Flaxseed oil affects insulin sensitivity in streptozotocine induced diabetic rats

Introduction: The cell functions involved in the action of insulin receptor binding enzyme and transporter activities are controlled by membrane properties, and the amount of dietary fat as well as the nature of fatty acids regulates various steps in the biosynthesis of membrane phospholipids.

Objective: To investigate the effect of flaxseed oil on improving erythrocyte membrane components and insulin sensitivity in diabetic rats.

Methods: Thirty two adult male albino rats were used in this study and classified into four groups control, flaxseed oil, diabetic and treated groups. Fasting blood glucose and plasma insulin were estimated. Total lipids in the red blood cells membrane were extracted with chloroform/methanol method. Erythrocyte membrane total lipids, total cholesterol and triglycerides were determined. Fatty acids and phospholipids fractions were measured by HPLC.

Results: flaxseed oil administration significantly increased the mean value of membrane α- Linolenic acid in flaxseed oil treated group compared to the diabetic group while it significantly decreased the mean value levels of Arachidonic acid, Linoleic acid and Oleic acid. In addition, the mean value levels of membrane cholesterol, triglycerides and phospholipids were significantly decreased in treated group compared to diabetic group indicating the role of flaxseed oil in improving the membrane components. The most important result in this study is the reduction of both insulin resistance and fasting blood glucose levels in the treated group compared to diabetic one.

Conclusion: Flaxseed oil has an important role in enhancing insulin sensitivity and decreasing blood glucose in diabetic rats which may be due to the reduction of membrane cholesterol, triglycerides and phospholipids.