Original Research Articles

Ameliorative Effects of D-Ribose-L-Cysteine on Hematological Indices and Metabolic Intermediates in Diabetic Male Wistar Rats

Authors

  • Happy Isibor

    Author

  • Anthony Taghogho Eduviere

    Author

  • Benneth Ben-Azu

    Author

  • Celestine Ogheneruro Akpovwre

    Author
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66779/9tth4b51
Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and progressive β-cell dysfunction. Hematological parameters and metabolic intermediates often reflect systemic inflammation, immune competence, mitochondrial activity, and redox balance, all of which are perturbed in diabetes. This study evaluated the effects of D-ribose-L-cysteine (DRLC), a glutathione precursor, on hematological indices and selected intermediates of energy metabolism in male Wistar rats exposed to a High-Fat Diet (HFD) and Streptozotocin (STZ) (HFD+STZ).

Methods: Animals were randomly divided into control, HFD+STZ, HFD+STZ+DRLC (150 and 300 mg/kg), and HFD+STZ+metformin (100 mg/kg) groups. Treatments were administered orally for 28 days. Hematological indices (White Blood Cells (WBC), Lymphocytes (LYM), Hemoglobin (Hb), Red Blood Cells (RBCs), Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC), and metabolic intermediates (pyruvate, succinate, lactate) together with Malate Dehydrogenase (MDH) activity were assessed.

Results: The HFD+STZ group developed significant leukocytosis, lymphocytosis, anemia, elevated MCV, reduced pyruvate and succinate, increased lactate levels, and altered MDH activity compared to controls (p<0.05). DRLC administration significantly reversed these alterations in a dose-dependent manner, comparable to metformin. DRLC improved red blood cell integrity, enhanced hemoglobin levels, normalized energy metabolites, and modulated MDH activity, suggesting potent antioxidant and hemato-protective actions mediated through glutathione - dependent pathways.

Conclusion: DRLC effectively ameliorated hematological and mitochondrial derangements in diabetic rats, highlighting its therapeutic potential in mitigating diabetes-associated complications.

Keywords: D-Ribose-L-Cysteine, Hematological Indices, Energy Metabolism Intermediates, Streptozotocin -Induced Diabetes, High-Fat Diet

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Published
20-12-2025
Issue
Vol. 1 No. 2 (2025): Bridging research and clinical practice
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Original Research Articles

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