Omega-3 PUFA as food supplementation improves performance of cognitive parameter in type 1 diabetes mellitus model of wistar rats

In Diabetes Mellitus (DM) chronic degenerative brain changes is characterized by impaired cognition, abnormalities of neurochemistry and neuronal structure. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of omega 3 PUFA on cognitive parameters in Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into six groups- normal control, diabetic control & four different treated groups (N=46). Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of STZ (48 mg/kg). Omega 3 supplementation in the form of fish oil and flaxseed oil for 30 days at two different doses (0.21g/kg BW as low dose and 0.5g/kg BW as high dose). Cognitive parameters were assessed by Morris Water Maze (MWM), Passive avoidance test and Open field test. There was significant increase in memory retention in treated groups compared to diabetic control group in passive avoidance test (p<0.05) and MWM. There was significant (p<0.05) change is acquisition trial results of MWM. Anxiolytic effect of omega 3 was evident from the open field test results. By preventing the early onset of neuronal degeneration in diabetic we can improve the quality of life for these large mass of diabetic people. Our study provides an adjunct therapy for this neuronal degeneration at an affordable price for all the people with different food habits.