2023.v13.i8.4&partnerID=40&md5=9accb65e45101da35678d001eee721bb

Background: Fish oil, which is regarded as the primary source of omega-3 fatty acids, has been long studied for its potential as an antidiabetic therapy. However, its protective ability against insulin resistance and pancreatic islet alteration remains unclear and controversial. Aim: To investigate the beneficial effects of fish oil consumption on the progression of insulin resistance and pancreatic islet dysfunction in a rat model of diabetes. Methods: Diabetic rats model (n = 30) were divided into five groups and received; 1) NS injection + NS oral (normal control); 2) NS injection + 3 g/kg fish oil (fish oil control); 3) streptozotocin (STZ) injection + NS oral [diabetes control (DC)]; 4) STZ injection + 1 g/kg fish oil (DFO1); and 5) STZ injection + 3 g/kg fish oil (DFO3). Fasting blood insulin was analyzed by commercial rat insulin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; meanwhile, the determination of insulin sensitivity was calculated by homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and homeostatic model assessment of beta-cell function. A histological study was conducted on pancreas tissue using H and E staining. Results: Fish oil supplementation reduced hyperglycemia and ameliorated HOMA-IR in STZ-induced animal models indicating that fish oil supplementation improved insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, animals treated with fish oil at a dose of 3 g/kg (DFO3) showed an enhancement in pancreatic islets, which was displayed by less abnormal structures than DC animals. This could imply that the administration of fish oil, especially rich in bioactive omega-3 fatty acids effectively inhibits insulin resistance and restore islet of Langerhans alteration in rats injected with STZ. Conclusion: Thus, the current study suggested that fish oil supplementation could support the treatment of diabetes but should not be considered as an alternative therapy. © 2023, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tripoli. All rights reserved.