Therapeutic potential of vitamin D in improving antioxidant defense and blood rheology in a rat model of experimental diabetes mellitus

Objectives To evaluate the preventive and corrective effects of vitamin D on antioxidant defense and blood rheology in rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes mellitus. Methods Forty male rats (10 weeks old, ∼200 g) were randomly assigned to four groups: Group I – Intact controls; Group II – Diabetic rats (STZ only); Group III – Preventive (vitamin D for 14 days before STZ and continued throughout the experiment); Group IV – Therapeutic (vitamin D from day 3 post-STZ). DM was induced with streptozotocin (30 mg/kg), and vitamin D was administered orally at 300 IU/day, according to a previous dose-control experiment. Data from the 21st experimental day were evaluated. Blood samples collected at this point were used to determine catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and blood rheological parameters. Results Vitamin D supplementation enhanced antioxidant-related parameters and improved blood rheological indices, particularly when administered therapeutically. Conclusions Vitamin D shows therapeutic potential in attenuating oxidative imbalance and improving blood rheology in streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus.