Table 1 Comparison of the chemical structure, mechanism of action, advantages and disadvantages between STZ- and alloxan-induced model

Source

Glucosamine–nitrosourea compound derived from Streptomyces achromogenes

Synthesised from uric acid oxidation

Mechanism of Action

● Selective pancreatic β-cell uptake via GLUT2

● Generates ROS

● Causes DNA fragmentation

● Acts as a NO donor

● Generates Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) de-phosphorylation

● β-cell necrotic death

● Selective pancreatic β-cell uptake via the GLUT2

● Inhibit glucokinase

● Generates ROS

● β-cell necrotic death

Advantages

● Rapid simulation of natural T2DM disease progression

● Induced diabetes remains longer

● Cost-effective

● Easy handling (stable at 37 °C within one hour)

● High selective loss of pancreatic β-cell due to its inhibitory effect on glucokinase

Disadvantages

● Poor standardisation

● Carcinogenic to human

● Can be toxic to liver and kidney cells

● May cause spontaneous regeneration of β-cells

● Less stable in water at room and body temperature

● High variability

● High mortality