Therapeutic and Prophylactic Effect of Zinc and Vitamin D in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Diabetes mellitus is a serious global public health issue. It is marked by elevated blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia), which trigger inflammations and oxidative damage, factors that contribute significantly to the disease's progress. Zinc is a crucial part of the antioxidant system of body and helps slow down oxidative processes, especially those associated with diabetes mellitus. Vitamin D's involvement in the onset and prevention of diabetes is gaining attention. Our study was designed to assess the effect of zinc and vitamin D on some biochemical parameters and histopathological changes of liver and pancreas in rats with diabetes induced by alloxan. A total of 55 male albino rats weighing 100-150 g were divided into eleven groups, healthy controls rats, diabetic rats, diabetic rats post and pre-treated with zinc, vitamin D and metformin as a reference drug to assess their anti-diabetic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Alloxan-induced diabetes not only resulted in notable elevations in serum glucose, liver enzymes and inflammatory markers, but also provoked oxidative stress in pancreatic and hepatic tissue. Significant morphological damage was noted in Langerhans islets and liver of diabetic rats. The administration of zinc and vitamin D ameliorated elevated blood glucose, liver enzyme levels, and other biochemical parameters, with zinc showing the greatest reduction in blood glucose. Histopathological examination of the liver and pancreas also revealed more substantial protection following treatment. In conclusion, the administration of zinc and vitamin D help improve hyperglycemia in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Therefore, they may be considered as adjunctive therapies alongside other anti-diabetic medications.