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Nangia A, Saravanan JS, Hazra S, Priya V, Sudesh R, Rana SS, Ahmad F. Exploring the clinical connections between epilepsy and diabetes mellitus: Promising therapeutic strategies utilizing agmatine and metformin. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024:10.1007/s00210-024-03295-1. [PMID: 39066910 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03295-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Diabetes mellitus (DM) and epilepsy and the psychological and socio-economic implications that are associated with their treatments can be quite perplexing. Metformin is an antihyperglycemic medication that is used to treat type 2 DM. In addition, metformin elicits protective actions against multiple diseases, including neurodegeneration and epilepsy. Recent studies indicate that metformin alters the resident gut microbiota in favor of species producing agmatine, an arginine metabolite which, in addition to beneficially altering metabolic pathways, is a potent neuroprotectant and neuromodulant. METHODS We first examine the literature for epidemiological and clinical evidences linking DM and epilepsy. Next, basing our analyses on published literature, we propose the possible complementarity of agmatine and metformin in the treatment of DM and epilepsy. RESULTS Our analyses of the clinical data suggest a significant association between pathogeneses of epilepsy and DM. Further, both agmatine and metformin appear to be multimodal therapeutic agents and have robust antiepileptogenic and antidiabetic properties. Data from animal and clinical studies largely support the use of metformin/agmatine as a double-edged pharmacotherapeutic agent against DM and epilepsy, particularly in their concurrent pathological occurrences. CONCLUSION The present review explores the evidences and available data on possible uses of metformin/agmatine as pertinent antidiabetic and antiepileptic agents. Our hope is that this will stimulate further research on the therapeutic actions of these multimodal agents, particularly for subject-specific clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aayushi Nangia
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, India
| | - Janani Srividya Saravanan
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, India
| | - Shruti Hazra
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, India
| | - Vijayan Priya
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, India
| | - Ravi Sudesh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, India
| | - Sandeep Singh Rana
- Department of Biosciences, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, India
| | - Faraz Ahmad
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, India.
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Bila I, Dzydzan O, Brodyak I, Sybirna N. Agmatine Prevents Oxidative-nitrative Stress in Blood Leukocytes Under Streptozotocin-induced Diabetes Mellitus. Open Life Sci 2019; 14:299-310. [PMID: 33817163 PMCID: PMC7874780 DOI: 10.1515/biol-2019-0033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in cellular metabolism, development of oxidative-nitrative stress and intensification of glycation and lipid peroxidation (LPO), are significant processes that occur during diabetes mellitus (DM)-associated chronic hyperglycemia. These processes contribute to deviations in the structural organization and functional activity of leukocytes. The development of oxidative-nitrative stress in peripheral blood cells during DM can be prevented by agmatine, an endogenous metabolite of L-arginine, which is a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, and possesses hypoglycemic properties. The administration of agmatine to animals with DM lead to the inhibition of both constitutive and inducible NOS in leukocytes, which in turn decreased total nitrite/nitrate (NOx) levels. Additionally, we observed corresponding increases in reduced glutathione content and activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx, GR), along with decreased levels of the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) and advanced glycosylation end-products (AGEs) as compared to the non-treated diabetic group. Our results indicate that treatment of diabetic animals with agmatine restores redox homeostasis and a balances antioxidant defence system enzymes in leukocytes. This corrective effect on the functional capacity of leukocytes is exerted by preventing oxidative-nitrative stress in animals with DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivanna Bila
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Ukraine, 4, Hrushevskyi Str, Lviv 79005, Ukraine
| | - Olha Dzydzan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Ukraine, 4, Hrushevskyi Str, Lviv 79005, Ukraine
| | - Iryna Brodyak
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Ukraine, 4, Hrushevskyi Str, Lviv 79005, Ukraine
| | - Natalia Sybirna
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Ukraine, 4, Hrushevskyi Str, Lviv 79005, Ukraine
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Sharawy MH, El-Awady MS, Megahed N, Gameil NM. Attenuation of insulin resistance in rats by agmatine: role of SREBP-1c, mTOR and GLUT-2. