Metformin and Caffeine’s Influence on Lipid Profile Indices of Streptozotocin-Induced Dyslipidemia in an Animal Model

Dyslipidemia has been linked to insulin resistance and hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia, which is the outcome of either insufficient insulin production or insensitivity to insulin, is the hallmark of diabetes mellitus (DM). In this study, thirty-six (36) male Wistar rats with diabetes induced by streptozotocin were used to determine the effect of metformin and caffeine on blood glucose levels and lipid profile indices. The rats weighed between 150 and 200 grams and were split into six groups of six animals each at random. Group A was given unlimited access to chow (Grower feed) and water adlibitum. Group B was administered 60 mg/kg of streptozocin (STZ) without any medication, while Group C was given 60 mg/kg of STZ together with 50 mg/kg of metformin. Groups D and E were administered 60 mg/kg of streptozocin and 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg of caffeine, for a duration of 21 days respectively. Group F was given 50 mg/kg of caffeine together with 50 mg/kg of metformin for a duration of 21 days. After performing a post-hoc LSD comparison and using ANOVA to analyze the results, the lipid profile and blood glucose level were deemed significant at p<0.05. A paired t-test was used to analyze body weight. Rats with diabetes had reduced body weight, whereas those receiving metformin and caffeine treatments had noticeably increased body weight. The findings demonstrated that whereas metformin and caffeine therapy greatly reduced blood glucose levels, STZ caused hyperglycemia in group B. However, diabetic rats had considerably higher levels of triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TC), which were reduced by metformin and caffeine administration. HDL activity was considerably increased after treatment with metformin and caffeine, despite the rats' reduced HDL levels in group B. Rats with diabetes had considerably elevated levels of LDL and VLDL, and therapy with metformin and caffeine markedly restored their activity. The study shows that caffeine plus metformin may be utilized to control the lipid profile and blood glucose levels in diabetic rats.