Effect of vitamin E on alloxan-induced mouse diabetes

•Vitamin E could not prevent the destruction of pancreatic β-cells caused by alloxan.•Vitamin E ameliorates a state like diabetes caused by alloxan administration.•The abnormal glucose metabolism was due to low insulin concentration in blood.•Alloxan and the depletion of vitamin E increased lipid peroxidation in blood.•The high peroxidation may be associated with low insulin concentration in blood.

ObjectivesAlloxan generates hydrogen peroxide in the body, and a small amount of alloxan administered to acatalasemic mice results in diabetes. D-α-Tocopherol (vitamin E) is an antioxidant which helps prevent excess oxidation in the body. In this study, we examined the effect of vitamin E on diabetes caused by alloxan administration in mice.MethodsMice were maintained on a vitamin E-deprived diet and supplemented diet, respectively, for 14 weeks. Alloxan was then intraperitoneally administered, and blood glucose, glucose tolerance and the insulin level in mouse blood were examined.ResultsHyperglycemia was observed in the mice maintained on the vitamin E-deprived diet. The incidence of hyperglycemia in the mice maintained on the vitamin E-deprived diet was significantly higher than that in the mice maintained on the supplemented diet. The abnormal glucose metabolism caused by alloxan administration was ameliorated by the vitamin E-supplemented diet.ConclusionsIt is deduced that vitamin E can prevent a decrease of insulin concentration in the blood in this mouse model.