Protective effect of Umbelliferone on membranous fatty acid composition in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Umbelliferone (UMB), a natural antioxidant, is benzopyrone in nature, and it is present in the fruits of golden apple and bitter orange. Earlier we evaluated and reported the effect of Umbelliferone on antidiabetic, antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic properties, and this study was designed to evaluate the effect of Umbelliferone on membrane fatty acid composition and histopathology of liver and kidney of control and streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rats. Male albino Wistar rats (180-200 g) were made diabetic by an intraperitonial administration of STZ (40 mg/kg). The control and diabetic rats were treated with Umbelliferone and glibenclamide dissolved in 10% dimethyl sulfoxide for 45 days. Diabetic rats had decreased insulin and increased glucose, and increased levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, lipid hydroperoxides and conjugated dienes. The levels of palmitic, stearic and oleic acids increased and the levels of linolenic and arachidonic acids decreased in diabetic rats as compared with control rats. Thus, the saturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids increased and the polyunsaturated fatty acids decreased in diabetic rats. Diabetic rats had decreased liver weight and increased activities of alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase; increased kidney weight and urine albumin, and decreased levels of urea, uric acid and creatinine in the urine. Histopathological studies of liver and kidney in diabetic rats showed fatty changes surrounding portal triad; enlargement of lining cells of tubules, fatty infiltration, large area of hemorrhage and lymphocyte infiltration. Treatment with Umbelliferone and glibenclamide reversed these changes to near normalcy. Our results showed that Umbelliferone has a protective effect on membrane fatty acid composition of liver and kidney as supported by antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic effects of Umbelliferone reported earlier as evidenced by improved histopathological changes, hepatic and nephritic markers, indicating recovery from the risk of diabetic complications.