Evolution and Comparison Effects of Fludrocortisone and Betamethasone on Glucose and Lipid Profile in Rats

Abstract

Hyperglycemia may associate with improper use of glucocorticoids, impaired insulin function, or both, and is associated with many complications such as hyperlipidemia and Hyperglycemia. Researches suggest that proper use of glucocorticoids can delay the onset and progression of complications of hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. In the present study, we compare two of these compounds on glucose and lipid profile level. We use 40 male Wistar rats from the Yazd Animal infertility center. Initially, the rats were randomly divided into 2 groups, and then each group was divided into 4 groups. Subsequently, fludrocortisone doses of 12, 24 and 36 mg/kg were administered to rats, and dosages of 6, 12 and 18 mg/kg for betamethasone administered to rats on a daily basis at 1 o'clock for 21 days by intraperitoneal injection. Betamethasone and Fludrocortisone increased blood glucose and AST, ALT, TG, LDL, VLDL, and decreased HDL, causing red pigmentation in the skin, and obesity and puffiness of the rats. In all of the measured factors, fludrocortisone changes were more than betamethasone. Fludrocortisone and betamethasone also had significant effects on weight, which was more pronounced with fludrocortisone. As the dose increased, the levels of AST, ALT, and cholesterol, TG, VLDL and LDL in the blood increased significantly and HDL levels decreased more in the blood, but fludrocortisone showed a stronger effect than betamethasone. Therefore, it can be expected that the use of Betamethasone would be logical due to fewer side effects than fludrocortisone.

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Acta Med Iran 2019;57(8):478-483.