Hepatic Oxidative Stress Response to Folate Supplementation in Diabetic Rats

Background: Diabetes mellitus is associated with multiple metabolic disturbances, particularly in the liver, where oxidative stress plays a major role in the development of hepatic dysfunction. Folate, a water-soluble B vitamin with antioxidant properties, may attenuate diabetes-induced oxidative damage through modulation of antioxidant defense mechanisms and homocysteine metabolism.

Materials and Methods: Eighteen male Wistar rats (200 ± 20 g) were randomly divided into three groups (n=6): control, streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic, and folate-treated diabetic groups. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of STZ (55 mg/kg). Folate was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 15 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks. Fasting blood glucose (FBS), serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s post hoc test.

Results: Folate treatment resulted in mild improvements in body weight, FBS, ALT, and AST levels in diabetic rats; however, these changes were not statistically significant compared with untreated diabetic animals. Hepatic MDA and TAC levels remained largely unchanged, while SOD activity showed a slight but non-significant increase following folate administration.

Conclusion: Folate supplementation exhibited limited yet potentially supportive effects on hepatic oxidative stress parameters in diabetic rats. Although statistical significance was not achieved, the observed trend toward improved antioxidant status suggests a possible protective role of folate in diabetes-associated hepatic dysfunction. Further investigations with larger sample sizes, extended treatment durations, and varying dosages are warranted to better clarify its therapeutic potential.