Differential effect of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids on alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus

Earlier, we reported that oils rich in ω-3 eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid and ω-6 γ-linolenic acid and arachidonic acid prevented the development of alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus in experimental animals. Here we report the results of our studies with pure saturated stearic acid (SA), monounsaturated oleic acid (OA) and ω-6 arachidonic acid (AA) on alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus in Wistar male rats. Prior oral supplementation with AA prevented alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus, whereas both SA and OA were ineffective. Cyclo-oxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LO) inhibitors did not block this protective action of AA against alloxan-induced diabetes, suggesting that both prostaglandins and leukotrienes are not involved, and that AA by itself is effective. Furthermore, AA restored the anti-oxidant status to normal range in various tissues. These results suggest that AA protects pancreatic β cells against alloxan-induced diabetes in experimental animals by attenuating oxidant stress.