Effects of Raspberry on Biomarkers of Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) and Oxidative Stress in Obese Diabetic (db/db) Mice

Abstract

Diabetes and its complications are considered major health problems worldwide. Oxidative stress associated with diabetes increases the risk of developing CVD. Red raspberry contains bioactive compounds such as polyphenols which may prevent and treat these diseases. The study investigated the effects of raspberry (Wakefield red raspberries) on diabetes, cardiovascular risk factors and oxidative stress in db/db mice. Thirty male db/db mice were divided into two groups and fed ad libitum for 8 weeks with standard diet (control group) and isocaloric standard diet containing 10% freeze dried raspberry (raspberry group). At the end of the study mice were euthanized; tissue and blood were collected and analyzed using standard techniques. Results indicate that raspberry consumption did not decrease significantly (p>0.05) the blood triglycerides and total cholesterol; though abdominal fat decreased by 38% (p > 0.05). Raspberry increased the plasma high density lipoprotein cholesterol by 1.5‐fold, whereas low density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased by 0.3‐fold. Moreover, the insulin tolerance test showed a trend to increase insulin sensitivity in the raspberry group; this was accompanied by a 19% decrease in reactive oxygen species measured in blood erythrocytes. These findings may suggest the potential role of raspberry in decreasing cardiovascular risk in diabetics.