Dimethyl fumarate improves nuclear factor erythroid-related factor 2-mediated antioxidant response to ameliorate functional and molecular deficits in experimental diabetic neuropathy.

Objectives: In the present study, we tested the functional/pharmacological significance of dimethyl fumarate (DMF) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic neuropathy (DN) in rats and high glucose-exposed Neuro2a (N2a) cells.

Materials And Methods: To evaluate the pharmacological effects of DMF on diabetic neuropathy, we assessed behavioral and functional parameters of peripheral neuropathy, oxidative stress markers, and target protein expression using immunohistochemistry/immunocytochemistry, and Western blotting in diabetic rats and hyperglycemic N2a cells.

Results: Diabetic rats exhibited hyperalgesia, allodynia, and compromised sensory and motor nerve conduction velocities in comparison to normal rats.