EFFECTS OF CHROMIUM PICOLINATE AND BIOTIN SUPPLEMENTATION ON HEMATOLOGICAL AND HEPATORENAL BIOMARKERS IN STREPTOZOTOCIN INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is associated with oxidative and metabolic disturbances that may impair hematological status and induce hepatic and renal dysfunction. Chromium picolinate and biotin have been investigated for their potential metabolic and tissue-protective effects, but their comparative and combined actions on hematological and hepatorenal biomarkers remain insufficiently characterized. Objective: To evaluate the effects of chromium picolinate and biotin, administered individually and in combination, on hematological, hepatic, and renal biomarkers in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Sixty-six adults male Wistar rats were randomized into 11 groups of six animals. Diabetes was induced using a single intraperitoneal dose of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg), and diabetic animals received chromium picolinate, biotin, or corresponding combinations at 100, 150, or 200 µg/kg/day for seven weeks. Red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, albumin, total bilirubin, creatinine, and blood urea were assessed. Results: Untreated diabetic rats showed reduced erythrocyte indices and albumin with marked elevations in hepatic enzymes, bilirubin, creatinine, and urea. Significant group differences were observed for red blood cell count (p=0.0003), hemoglobin (p=0.0001), and hematocrit (p=0.015). Chromium picolinate at 200 µg/kg produced the highest red blood cell count (8.70 ± 0.55 million/mm³) and hemoglobin (14.97 ± 0.21 g/dL), while the 150 µg/kg combination produced the highest hematocrit (44.67 ± 1.16%). The 200 µg/kg combination reduced ALT, AST, ALP, creatinine, and urea to 124.40 ± 0.59 U/L, 171.15 ± 0.92 U/L, 127.40 ± 1.70 U/L, 40.62 ± 0.89 µmol/L, and 19.90 ± 0.89 mg/dL, respectively. Conclusion: Chromium picolinate improved hematological indices, whereas combined chromium picolinate and biotin supplementation produced the greatest overall hepatorenal biochemical recovery.