Probiotic and resveratrol normalize GLP-1 levels and oxidative stress in the intestine of diabetic rats.

Background: Recently, the use of incretins has been considered as a therapeutic target for diabetes. One of the important incretins in the improvement of diabetes is glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1), which is secreted by the gut and reduces the apoptosis of pancreatic β-cells and improves insulin sensitivity. In this experiment we determined the effects of resveratrol and probiotics on insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and GLP-1 in type 2 diabetes (T2D) rats.

Methods: In this study, 40 male Wistar male rats were divided into 5 groups: 1. Control group, 2. T2D, 3. T2D treated with probiotics, 4. T2D treated with resveratrol, 5. T2D group treated with probiotics and resveratrol. After four weeks, the intestine were removed for histopathological analysis, biochemical tests, and oxidative stress markers.

Results: Probiotics and resveratrol significantly decreased (p < 0.001) glucose and insulin resistance, and increased (p < 0.001) GLP1 and total antioxidant capacity compared to the diabetic group. Treatment with probiotics and resveratrol also returned intestinal histological changes in diabetic rats to normal.

Conclusion: Resveratrol and probiotics appear to be effective in controlling T2D by increasing GLP-1 levels and reducing oxidative stress.