## 4 Discussion  
Taste disturbances, a prevalent challenge among individuals with DM, are known to impinge significantly on patients' quality of life and dietary choices [4; 5]. This study set out to understand the potential mitigative role of 4-HR in reducing taste bud apoptosis in diabetic rats, thereby potentially alleviating the taste disturbances commonly associated with DM (Figures 4 and 6). Our findings highlighted marked alterations in the taste buds of diabetic rats (Figure 2). There was a noticeable reduction in the cellular content of taste buds in these rats, echoing outcomes from earlier studies [11; 16]. Intriguingly, these alterations were more pronounced in the STZ-induced diabetic rats that did not receive 4-HR treatment compared to those that did, indicating that 4-HR plays a protective role against the taste disturbances seen in diabetes. [PERSON] et al. 's research [10] resonates with our findings. They noted a significant decline in specific nerve fibers in the taste buds of diabetic rats, bringing to the forefront the clinical implications of such observations. As neurotrophins, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor, are central to the development and sustenance of taste buds [10; 29], DM-induced neuropathy might be a pivotal factor behind the taste disturbances [30]. These findings are consistent with similar research on taste bud degeneration in response to the removal of taste axons [31; 32]. The impact of neuropathy-induced taste disturbances extends beyond a mere alteration in taste perception. It holds substantial clinical significance as taste disturbances can adversely affect patients' quality of life and dietary choices [33]. For individuals with DM, taste disturbances might lead to poor dietary choices, contributing to a vicious cycle of worsening glycemic control and further exacerbating their metabolic disorder [5]. Moreover, altered taste perception can lead to inadequate nutrition, as individuals may avoid certain foods or consume others in excess, potentially resulting in malnutrition or the exacerbation  
Figure 7: IP-HPLC analysis of DM-related protein expression in blood serum. The results indicate that in DM-induced rats treated with 4 HR, there was an up-regulation of HKII by 27.8%, sirtuin 1 by 13.4%, and FOXOO3 by 15.4%. of obesity, which are both common challenges in diabetic care [34]. Furthermore, taste disturbances may deter patients from adhering to dietary recommendations, which is critical for managing DM and preventing its associated complications [13]. Hence, understanding and addressing neuropathy-induced taste disturbances in individuals with DM not only elucidates a lesser-known complication of this metabolic disorder, but also opens avenues for improving dietary management and overall quality of life for these patients. While the primary focus of this study revolves around assessing the potential of 4-HR in alleviating DM-induced taste disorders, it is pivotal to acknowledge that the findings could contribute to a broader understanding of 4-HR's therapeutic potential. For instance, various compounds and interventions have been explored for managing taste disorders and improving taste function in individuals with DM and other conditions. A systematic review sheds light on numerous pharmacological, surgical, and physical treatments proposed for taste function recovery [35]. Additionally, bioactive compounds derived from microalgae have shown promise in improving insulin sensitivity, which might indirectly impact the taste disorders associated with DM [36]. Another compound, allicin, has been probed for its potential in alleviating diabetes mellitus by combating oxidative stress and inflammation--key factors in the development and progression of DM and its associated complications, including taste disorders [37].