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2015; 389:45-56. [PMID: 26449613 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-015-1174-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 09/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Insulin resistance is a serious health condition worldwide; however, its exact mechanisms are still unclear. This study investigates agmatine (AGM; an endogenous metabolite of L-arginine) effects on insulin resistance induced by high fructose diet (HFD) in rats and the possible involved mechanisms. Sprague Dawley rats were fed 60% HFD for 12 weeks, and AGM (10 mg/kg/day, orally) was given from week 9 to 12. AGM significantly reduced HFD-induced elevation in fasting insulin level, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index and liver glycogen content from 3.44-, 3.62- and 2.07- to 2.59-, 2.78- and 1.3-fold, respectively, compared to the control group, while it increased HFD-induced reduction in glucose tolerance. Additionally, AGM significantly decreased HFD-induced elevation in serum triglycerides, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels from 3.18-, 2.97- and 4.75- to 1.25-, 1.25- and 1.07-fold, respectively, compared to control group. Conversely, AGM had no significant effect on HFD-induced changes in fasting glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, insulin tolerance and high density lipoprotein cholesterol. Furthermore, AGM significantly reduced HFD-induced elevation in mRNA expression of glucose transporter type-2 (GLUT-2), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) without affecting that of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-α) in the liver. Additionally, AGM enhanced ACh-induced aortic relaxation and attenuated liver steatosis induced by HFD. In conclusion, AGM may have a therapeutic potential in insulin resistance through suppressing SREBP-1c, mTOR and GLUT-2 in liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha H Sharawy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt.
| | - Mohammed S El-Awady
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
| | - Nirmeen Megahed
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
| | - Nariman M Gameil
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
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TSAI TC, LIN CH, CHUNG HH, CHENG JT, CHEN IH, TONG YC. Urinary Bladder Relaxation through Activation of Imidazoline Receptors Induced by Agmatine is Increased in Diabetic Rats. Low Urin Tract Symptoms 2013; 6:117-23. [DOI: 10.1111/luts.12031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2013] [Revised: 06/24/2013] [Accepted: 07/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Chin TSAI
- Department of Surgery; Chi-Mei Medical Center Liouying; Tainan Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ho LIN
- Department of Urology; Chi-Mei Medical Center Liouying; Tainan Taiwan
| | - Hsien-Hui CHUNG
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences; College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University; Tainan Taiwan
| | - Juei-Tang CHENG
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences; College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University; Tainan Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research; Chi-Mei Medical Center; Tainan Taiwan,
| | - I-Hung CHEN
- Department of Urology; College of Medicine and Hospital, National Cheng Kung University; Tainan Taiwan
| | - Yat-Ching TONG
- Department of Urology; College of Medicine and Hospital, National Cheng Kung University; Tainan Taiwan
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Ferents IV, Brodyak IV, Lyuta MY, Sybirna NA. Structural and quantitative changes of carbohydrate chain of erythrocyte membrane glycoproteins in experimental diabetes mellitus after treatment with agmatine. CYTOL GENET+ 2013. [DOI: 10.3103/s0095452713040051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Lee LM, Tsai TC, Chung HH, Tong YC, Cheng JT. Prostatic relaxation induced by agmatine is decreased in spontaneously hypertensive rats. BJU Int 2012; 110:E253-8. [PMID: 22587433 DOI: 10.1111/j.1464-410x.2012.11196.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Neurotransmitters are known to control prostate contractility. Agmatine is one of them and induces relaxation through imidazoline receptors. The paper shows that the action of agmatine is reduced in hypertensive rats, and that this change is related to the decrease of ATP-sensitive potassium channels in the prostate. The findings can increase our understanding of the possible underlying mechanism for the development of clinical benign prostatic hyperplasia. OBJECTIVES To compare agmatine-induced prostatic relaxation in hypertensive and control rats. To investigate the responsible mechanism(s) and the role of the ATP-sensitive potassium channel. METHODS Prostate strips were isolated from male spontaneously hypertensive (SH) rats and normal Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats for measurement of isometric tension. The strips were precontracted with 1 µmol/L phenylephrine or 50 mmol/L KCl. Dose-dependent relaxation of the prostatic strips was studied by cumulative administration of agmatine, 1 to 100 µmol/L, into the organ bath. Effects of specific antagonists on agmatine-induced relaxation were studied. Western blotting analysis was used to measure the gene expression of the ATP-sensitive potassium channel in the rat prostate. RESULTS Prostatic relaxation induced by agmatine was markedly reduced in SH rats compared with WKY rats. The relaxation caused by agmatine was abolished by BU224, a selective imidazoline I(2)-receptor antagonist, but was not modified by efaroxan at a dose sufficient to block imidazoline I(1)-receptors. The relaxation induced by diazoxide at a concentration sufficient to activate ATP-sensitive potassium channels was markedly reduced in the SH rat prostate. Expressions of ATP-sensitive potassium channel sulphonylurea receptor and inwardly rectifying potassium channel (Kir) 6.2 subunits were both decreased in the prostate of SH rats. CONCLUSION The decrease of agmatine-induced prostatic relaxation in SH rats is related to the change in ATP-sensitive potassium channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang-Ming Lee
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University-Wan-Fang Hospital, Wang-Fang, Taipei City, Taiwan
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Masri AAA, Eter EE. Agmatine induces gastric protection against ischemic injury by reducing vascular permeability in rats. World J Gastroenterol 2012; 18:2188-96. [PMID: 22611311 PMCID: PMC3351768 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v18.i18.2188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2011] [Revised: 01/04/2012] [Accepted: 03/09/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the effect of administration of agmatine (AGM) on gastric protection against ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury.
