Molecular Iodine Supplement Prevents Streptozotocin-Induced Pancreatic Alterations in Mice

Pancreatitis has been implicated in the development and progression of type 2 diabetes and cancer. The pancreas uptakes molecular iodine (I-2), which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The present work analyzes whether oral I-2 supplementation prevents the pancreatic alterations promoted by low doses of streptozotocin (STZ). CD1 mice (12 weeks old) were divided into the following groups: control; STZ (20 mg/kg/day, i.p. for five days); I-2 (0.2 mg/Kg/day in drinking water for 15 days); and combined (STZ + I-2). Inflammation (Masson's trichrome and periodic acid-Schiff stain), hyperglycemia, decreased beta-cells and increased alpha-cells in pancreas were observed in male and female animals with STZ. These animals also showed pancreatic increases in immune cells and inflammation markers as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, transforming growth factor-beta and inducible nitric oxide synthase with a higher amount of activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs). The I-2 supplement prevented the harmful effect of STZ, maintaining normal pancreatic morphometry and functions. The elevation of the nuclear factor erythroid-2 (Nrf2) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor type gamma (PPAR gamma) contents was associated with the preservation of normal glycemia and lipoperoxidation. In conclusion, a moderated supplement of I-2 prevents the deleterious effects of STZ in the pancreas, possibly through antioxidant and antifibrotic mechanisms including Nrf2 and PPAR gamma activation.