EFFECT OF CHROMIUM(III) -AMINO ACID (1:3)COMPLEXES ON HIGH SUCROSE INDUCED INSULIN RESISTANCE, LIPID ABNORMALITIES AND OXIDATIVE STRESS IN MALE SPRAGUE DAWLEY RATS

This study was carried out to assess the anti-hyperglycaemic effects if any of novel synthetic binary chromium (III)-amino acid complexes in a high sucrose (HS) induced insulin resistance (IR) and or impaired glucose tolerant male Sprague Dawley (SD) rat model. Aqueous solutions of chromium chloride hexahydrate (CrCl3.6H2O) and D/L amino acids were mixed in 1:3 molar ratios, refluxed at 80°C for 4 hours and the resultant crude greenish-violet solid was extracted with acetone, dried in a hot air oven and their elemental composition and structure were determined. The chromium- amino acid [Cr-(AA)3]complexes were administered orally(~ 45 μg/kg body weight/day up to 12 weeks) to adult male SD rats in which IR and or impaired glucose tolerance were induced by feeding a HS diet. In line with literature reports, Cr-D-(Phe)3 complex improved insulin sensitivity and oral glucose tolerance in the HS fed rats. Interestingly, Cr-L-(Phe)3 complex also improved these parameters. Increased phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate- 1 and Akt and increased glucose transporter-4 expression in skeletal muscle were associated with these changes suggesting modulation of insulin sensitivity by Cr-L/D-(Phe)3 complexes. Further, sub chronic administration of Cr-(AA)3 complexes significantly improved lipid metabolism. Modulation of oxidative stress and/ or antioxidant status of the animals seem to be associated with/underlie these beneficial effects in HS induced insulin resistant SD rats.