Abstract
Muscular atrophy in diabetes is believed to be due to uncontrolled hyperglycemia and oxidative stress. Vitamin E, a natural antioxidant, is considered important to maintain skeletal muscle structures and functions. The current study is designed to explore the regenerative potential of d-alpha-tocopherol after crushed injury of skeletal muscle in healthy and diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced through single subcutaneous injection of alloxan at the dose of 100 mg/kg at hip region. Twenty four albino rats were divided into four groups; healthy control, diabetic control, healthy treated and diabetic treated. Treated groups were administered d-alpha-tocopherol orally and daily at the dose of 200 mg/kg for three weeks. A horizontal skin incision was made on the shaved right mid-thigh region and after splitting of the fascia between gluteus maximus and tensor fascia lata the gluteus maximus was crushed with Kocher's forceps. Skin wound was closed with an absorbable suture. The crushed muscle changes were studied by assessing the histopathological features, histomorphological measurements and biochemical analyses at the end of 3rd week. One way 'ANOVA' followed by Tukeys test and Student t test were used for statistical analysis. Results obtained through various methods indicate that the d-alpha-tocopherol helps in skeletal muscle regeneration by improving antioxidant status, myoblast proliferation, revascularization, reinnervation and connec-tive tissue remodeling. Hence it is concluded that d-alpha-tocopherol is a useful therapeutic dietary supplement in the management of skeletal muscle crushed injuries in both healthy and diabetics.