Influence of antioxidant (L- ascorbic acid) on tolbutamide induced hypoglycaemia/antihyperglycaemia in normal and diabetic rats

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycaemia. Increased oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant levels are the leading cause of diabetes and diabetic complications. So it is felt that supplementation of antioxidants may be useful in controlling the glucose levels and to postpone the occurrence of diabetic complications. The objective of our study is to find the influence of antioxidant supplementation (L-ascorbic acid) on tolbutamide activity in normal and diabetic rats. METHODS: L- ascorbic acid/tolbutamide/L-ascorbic acid + tolbutamide were administered orally to 3 different groups of albino rats of either sex in normal and diabetic condition. Blood samples were collected from retro-orbital puncture at different time intervals and were analyzed for blood glucose by GOD-POD method. Diabetes was induced by alloxan 100 mg/kg body weight administered by I.P route. RESULTS: L-ascorbic acid/ tolbutamide produced hypoglycaemic activity in a dose dependant manner in normal and diabetic condition. In the presence of L-ascorbic acid, tolbuatmide produced early onset of action and maintained for longer period compared to tolbutamide matching control. CONCLUSION: Supplementation of antioxidants like L-ascorbic acid was found to improve tolbutamide response in normal and diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus and male aging: Pharmacotherapeutics and clinical implications

Andropause or male menopause is defined as androgen decline and onset of hypogonadism in the aging male. Testosterone deficiency in adult male is associated with diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and heart failure. Type 2 diabetic male patients aged above 30 years showed low testosterone levels which is common in diabetic men and had symptoms of hypogonadism. Male sexual dysfunction among diabetic patients can include disorders of libido, ejaculatory problems, and erectile dysfunctions are common among people with diabetes, particularly in older men who had diabetes for years. Older diabetics tend to have both impaired insulin release as well as insulin resistance. There is growing evidence indicating the pathophysiological connections among the mechanisms of oxidative damage by disruption of the oxidative balance, increased levels of enzymatic glycation products in testicular region and glucose transporters, obesity and proinflammatory cytokines in male infertile patients with diabetes. Epidemiological studies suggest that many clinical findings in diabetics are linked to low testosterone levels. This article reviews pathophysiological mechanisms, observational studies, and clinical implications of testosterone therapy in type 2 diabetes mellitus