Effects of Fermented Soya Bean Supplements on Thyroid Profile and Serum Electrolytes of High Fat Diet-induced Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Rabbits

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of fermented soya bean supplements on thyroid profile and serum electrolytes of high fat diet-induced type 2 diabetes in rabbits.

Twenty rabbits weighing between 1 kg – 1.5 kg were used for the study. Diabetes was induced by feeding the animals with high fat diet for eight weeks. Rabbits having fasting blood glucose levels of 7.2 mmol/L and above after the induction were used for the study. The animals were grouped into four groups of five rabbits each: Group 1 (diabetic control) received distilled water ad libitum for six weeks; Groups 2, 3 and 4 were fed with 12.5%, 25% and 50% fermented soya bean supplements respectively for six weeks. At the end of the treatment period, the rabbits were euthanized by cervical dislocation and blood samples were collected through cardiac puncture. The serum was extracted after clotting and centrifugation for the determination of thyroid profile and electrolyte levels. The results showed a significant decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in serum T3 and T4 concentrations, and a significant increase (P ≤ 0.05) in the serum TSH concentration in the groups fed with the supplements when compared with the diabetic control. Furthermore, as regards to the serum electrolytes concentrations there was a significant increase (P ≤ 0.05) in sodium ion concentration in the group fed 12.5% soya bean supplement when compared with the control and a significant decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in potassium ion concentrations in all the groups fed with the soya beans supplements, as compared to control. Chloride ion concentrations were significantly decreased (P ≤ 0.05) in groups fed 25% and 50 % supplement as compared to control, while bicarbonate ion concentrations were significantly increased (P ≤ 0.05) in groups fed with 25% and 50% supplement when compared with the control. In conclusion fermented soya bean supplementation suppressed thyroid activity and improved serum electrolyte concentrations; it may be used to alleviate hyperthyroidism and electrolyte disturbances in diabetes patients.