Vitamin E protects against the modulation of TNF-α-AMPK axis and inhibits pancreas injury in a rat model of L-arginine-induced acute necrotising pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Acute pancreatitis (AP) associated with the modulation of TNF-α-AMPK axis in the presence and absence of vitamin E has not been investigated before.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Rats were either injected with L-arginine (2.5 gm/kg) before being sacrificed after 48 h or were pre-treated with vitamin E (60 mg/kg) and continued receiving vitamin E until the end of the experiment.

RESULTS

AP was developed as demonstrated by infiltration of inflammatory cells and profound pancreas tissue damage, which were substantially protected by vitamin E. In addition, L-arginine injections significantly (p < .0001) increased the expression of TNF-α mRNA and protein, and decreased phospho-AMPK and IL-10 mRNA and protein that was significantly (p < .0001) protected by vitamin E. Furthermore, vitamin E inhibited L-arginine-induced blood levels of LDH, amylase, and myeloperoxidase.

CONCLUSIONS

L-arginine-induced acute pancreatitis modulates TNF-α-AMPK axis, IL-10 and other AP biomarkers, which is protected by vitamin E; thus, may offer therapeutic potential in humans.

Suppression of knee joint osteoarthritis induced secondary to type 2 diabetes mellitus in rats by resveratrol: role of glycated haemoglobin and hyperlipidaemia and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress

Background: We investigated whether the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent, resveratrol can inhibit type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)-induced osteoarthritis (OA) in rats and whether it is associated with the suppression of glycaemia, dyslipidemia and inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers.Materials and methods: T2DM was induced by streptozotocin (50 mg/kg body weight) and high carbohydrate and fat diet (HCFD). The protective group was put on resveratrol (30 mg/kg) 14 days prior to the induction of diabetes and continued on resveratrol and HCFD until being sacrificed at week 12.Results: Diabetic rats showed a substantial damage to the knee joints and loss of proteoglycans from the articular cartilage, which were effectively but not completly protected by resveratrol. Resveratrol also significantly (p ≤ .0029) reduced diabetic up-regulation of HbA1c, hyperlipidaemia, inflammation and oxidative stress.Conclusions: Resveratrol protects against T2DM-induced OA associated with the inhibition of glycated haemoglobin, dyslipidemia, and biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation.

Metformin Protects against Diabetic Cardiomyopathy: An Association between Desmin-Sarcomere Injury and the iNOS/mTOR/TIMP-1 Fibrosis Axis

The intermediate filament protein desmin is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of sarcomeres, the fundamental unit of cardiac muscle. Diabetes mellitus (DM) can cause desmin to become dysregulated, following episodes of nitrosative stress, through the activation of the iNOS/mTOR/TIMP-1 pathway, thereby stimulating collagen deposition in the myocardium. In this study, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was induced in rats. One group of animals was pre-treated with metformin (200 mg/kg) prior to diabetes induction and subsequently kept on metformin until sacrifice at week 12. Cardiac injuries developed in the diabetic rats as demonstrated by a significant (p < 0.0001) inhibition of desmin immunostaining, profound sarcomere ultrastructural alterations, substantial damage to the left ventricular tissue, collagen deposition, and abnormal ECG recordings. DM also significantly induced the cardiac expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and the profibrogenic biomarker tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1). The expression of all these markers was significantly inhibited by metformin. In addition, a significant (p < 0.0001) correlation between desmin tissue levels/sarcomere damage and glycated hemoglobin, heart rate, iNOS, mTOR, and fibrosis was observed. These findings demonstrate an association between damage of the cardiac contractile unit—desmin and sarcomere—and the iNOS/mTOR/TIMP-1/collagen axis of fibrosis in T2DM-induced cardiomyopathy, with metformin exhibiting beneficial cardiovascular pleiotropic effects.

