COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF HORMONAL, BIOCHEMICAL, AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN DIABETIC VERSUS NON-DIABETIC FEMALE RABBITS

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is associated with significant endocrine, metabolic, and histopathological alterations affecting multiple organs, including the pancreas, ovaries, liver, and kidneys. This study evaluated the impact of partial and complete diabetes on hormonal profiles, metabolic parameters, and organ histology. Female subjects were divided into three groups: control, partial diabetic, and complete diabetic. Serum estradiol and progesterone levels were significantly reduced in diabetic groups, with the complete diabetic group showing the lowest concentrations (estradiol: 22 ± 4 pg/mL; progesterone: 1.9 ± 0.5 ng/mL), while luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and prolactin levels were markedly elevated in a diabetes-dependent manner (p = 0.0001 for all). Metabolic assessments revealed progressive hyperglycemia and impaired insulin secretion in diabetic groups. Fasting blood glucose increased from 5.1 ± 0.4 mmol/L in controls to 18.5 ± 1.7 mmol/L in complete diabetics, whereas serum insulin decreased from 18.0 ± 2.2 µIU/mL to 4.1 ± 0.7 µIU/mL. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels also reflected poor glycemic control, rising to 9.8 ± 0.6% in the complete diabetic group. Lipid profile analysis showed significant dyslipidemia, with total cholesterol and triglycerides reaching 180 ± 18 mg/dL and 170 ± 20 mg/dL, respectively, in complete diabetics. Hepatic enzyme levels (ALT and AST) and renal markers (serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen) were significantly elevated in diabetic groups, indicating hepatic and renal impairment. Histopathological evaluation demonstrated progressive tissue damage associated with diabetes. Pancreatic islets showed marked degeneration in complete diabetics (score: 3.3 ± 0.4), paralleled by ovarian follicular degeneration (3.1 ± 0.5) and stromal fibrosis (2.8 ± 0.6). Renal glomerular damage (score: 3.0 ± 0.5) and hepatic steatosis (2.9 ± 0.5) were also most pronounced in the complete diabetic group. These findings indicate a strong correlation between the severity of diabetes and structural organ damage.