Naringin prevents the structural alterations produced in the small intestine by experimental type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Diabetic enteropathy is one of the common complications of type 1 Diabetes mellitus (DM1). Naringin (NAR) is a flavonoid with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects in various tissues. Our objective was to evaluate if NAR prevents the alterations produced in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum by DM1 at the histological and ultrastructural level.

Two-month-old male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n=6 for each group): 1) controls, 2) diabetics: rats treated with 60 mg streptozotocin/kg b.w., 3) diabetics treated with NAR40 (40 mg/kg b.w.) 4) diabetics treated with NAR80 (80 mg/kg b.w.). After 30 days treatment, the rats were sacrificed, and the small intestine was removed and weighed. Histological sections of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were measured for villus height and width (Image J ProPlus). Ultrastructure was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. ANOVA/Bonferroni was used for statistical analysis.

The results revealed that diabetic rats had a longer small intestine compared to controls. Treatment with both doses of NAR prevented this increase (Controls:112.27±3.02; STZ:142.71±8.43*; STZ+NAR40:119.13±4.11; STZ+NAR80:116, 85±4.09 cm; *p<0.05 vs controls, STZ+NAR40 and STZ+NAR80). The length and width of the villi of the duodenum were higher in diabetic rats compared to controls, while treatment with NAR80 prevented these alterations (Length: controls: 690.25±35.68; STZ: 849.95 ±30.85*; STZ+NAR40:765.44±26.78; STZ+NAR80:699.20±36.50 µm; *p<0.05 vs controls and STZ+NAR80). The length of the villi of the jejunum and ileum in diabetic rats was higher than that of the control group and treatment with NAR80 normalized this parameter (Controls: 543.85±11.48; STZ: 663.40±20.45*; STZ+NAR40: 559.07±17.25, STZ+NAR80: 535.33±41.42 µm, *p<0.05 vs controls and STZ+NAR80). The ultrastructural study in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum showed marked alterations in diabetic rats with respect to controls, such as widening of the intercellular space and changes in cytoplasmic electron density in some enterocytes. Treatment with both doses of NAR prevented these alterations.

In conclusion, treatment with NAR prevents the structural alterations produced by DM1 in the small intestine, which suggests that this flavonoid is a possible protector of the intestine.