Vanadyl sulphate ameliorates biomarkers of endothelial injury and coagulation and thrombosis in a rat model of hyperglycaemia

BACKGROUND

We sought to determine whether the insulin mimicking agent, vanadyl sulphate (Van) can inhibit biomarkers of endothelial injury and coagulation and thrombosis induced by a moderate level of hyperglycaemia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Hyperglycaemia was induced in rats by a single injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 50 mg/kg) two weeks after being fed on a high-fat diet (model group). The treatment group started Van (20 mg/kg/day) treatment one-week post STZ injection and continued on Van until being sacrificed at week 10.

RESULTS

Administration of Van to the model group significantly (p < .05) ameliorated dyslipidemia and biomarkers of inflammation (TNF-α, IL-6, and hsCRP) and endothelial injury (E-selectin, P-selectin, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, and ET-1). Van also significantly inhibited hyperglycaemia-induced blood levels of coagulation (vWF) and thrombosis (PAI-1 and fibrinogen) biomarkers.

CONCLUSIONS

Vanadyl sulphate effectively suppresses hyperglycaemia-induced endothelial injury, coagulation and thrombosis, which is associated with the inhibition of inflammation and dyslipidemia.

Intermittent Short-Duration Re-oxygenation Attenuates Cardiac Changes in Response to Hypoxia: Histological, Ultrastructural and Oxidant/Antioxidant Parameters

Context: Intermittent short-duration re-oxygenation attenuates cardiac changes in response to hypoxia.

Objective: To see if intermittent short-duration re-oxygenation may protect the heart muscle from hypoxia damage.

Materials and Methods: Eighteen albino rats were used to carry out the study. Rats divided into: (normoxia); rats exposed to room air as a control, second (hypoxic) group; rats subjected to a pressure of 405 mmHg in a hypobaric chamber to simulate hypoxia at 5,000 m, and third (intermittent short-duration re-oxygenation); rats exposed to room air three times per day. Experiments were all 14 days long.

Results: Hypoxia enhanced the oxidative stress biomarker malondialdehyde while lowering the antioxidant superoxide dismutase . The levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the myocardium were elevated in hypoxic hearts. The hypoxic rats’ cardiac myofibrils showed disarray of muscle fibres, vacuolation of the sarcoplasm, pyknosis of the nucleus, and expansion of intercellular gaps on histological examination. In addition, cardiomyocytes showed degenerative defects in ventricular myocardial cells on ultrastructural analysis. Myofibril thinning and degenerative mitochondrial changes affected intercalated discs with fascia adherent, desmosomes, and gap junction. Intermittent short-duration re-oxygenation improve cardiac histological, ultrastructural and oxidant/antioxidant parameters changes during hypoxia.

Conclusion: Hypoxia showed a substantial impact on myocardial architecture, as well as increased oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Intermittent short-duration re-oxygenation significantly decreases hypoxia-induced cardiac changes.

Potential Protective Effect of Vitamin C on Qunalphos-Induced Cardiac Toxicity: Histological and Tissue Biomarker Assay

Insecticides and toxicants abound in nature, posing a health risk to humans. Concurrent exposure to many environmental contaminants has been demonstrated to harm myocardial performance and reduce cardiac oxidative stress. The purpose of this research was to study the protective effect of vitamin C (Vit C) on quinalphos (QP)-induced cardiac tissue damage in rats. Eighteen albino male rats were randomly categorised into three groups (n = 6). Control, QP group: rats received distilled water. QP insecticide treatment: an oral administration of QP incorporated in drinking water. QP + Vit C group: rats received QP and Vit C. All the experiments were conducted for ten days. Decline of cardiac antioxidant biomarkers catalase (CAT) and reduced glutathione (GPx) along with increased proinflammatory markers tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) indicated oxidative and inflammatory damage to the heart following administration of QP when compared to control rats. The light microscopic and ultrastructure appearance of QP-treated cardiomyocytes exhibited cardiac damage. Administration of Vit C showed decreased oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers, confirmed with histological and electron microscopic examination. In conclusion, Vit C protected the heart from QP-induced cardiac damage due to decreased inflammation and oxidative stress.

