Mild ameliorative effects of topically applied quercetin on oxidative stress and pathological changes in vital organs of diabetic wounded Rats

This study was undertaken to elucidate the oxidative stress and pathomorphological changes in various vital organs in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic wounded rats and its amelioration by topical quercetin. The wounded rats were divided into 3 groups viz. healthy control (non-diabetic), diabetic control and quercetin treated diabetic groups. Wounds on rats from healthy and diabetic control groups were treated topically with ointment base, while quercetin treated diabetic group were treated topically with ointment base containing 0.3% quercetin once daily for 21 days. The oxidative/nitrosative stress related parameters were evaluated in liver, kidneys and heart tissues. Gross and histopathological changes were studied in liver, kidneys, heart, pancreas, spleen and lungs. SOD levels were nonsignificantly lower in liver, kidney and heart tissue homogenates in diabetic control and quercetin treated groups as compared to healthy control. The levels of total thiols were significantly higher in liver and kidney in control group as compared to diabetic and quercetin groups. The nitrite levels were significantly higher in liver and heart in the diabetic control and quercetin treated groups as compared to healthy control group. The MDA levels were significantly higher in the diabetic control and quercetin treated groups as compared to healthy control group. The catalase activity, superoxide anion radicals and total protein levels were non-significantly different in liver, kidney and heart tissue homogenates among all groups. Grossly, no appreciable changes were noticed in the vital organs of all the groups. Histopathologically, the vascular changes were noticed in all the organs studied. The degenerative changes and necrosis in liver and pancreas were observed in diabetic group. Over all, the histopathological changes were slightly more pronounced in diabetic groups as compared to other groups. In conclusion, the topical application of 0.3% quercetin had slight ameliorative effects on oxidative stress parameters and microscopic changes in the vital organs.