ABSTRACT
Background: The study was done to evaluate the role of Vitamin D (Vit D) in an experimental model of type II DM and compare its effects with oral hypoglycemic drugs (Metformine). Methods: 30 male rats were divided; control group, Diabetic group via administration of high fat diet then injection of streptozotocin . Diabetic rats were then divided into Diabetic group, Diabetic + Metformine group(n=6), Diabetic +Vit D (n=6), Diabetic + Metformine +Vit D (n=6). Fasting glucose, insulin, HOMA IR, Cholesterol, Triglycerides, C-Reactive protein (CRP), Glucagon like peptide (GLP1), Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured, Real time PCR for pancreatic expression levels of Caspase 3, IKKβ and Western plot of Pancreatic protein kinase beta (Akt) and INGAP (islet neogensis associated protein), and histopathological, immunohistochemical for pancreatic tissue. Results: Increased glucose, fasting insulin, HOMA IR , cholesterol, triglycerides, CRP, COX2 and expression of levels of Caspase 3 and IK Kinase B and Akt in diabetic group in comparison to control. On the other hand, significant decreased levels of GLP1, SOD and INGAP in diabetic in comparison to control. On treatment with metformine or Vitamin D improved all parameters. In combined metformine and vitamin D therapy there was much improvement with no significant change from control. Conclusions: Vitamin D and metformine improved inflammatory, oxidative stress, apoptotic conditions in an experimental model of type II DM and combined therapy causes more improvement, so it is better to give combined therapy.