Captopril suppresses hepatic mammalian target of rapamycin cell signaling and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in thioacetamide-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

BACKGROUND

The potential inhibitory effects of captopril, the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, on thioacetamide (TAA)-induced hepatic mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), liver injury enzymes, blood pressure, and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress have not been investigated before.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rats were either injected with TAA (200 mg/kg; twice a week for 8 weeks) before being sacrificed after 10 weeks (model group) or were pretreated with captopril (150 mg/kg) daily for two weeks prior to TAA injections and continued receiving both agents until the end of the experiment (protective group).

RESULTS

Captopril significantly (p < .05) inhibited TAA-induced hypertension, liver tissue levels of mTOR, TIMP-1, TNF-α, IL-6, MDA; and blood levels of lipids, ALT, and AST. We further demonstrated a significant (p < .01) positive correlation between mTOR scoring and the levels of inflammatory, oxidative and liver injury biomarkers.

CONCLUSIONS

Captopril protects against TAA-induced mTOR, liver injury enzymes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, inflammation, and oxidative stress.

Resveratrol suppresses cholestasis-induced liver injury and fibrosis in rats associated with the inhibition of TGFβ1-Smad3-miR21 axis and profibrogenic and hepatic injury biomarkers

Cholestasis caused by slowing or blockage of bile flow is a serious liver disease that can lead to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. The link between transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1), Smad family member 3 (Smad3), and microRNA 21 (miR21) in bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced liver fibrosis in the presence and absence of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound, resveratrol (RSV), has not been previously studied. Therefore, we tested whether RSV can protect against BDL-induced liver fibrosis associated with the inhibition of the TGFβ1-Smad3-miR21 axis and profibrogenic and hepatic injury biomarkers. The model group of rats had their bile duct ligated (BDL) for 3 weeks before being killed, whereas, the BDL-treated rats were separated into three groups that received 10, 20, and 30 mg/kg RSV daily until the end of the experiment. Using light microscopy and ultrasound examinations, we documented in the BDL group, the development of hepatic injury and fibrosis as demonstrated by hepatocytes necrosis, bile duct hyperplasia, collagen deposition, enlarged liver with increased echogenicity, irregular nodular border and dilated common bile duct, which were more effectively inhibited by the highest used RSV dosage. In addition, RSV significantly (p ≤ 0.0027) inhibited BDL-induced hepatic TGFβ1, Smad3, miR21, the profibrogenic biomarker tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1), malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-17a (IL-17a), and blood levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and bilirubin. These findings show that RSV at 30 mg/kg substantially protects against BDL-induced liver injuries, which is associated with the inhibition of TGFβ1-Smad3-miR21 axis, and biomarkers of profibrogenesis, oxidative stress, and inflammation.

Insulin protects against type 1 diabetes mellitus-induced aortopathy associated with the inhibition of biomarkers of vascular injury in rats

BACKGROUND

We sought to investigate the protective effect of insulin against type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM)-induced aortic injury (aortopathy) associated with the inhibition of biomarkers of vascular injury.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

T1DM was induced in rats by streptozotocin (STZ) (65 mg/kg), and the protection group started insulin treatment 2 days post diabetic induction and continued until being sacrificed at week 8.

RESULTS

Aortopathy was developed in the diabetic rats as demonstrated by profound alterations to the aorta ultrastructure, which was substantially protected by insulin. In addition, insulin significantly inhibited diabetes-induced dyslipidaemia, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), oxidative stress, and inflammation. However, blood levels of these biomarkers in the insulin-treated group were still significant (p < .05) compared with the control group, whereas insulin treatment returned blood glucose and triglyceride to control levels.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate effective protection by insulin against T1DM-induced aortopathy in rats, which is associated with the inhibition of vascular injury biomarkers.

