Effect of combination of metformin with B12 and folic acid on lipid profile and levels of homocysteine in adult male rabbits

Abstract

The present study aims to evaluate the effects of metformin in combination with vitamin B12 and folic acid on lipid profiles and serum homocysteine levels in male rabbits. The study included twenty-four male rabbits that weighed (1.5-2 kg), and were divided randomly into four groups (six rabbits/group). The control first group was administrated (5 ml) of distilled water; The second group was given metformin (125g/kg B.W) plus vitamin B12 (500 μg/kg B.W) daily, the third group was given metformin (125g/kg B.W) plus folic acid (5g/kg B.W) daily and the fourth group was given metformin (125g/kg B.W), folic acid (5g/kg B.W) and vitamin B12 (500 μg/kg B.W) daily, the rabbits were followed up for one month. The results revealed a decrease in the final body weight and body weight gain in all treated groups as compared to the control group. The homocysteine parameter decreases significantly in the second group which was given metformin and B12 and the third group was given metformin in combination with folic acid as compared with the control group and group four. It showed a significant decrease in the fourth group (metformin + folic acid + vitamin B12) compared with the second and third groups also the glucose level increased significantly in group three compared to group second, fourth, and control group. The results showed that serum cholesterol and TG have decreased in G2 and G3 while an increase in G4 as compared with the control group, and the HDL was decreased in G2 and G4 compared with control and G3 groups. While the results of LDL and VLDL were increased in G3 and G4 compared with G2 and the control group