Effects of lipid extract of sea urchins gonads in metabolic syndrome animal model

Insulin resistance associated with visceral fat obesity has been suggested to be the pathological basis of metabolic syndrome. Many studies have demonstrated increased oxidant stress in diabetic patients and animal models of diabetes mellitus. In this study, the effect of the administration of lipid extracts of sea urchin gonads (LESUG) on blood glucose levels was examined in SHR rats that show spontaneously occurring metabolic syndrome-like abnormalities.

Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin and nicotinamide. Rats were treated per os by LESUG (0.37 – 1.11 mg/kg/day) for 26 days. The levels of fasting blood glucose and HbA1c were determined 3 days before and 26 days after pathology induction.

The LESUG showed significant effects on the fasting blood glucose level and tended to inhibit the increase of HbA1c (66% and 54% in a dose of 1.11 mg/kg compared with the control group, respectively). In all experimental groups, no change was seen in body weight gain compared with untreated groups throughout the experimental period, whereas in the untreated group significant increases were observed. It was found that the administration of the lipid extract of sea urchins gonads resulted in normalization of oxidative status. The levels of reduced glutathione and malonic aldehyde were not different from those of intact animals, and the normalization of these parameters correlated with a decrease in blood glucose levels. Administration of the LESUG in doses of 0.37, 0.74, and 1.11 mg/kg resulted in a dose-dependent reduction of blood pressure in SHR rats (14, 18 and 19% respectively, compared to the control group).