Magnesium sulfate improves insulin resistance in high fat diet induced diabetic parents and their offspring

Abstract

In the present study, first, the role of high-fat diet (HFD) in insulin resistance (IR) in offspring with diabetic and non-diabetic parents, and then the effect of magnesium sulfate (Mg) administration on improved IR in HFD diabetic parents, and their offspring were investigated. Induction of diabetes was carried out by eating HFD and a low dose of streptozotocin (STZ). Diabetic rats were divided into three groups: diabetic control (DC), insulin, and Mg-treated (Mg). The non-diabetic control (NDC) group received a normal diet. Their offspring were fed on a regular diet for four months. Blood glucose and body weight of all animals were measured weekly, and IPGTT, urine volume, and water intake were measured monthly. In both parents and their offspring, the hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp was conducted, and blood samples were obtained. In all groups, the expression of IRS1, Akt and GLUT4 genes in muscle was measured. The HFD-fed rats exhibited a significant increase in blood glucose, body weight and IPGTT. In diabetic parents and their offspring, Mg or insulin therapy lowered blood glucose, IPGTT, and HbA1c relative to the DC group. They also increased GIR in parents and their offspring. Compared to the DC group, the expression of IRS1, Akt and GLUT4 genes was increased in both parents. Mg had positive effects on the expression of IRS1, Akt and GLUT4 genes in Mg treated offspring and reduced IR in them. As a result, magnesium may have beneficial effects on IR by increasing the expression of IRS1, Akt and GLUT4 genes.