Role of dietary selenium in alleviating bisphenol A toxicity of liver albino rats: Histological, ultrastructural, and biomarker assessments

Bisphenol A (BPA) is used as a plasticizer in polycarbonate plastics. It has been used in consumer products and epoxy resins for decades as protective coatings and linings for food and beverage bottles. This can trigger human reactions to BPA which interferes with estrogen receptors. Our study explored the ameliorative effects of selenium (Se) in male rats on liver damage caused by BPA. Rats were divided into four groups at random: The first one obtained olive oil and acted as a control. Se (0.5 mg/kg diet) was given for the second group. The third one was treated with BPA (10 mg/kg body weight/day) orally. Concomitantly Se (0.5 mg/kg diet) and BPA (10 mg/kg body weight/day) were given orally in the fourth one. Liver specimens were prepared for light, electron microscopes and the serum samples were screened for biochemical markers. In the BPA received group, histological findings indicated apoptotic hepatic histological changes such as sinusoidal congestion, cytoplasmic vacuolation and leukocyte infiltration. Ultrastructurally, the same group had mitochondrial degeneration, rough endoplasmic reticulum swelling, and nuclear pyknosis, as well as fat droplet deposition and lysosome enhancement. Liver enzymes: In the BPA group, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) have been substantially increased. Moreover, histological and ultrastructural improvements were seen in the rat population treated with BPA and Se, whereas ALT and AST levels were lowered and malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), human C reactive protein (hCRP), and the serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) were significantly modulated. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Bisphenol A (BPA) is used in the manufacturing of polycarbonate plastic (e.g., water bottles, baby bottles) and epoxy resins (e.g., inner coating in metallic food cans). It is a non-polymer preservative for other plastics, one of the contaminants of the atmosphere and a common endocrine estrogenic disruptor. Our study explored the ameliorative effects of selenium (Se) in male rats on liver damage caused by BPA. Rats were divided into four groups at random: The first one obtained olive oil and acted as a control. Se (0.5 mg/kg diet) was given for the second group. The third one was treated with BPA (10 mg/kg body weight/day) orally. Concomitant Se (0.5 mg/kg diet) and BPA (10 mg/kg body weight/day) were given in the fourth one. Liver specimens were prepared for light, electron microscopes and the serum samples were screened for biochemical markers.

Resveratrol ameliorates type 2 diabetes mellitus-induced alterations to the knee joint articular cartilage ultrastructure in rats

Diabetes-induced osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that damages the cartilage in the joints and could lead to disability. The protective effect of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, resveratrol, against alterations to the knee articular cartilage ultrastructure induced by type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) associated with the inhibition of dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation has not been investigated before. Therefore, we modeled OA in rats 10 weeks post diabetic induction using a high carbohydrate and fat diet and a single injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg body weight), and the protective group of rats started resveratrol (30 mg/kg; orally) treatment 2 weeks before diabetic induction and continued on resveratrol until the end of the experiment at week 12. Blood chemistry analysis confirmed hyperglycemia (elevated glucose and glycated hemoglobin, HbA1c), dyslipidemia (elevated triglyceride, cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol), and upregulation of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde) and inflammatory (C-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor-α) biomarkers in the model group. In addition, using light and electron microscopy examinations, we also observed in the model group substantial damage to the articular cartilage and profound chondrocyte and territorial matrix ultrastructural alterations such as chondrocytes with degenerated nucleus and mitochondria, scarce cytoplasmic processes, and absence of the fine fibrillar appearance of territorial matrix. Resveratrol pretreatment significantly (p ≤ 0.0029) but not completely protected from T2DM-induced OA. We conclude that resveratrol protects against alterations to the articular cartilage ultrastructure induced secondary to T2DM in rats, which is associated with the inhibition of glycemia, hyperlipidemia, and biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation.