METHODS: Three groups of rats (6/group); sham, gastric I/R injury, and gastric I/R + AGM (100 mg/kg, i.p. given 15 min prior to gastric ischemia) were recruited. Gastric injury was conducted by ligating celiac artery for 30 min and reperfusion for another 30 min. Gastric tissues were histologically studied and immunostained with angiopoietin 1 (Ang-1) and Ang-2. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) were measured in gastric tissue homogenate. To assess whether AKt/phosphatidyl inositol-3-kinase (PI3K) mediated the effect of AGM, an additional group was pretreated with Wortmannin (WM) (inhibitor of Akt/PI3K, 15 μg/kg, i.p.), prior to ischemic injury and AGM treatment, and examined histologically and immunostained. Another set of experiments was run to study vascular permeability of the stomach using Evan’s blue dye.
RESULTS: AGM markedly reduced Evan’s blue dye extravasation (3.58 ± 0.975 μg/stomach vs 1.175 ± 0.374 μg/stomach, P < 0.05), VEGF (36.87 ± 2.71 pg/100 mg protein vs 48.4 ± 6.53 pg/100 mg protein, P < 0.05) and MCP-1 tissue level (29.5 ± 7 pg/100 mg protein vs 41.17 ± 10.4 pg/100 mg protein, P < 0.01). It preserved gastric histology and reduced congestion. Ang-1 and Ang-2 immunostaining were reduced in stomach sections of AGM-treated animals. The administration of WM abolished the protective effects of AGM and extensive hemorrhage and ulcerations were seen.
CONCLUSION: AGM protects the stomach against I/R injury by reducing vascular permeability and inflammation. This protection is possibly mediated by Akt/PI3K.
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LEE LM, LIN CH, CHUNG HH, CHENG JT, CHEN IH, TONG YC. Agmatine Induces Rat Prostate Relaxation through Activation of Peripheral Imidazoline I2-Receptors. Low Urin Tract Symptoms 2012; 5:39-43. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1757-5672.2012.00158.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Bhutada P, Mundhada Y, Humane V, Rahigude A, Deshmukh P, Latad S, Jain K. Agmatine, an endogenous ligand of imidazoline receptor protects against memory impairment and biochemical alterations in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2012; 37:96-105. [PMID: 22300747 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2012.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2011] [Revised: 01/19/2012] [Accepted: 01/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Agmatine, a polycationic amine synthesized via decarboxylation of l-arginine by arginine decarboxylase is reported to exhibit anti-hyperglycemic, antioxidant and memory enhancing effects. Therefore, we tested its influence against cognitive dysfunction in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats using Morris water maze and object recognition paradigm. Lipid peroxidation and glutathione levels as parameters of oxidative stress and choline esterase (ChE) activity as a marker of cholinergic function were assessed in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Thirty days after diabetes induction rats showed a severe deficit in learning and memory associated with increased lipid peroxidation, decreased reduced glutathione, and elevated ChE activity. In contrast, chronic treatment with agmatine (5-10mg/kg, i.p. for 30 days) improved cognitive performance, lowered hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and ChE activity in diabetic rats. Further, memory improving effects of agmatine were independent of adrenal I(2) imidazoline receptors. In a separate set, agmatine treatment for an initial 15 days after diabetes confirmation also significantly reduced memory impairment during training trials after 30 days of diabetes confirmation. Moreover, treatment during training trials (30 days after diabetes) also significantly reduced memory impairment in diabetic rats. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that treatment with agmatine prevents changes in oxidative stress and ChE activity, and probably consequent memory impairment in diabetic rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pravinkumar Bhutada
- Sinhgad College of Pharmacy, Post-Graduate Research Department, Off Sinhgad road, Vadgaon (Bk), Pune 41, Maharashtra, India.
