Objective: This study evaluated the effects of streptozotocin on glycemic and lipid profiles and oxidative stress status in hamsters.
Materials and methods: Male Golden Syrian hamsters were divided in diabetic group (D) which received a streptozotocin single injection (STZ - 50 mg/kg), and control group (C) which received a single injection of the vehicle citrate buffer. Animals were euthanized after 10 days of experiment and blood, liver and kidneys were collected.
Results: The diabetic group had higher levels of glucose, triacylglycerols and cholesterol in serum and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) concentration increased in the liver and kidneys. Diabetes induced a significant increase in glutathione concentration in the liver and decreased paraoxonase and superoxide dismutase activities.
Conclusion: Hamsters provide a novel animal model for diabetes mellitus and oxidative stress, similar to the human syndrome, which may be suitable for the testing of antidiabetic compounds.