Abstract

Background Diabetes-induced oxidative stress has an essential role in pancreatic cells dysfunction. The present study aimed to evaluate whether peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-alpha) induction by fenofibrate counterbalances oxidative stress in pancreatic cells. Methods In this in vivo study, male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups as normal, normal treated, diabetic and diabetic treated groups (n = 6 in each group). Diabetes was induced by a single intravenous injection of streptozotocin (45 mg/kg). Treated animals received fenofibrate for 8 weeks (80 mg/kg/day) orally. At the end of the 8th week, rats were sacrificed and blood samples and pancreas tissues were collected. Then, the content of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrate (Nox) and glutathione (GLT) and enzymatic activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were assessed. D ata were analyzed using two-way ANOVA. Results Diabetes deteriorated anti-oxidant defense capacity in pancreatic cells by reducing SOD and CAT activities and induced oxidative stress as reflected by increased MDA content and free radicals production (Nox content). Treatment by fenofibrate increased SOD and CAT activities and improved oxidative stress by decreasing pancreatic MDA and Nox levels. Conclusion Uncontrolled hyperglycemia weakens anti-oxidant defense capacity in pancreatic cells and contributes to oxidative stress. PPAR-alpha induction by fenofibrate can restore anti-oxidant defense systems and improve diabetes-induced oxidative stress.