Effect of succinic acid monoethyl ester on hemoglobin glycation and tail tendon collagen properties in type 2 diabetic rats.

Succinic acid monoethyl ester (EMS) was recently proposed as an insulinotropic agent for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of EMS and metformin administration on tail collagen content and its characteristics in streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced type 2 diabetic rats. EMS was administered intraperitoneally for 30 days to normal and diabetic rats. In the diabetic rats, a significant increase in the levels of glucose, glycated hemoglobin, hydroxyproline, collagen content, extent glycation, fluorescence, neutral salt, acid and pepsin soluble collagen content was absorbed with a significant decrease in the level of insulin, hemoglobin in streptozotocin-nicotinamide diabetic rats. Moreover, a daily administration of nonglucidic nutrient EMS and metformin significantly decreased the levels of glucose, glycated hemoglobin, hydroxyproline, collagen content, extent glycation, fluorescence, neutral salt, acid and pepsin soluble collagen content, whereas it increased insulin, hemoglobin levels in diabetic rats. The positive influence of nonglucidic nutrient on both collagen content and its properties suggests a potential mechanism for the ability of EMS to delay diabetic complications.