The impact of concomitant administration of vanadium and insulin on endothelial dysfunction markers (PAI-1 and ET-1) in type 1 diabetic rats

Endothelial dysfunction in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an important factor in the pathogenesis of micro- and macrovascular complications. The present study was to investigate the impact of combined vanadium and insulin for proper control and protection against endothelial dysfunction in T1DM rats. Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups; control non-treated; control vanadium treated; T1DM; T1DM + insulin; T1DM + vanadium; T1DM + insulin + vanadium treated groups. At the end of the experiment (6 weeks), serum C-reactive protein, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, IL-6, endothelin-1, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, fasting glucose serum lipogram, liver homogenate SOD activity and MDA levels were determined. Concomitant insulin and vanadium treatment improved the diabetic metabolic disturbances in addition to endothelial dysfunction and inflammatory markers. We can conclude that concomitant administration of both vanadium and insulin in T1DM decreased the risk for the development of endothelial dysfunction, micro- and macrovascular complications.

Metformin ameliorates ROS-p53-collagen axis of fibrosis and dyslipidemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus-induced left ventricular injury

BACKGROUND

The link between oxidative stress (ROS), apoptosis (p53) and fibrosis (collagen) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)-induced cardiac injury in the presence and absence of the antidiabetic drug, metformin has not been investigated before.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

T2DM was induced in rats by a combination of high carbohydrate and fat diets (HCFD) and streptozotocin (50 mg/kg) injection. The protection group started metformin (200 mg/kg) treatment 14 days prior to the induction of diabetes and continued on metformin and HCFD until being sacrificed at week 12.

RESULTS

Diabetes significantly induced blood levels of ROS and left ventricular p53 and collagen expression that was inhibited by metformin. Metformin also significantly reduced glycated haemoglobin and dyslipidemia induced by diabetes. In addition, a significant correlation between ROS-p53-collagen axis and glycaemia and hyperlipidaemia was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings show that metformin provides substantial protection against diabetic cardiomyopathy-induced ROS-p53 mediated fibrosis and dyslipidemia.

Grape seed extract protects against amiodarone - induced nephrotoxicity and ultrastructural alterations associated with the inhibition of biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in rats

Amiodarone (AMD) is one of the highly effective antiarrhythmic agents used for treating refractory arrhythmias. It is well known to have long-term administration side effects such as nephrotoxicity. The possible ameliorative effects of antioxidant grape seed extract; on the extent of tissue damage in AMD-induced nephrotoxicity has not been investigated before. Twenty-four albino rats were used in this study and divided into four groups (n = 6). The 1^st group served as an untreated control group, under the same laboratory conditions, the 2^nd group received (100 mg/kg/day) of grape seed extract (GSE), the 3rd group, AMD-treated group, received AMD (40 mg/kg/day) and the 4th group received both AMD and GSE in the same doses as the previous groups. AMD-treated group showed abnormal glomerular capillaries with wrinkling basement membranes damaged mesangial cells and distorted proximal tubules with plenty of lysosomes. Ultrastructural alterations were also observed in this group. This was also associated with a significant increase in biomarkers of kidney injury (creatinine), oxidative stress ((Decreased SOD and increased MDA) and biomarkers of inflammation IL-6) in comparison to the control group. Supplementation of GSE to AMD group for eight weeks counteracted these effects. It caused an improvement in histological and t ultrastructure changes of the renal tissues associated with decreased creatinine and biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation in comparison to AMD-treated group. We conclude that GSE protects against AMD-induced kidney injuries in rats, which is associated with the inhibition of biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress.

