The influence of glimepiride on the oxidative state of rats with streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemia

BACKGROUND: The aim of this work was to determine whether glimepiride, a derivate of sulphonylurea of the hypoglycemic effect, influences the level of prooxidative factors and antioxidative enzymes activity in the course of experimental streptozotocin hyperglycemia in rats. MATERIAL/METHODS: The studies were performed on healthy male Wistar rats of body weight 200+/-30 g, fed with the standard laboratory diet and given water ad libitum. Animals were divided into 3 groups, each consisting of 8 rats. Group I--control animals, Group II--animals in which experimental hyperglycemia was induced by intraperitoneal administration of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg body mass), Group III--animals which were given glimepiride orally for seven weeks (200 mg/kg of body mass), starting 24 hours after streptozotocin administration. Using Ohkawa method, malondialdehyde level was determined in plasma for all groups. Concentration of hydrogen peroxide was determined using method developed by Frew and co-workers, superoxide dismutase activity using the Misra and Fridovich method and activity of glutathione peroxidase by means of Ransel kit [Randox, Great Britain]. The decrease of glucose level in serum of rats under the influence of streptozotocin and glimepiride was observed when compared with the group given placebo. RESULTS: Glimepiride administration caused a decrease of peroxides and malondialdehyde levels and increase in activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in rats, after streptozotocin had been administered. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that glimepiride may effectively inhibit the development of the oxidative stress in diabetes.