PREVENTION OF DEVELOPMENT OF TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS BY LOSARTAN IN COMPARISON WITH PIOGLITAZONE IN A RAT MODEL

Abstract

Background: Due to the increased incidence and prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus, there is increased need for the search of drugs that may be useful in preventing/delaying the onset of this disease.

Objective: To compare the preventive effects of losartan and pioglitazone on the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus in a rat model fed on a high fat diet.

Methods: Study was conducted on 45 Sprague-Dawley rats divided into three randomized groups. All the rats were fed a high fat diet meant for inducing type 2 diabetes. Pioglitazone or losartan was given to the rats in group B and C respectively. Fasting blood glucose levels and body weight were determined weekly. At the end of the 12 week study period, Serum Insulin and CRP (C-Reactive Protein) levels were also determined.

Results: Rats in groups B and C gained less weight and had lower fasting BSL than those in control group A. Results show that the mean serum insulin and CRP levels were significantly low in group B and C as compared to those in group A while difference between group B and C was statistically insignificant. The number of diabetic rats in group B and C was significantly lower as compared to group A at the end of study. Number of diabetic rats remained constant in pioglitazone treated rats after 10th week of study, while it kept on increasing in losartan treated group.

Conclusion: Pioglitazone delays and prevents development of type 2 diabetes while losartan only has a delaying effect.