Exercise augments the modulatory effects of vitamin E on pre-diabetes-induced aortopathy: a potential role of adiponectin

Background: We tested the hypothesis that vitamin E may protect against pre-diabetes-induced aortic injury (aortopathy), and exercise can augment the action of vitamin E.Material and methods: Rats were either fed with a high fat and fructose diet (HFD) (model group) or a standard laboratory chow (control group) for 15 weeks before being sacrificed. The three protective groups were treated with vitamin E (HFD + Vit E), swimming exercises (HFD + Ex), and vitamin E plus swimming exercises (HFD + VitE + Ex), respectively.Results: Aortopathy was developed in the model group as demonstrated by substantial tissue ultrastructural alterations, which were partially protected by vitamin E and effectively protected with vitamin E plus swim exercise. Also, swimming exercises significantly (p < .05) increased the modulatory effects of vitamin E on dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, blood pressure, oxidative stress, inflammation, leptin, and adiponectin, except coagulation and thrombosis.Conclusions: Swim exercise augments the protective effects of vitamin E in a pre-diabetic animal model.

Epilepsy Research in Mali: A Pilot Pharmacokinetics Study on First-Line Antiepileptic Drug Treatment

Background and Purpose

The indication and benefit of plasma level of antiepileptic (AEDs) has been debating in the monitoring of people living with epilepsy and the epilepsy treatment gap has largely been documented in developed countries. This study was aimed to highlight the epilepsy treatment gap between rural and urban Mali.

Methods

We conducted a pilot study on AEDs treatment from September 2016 to May 2019. For 6 months, 120 children and young adults living with epilepsy (rural site, 90; urban site, 30) received phenobarbital, valproic acid and/or carbamazepine. At our rural study site, we determined the AED plasma levels, monitored the frequency, severity and the duration of seizure, and administered monthly the McGill quality of life questionnaire. At our urban study site, each patient underwent an electroencephalogram and brain computed tomography scan without close monitoring.

Results

At the rural study site, patients were mostly on monotherapy; AED levels at 1 month (M1) (n=90) and at 3 months (M3) (n=27) after inclusion were normal in 50% at M1 versus 55.6% at M3, low in 42.2% at M1 versus 33.3% at M3 and high in 7.8% at M1 versus 11.1% at M3. AED levels at M1 and at M3 were significantly different p<0.0001. By M3, seizures (n=90) were <1/month in 26.7%, and lasted less than 1 minute in 16.7%. After a yearlong follow up, all 90 patients reported a good or excellent quality of life. At our urban study site, patients (n=30) were on carbamazepine and valproid acid in 66.67% and monotherapy (carbamazepine) in 33.33%. By November 2018, only six out 30 patients (on bi-therapy) were still taking their medications.

Conclusions

Epilepsy diagnostic and treatment are a real concern in Mali. Our data showed appropriate AED treatment with close follow up resulted in a better quality of life of patients in rural Mali. We will promote the approach of personalized medicine in AED treatment in Mali.

Suppression of type 2 diabetes mellitus-induced aortic ultrastructural alterations in rats by insulin: an association of vascular injury biomarkers

Diabetes represents a major public health problem and an estimated 70% of people with diabetes die of cardiovascular complications. The protective effect of insulin treatment against ultrastructural damage to the tunica intima and tunica media of the aorta induced by type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has not been investigated before using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Therefore, we induced T2DM in rats using high fat diet and streptozotocin (50 mg/kg) and administered insulin daily by i.v injection for 8 weeks to the treatment group. Whereas, the T2DM control group were left untreated for the duration of the experiment. A comparison was also made between the effect of insulin on aortic tissue and the blood level of biomarkers of vascular injury, inflammation, and oxidative stress. T2DM induced profound ultrastructural damage to the aortic endothelium and vascular smooth muscle cells, which were substantially protected with insulin. Furthermore, insulin returned blood sugar to a control level and significantly (p < .05) inhibited diabetic up-regulation of endothelial and leukocyte intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion protein 1 (VCAM-1), endothelial cell adhesion molecules, P-selectin and E-selectin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), and malondialdehyde (MDA). Furthermore, insulin augmented the blood level of the anti-oxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD). We conclude that in a rat model of T2DM, insulin treatment substantially reduces aortic injury secondary to T2DM for a period of 8 weeks, possibly due to the inhibition of hyperglycemia, vascular activation, inflammation, and oxidative stress.