Squalene decreased malondialdehyde level of diabetic rats

Squalene, a precursor for the secondary metabolite synthesis, is synthesized in animals, bacteria, fungi and plants. It has been reported to have some biological activities, one of which is as an antioxidant. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of squalene on malondialdehyde (MDA) level, an antioxidant activity marker, in diabetic rats. Diabetes type II was induced by a high-fat diet with low dose streptozotocin (30 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. A total of 12 diabetic rats were divided into 3 groups and served once daily for 14 days as follows; Group I (Squalene (S) 160 mg/kg), Group II (Metformin (M) 45 mg/kg) and Group III Aquades (DC) 10 ml/kg). MDA level were measured using Elisa method. Data were analyzed using Kruskall Wallis and Mann-Whitney as post hoc test. The results showed that MDA level in both S- (8.50 ± 1.40 µmol/L) and M- (7.74 ± 1.63 µmol/L) were lower than DC-treated groups (12.82± 2.86 µmol/L). Statistically, significant different were found between S- and DC- as well as Sand M-treated groups (p< 0.05). This study suggested that squalene able to decrease MDA level in type II diabetic rats.