Abstract
Background and Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of diosmin and hesperidin in diabetic neuropathy using a rat model, focusing on their impact on nerve regeneration through the fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and galectin-3 (gal3) pathway. Materials and Methods: Forty adult male Wistar rats were used in this study. Diabetes was induced using streptozotocin (STZ), and the rats were divided into control, diabetes and saline-treated, diabetes and diosmin + hesperidin (150 mg/kg) treated, and diabetes and diosmin + hesperidin (300 mg/kg) treated groups. Electromyography (EMG) and inclined plane testing were performed to assess nerve function and motor performance. Sciatic nerve sections were examined histopathologically. Plasma levels of FGF21, galectin-3, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured as markers of oxidative stress and inflammation. Results: Diabetic rats treated with saline displayed reduced nerve conduction parameters and impaired motor performance compared to controls. Treatment with diosmin and hesperidin significantly improved compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude, distal latency, and motor performance in a dose-dependent manner. Histopathological examination revealed decreased perineural thickness in treated groups. Additionally, treatment with diosmin and hesperidin resulted in increased plasma FGF21 levels and reduced plasma levels of galectin-3 and MDA, indicating decreased oxidative stress and inflammation. Conclusions: Diosmin and hesperidin exhibited protective effects in diabetic neuropathy by promoting nerve regeneration, enhancing nerve conduction, and improving motor performance. These effects were associated with modulation of the FGF21 and galectin-3 pathway. These findings suggest that diosmin and hesperidin may hold potential as adjunctive therapies for diabetic neuropathy.