Pharmacia (Apr 2024)

Effects of riboflavin on hyperalgesia and serum glutamine-to-glutamate ratio in rats with painful diabetic neuropathy

  • Milen Hristov,
  • Zafer Sabit,
  • Tsvetomir Kirilov,
  • Dimitar Bakalov,
  • Rumiana Tzoneva,
  • Sonia Apostolova,
  • Irina Georgieva,
  • Pavlina Andreeva-Gateva

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3897/pharmacia.71.e120921
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 71
pp. 1 – 7

Abstract

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Previous studies have explored the antinociceptive effects of riboflavin (vitamin B2) across various experimental models. However, there remains a gap in the literature regarding its potential to alleviate neuropathic pain in diabetes. This study aims to investigate the effects of riboflavin on hyperalgesia and serum glutamine-to-glutamate ratio in rats with painful diabetic neuropathy. In fasted rats, a model of painful diabetic neuropathy was induced through intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. In the fifth week post-injection, diabetic rats experiencing neuropathic pain were administered daily doses of riboflavin (25 or 50 mg), dissolved in their drinking water, for a duration of two weeks. Results demonstrate that riboflavin significantly reduced mechanical and cold-induced hyperalgesia in diabetic rats compared to controls. Formalin-induced hyperalgesia was alleviated by riboflavin in the second phase. Additionally, riboflavin supplementation increased the serum glutamine-to-glutamate ratio in these animals. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of riboflavin in managing neuropathic pain associated with diabetes.