# Therapeutic potential of vitamin D in improving antioxidant defense and blood rheology in a rat model of experimental diabetes mellitus

## TL;DR

This study shows that vitamin D can help reduce oxidative stress and improve blood flow in diabetic rats, even when given after diabetes onset.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates vitamin D's therapeutic potential in improving antioxidant defense and blood rheology in diabetic rats.

## Key findings

- Vitamin D improved antioxidant parameters like catalase and superoxide dismutase in diabetic rats.
- Therapeutic vitamin D administration improved blood rheological indices in diabetic rats.
- Vitamin D was effective even when administered after diabetes induction.

## Abstract

To evaluate the preventive and corrective effects of vitamin D on antioxidant defense and blood rheology in rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes mellitus.

Forty male rats (10 weeks old, ∼200 g) were randomly assigned to four groups: Group I – Intact controls; Group II – Diabetic rats (STZ only); Group III – Preventive (vitamin D for 14 days before STZ and continued throughout the experiment); Group IV – Therapeutic (vitamin D from day 3 post-STZ). DM was induced with streptozotocin (30 mg/kg), and vitamin D was administered orally at 300 IU/day, according to a previous dose-control experiment. Data from the 21st experimental day were evaluated. Blood samples collected at this point were used to determine catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and blood rheological parameters.

Vitamin D supplementation enhanced antioxidant-related parameters and improved blood rheological indices, particularly when administered therapeutically.

Vitamin D shows therapeutic potential in attenuating oxidative imbalance and improving blood rheology in streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus.