INVESTIGATION OF NEUROPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF VALPROIC ACID IN DIABETIC NEUROPATHY IN STREPTOZOTOCIN INDUCED TYPE2 DIABETIC RATS

Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of Valproic acid in diabetic neuropathy. Methods: Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (60 mg/kg). When STZ was administered tothe albino wistar rats then it showed marked Hyperglycemia & reduces the thermal Cold allodynia, thermal hyperalgesia, motor co-ordination which was compared to the animals of control group. Effect of valproic acid on biochemical parameters (Serum glucose level, Lipid peroxidation, SOD & GSH and Oxidative stress) was also assessed in the brain tissue of albino wistar rat. Results:After 28 days of treatment with valproic acid (150 and 300 mg/kg), rats showed significant reduction in serum glucose level. Valproic acid showed good results in different parameters such as Thermal Hyperalgesia, Thermal Allodynia (Hot and Cold) motor co-ordination in comparison with diabetic control group. The most profound effect was seen with 300mg/kg of valproic acid after 28th day of treatment. Treatment with valproic acid (150 &300mg/kg) resulted significant decrease in serum glucose level, lipid peroxidation and increase in the SOD and GSH level as compared to diabetic control. Conclusion: Thus valproic acid due to its antioxidant property can be concluded to be effective treatment or preventive option for diabetic neuropathy. STZ causes increase in the level of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation and this is reverse by treatment with valproic acid and by reducing the generation of free radicals it also increase in SOD & GSH level significantly. Keyword: Diabetic neuropathy, Oxidative stress, Free radicals, Valproic acid, Streptozotocin.