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Okudan N, Nurullahoğlu Atalik KE, Gökbel H, Canbilen A, Kara I. Alpha lipoic acid treatment improved endothelium-dependent relaxation in diabetic rat aorta. YAKUGAKU ZASSHI 2011; 131:739-44. [PMID: 21532270 DOI: 10.1248/yakushi.131.739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to ascertain the effects of α-lipoic acid (ALA) treatment on relaxant responses of acetylcholine (ACh) and isoprenaline (ISO) in aortic rings precontracted with serotonin (5-HT, 10(-6) M) obtained from streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in the rats by 50 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) via an intraperitoneal injection. Rat body and aorta weights were measured. The isometric tension to ACh (10(-9)-3×10(-6) M) and ISO (10(-9)-10(-4) M) of 5-HT-precontracted diabetic and non-diabetic rat (control), diabetic-ALA-treated, and ALA-treated aortas, in organ baths were recorded. Six weeks after STZ treatment blood glucose was elevated compared to control rats. In aortic rings from diabetic rats ACh and ISO-induced relaxations were impaired whereas endothelium-independent relaxation to sodium nitroprusside (SNP) was unaffected. ALA (100 mg/kg/day) treatment for 5 weeks enhanced ACh and ISO-induced relaxation in diabetic aortas. This recovering effect was via NO because prevented by incubating the vessels with N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, a NOS inhibitor). It may be assumed that ALA treatment in vivo, can protect against impaired vascular responsiveness in STZ-induced diabetic rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Okudan
- Department of Physiology, Meram Faculty of Medicine, Selçuk University, Konya, Turkey
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Wang SB, Yang XY, Tian S, Yang HG, Du GH. Effect of salvianolic acid A on vascular reactivity of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Life Sci 2009; 85:499-504. [PMID: 19695266 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2009.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2009] [Revised: 07/08/2009] [Accepted: 07/31/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The present study aims to evaluate the beneficial effect of salvianolic acid A (SAA) on the alterations in vascular reactivity of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. MAIN METHODS Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (60 mg/kg). Following 16 weeks of SAA treatment (1 mg/kg/day), thoracic aortic rings of rats were mounted in organ baths. Contractile responses to noradrenaline (NA) and KCl and relaxant responses to acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were assessed. KEY FINDINGS Loss of weight, hyperglycemia, elevated content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and decline of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were observed in diabetic rats. SAA could reverse these metabolic and biochemical abnormalities. Compared to the control, the maximum contraction (E(max)) to NA, but not sensitivity (pD(2)), increased significantly in diabetic aortas, which was prevented by SAA treatment. However, the response of rat aortas to KCl (E(max) and pD(2)) was not altered either in diabetic group or SAA treatment compared with that of normal control group. We also observed the significant decrease in relaxation to ACh rather than SNP in diabetic group compared with controls, and SAA treatment could revert the ACh response. SIGNIFICANCE It is concluded that oral administration of SAA can significantly improve glucose metabolism and inhibit oxidative injury as well as protect against impaired vascular responsiveness in STZ-induced diabetic rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shou-Bao Wang
- National Center for Pharmaceutical Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, PR China
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Akgün-Dar K, Bolkent S, Yanardag R, Tunali S. Vanadyl sulfate protects against streptozotocin-induced morphological and biochemical changes in rat aorta. Cell Biochem Funct 2008; 25:603-9. [PMID: 16892454 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.1354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of vanadyl sulfate on aorta tissue of normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats, morphologically and biochemically. The animals were made diabetic by an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg) and vanadyl sulfate (100 mg/kg) that was given every day for 60 days by gavage technique to rats. Under the light and transmission electron microscopes, hypertrophy of the vessel wall, focal disruption in the elastic lamellae, an increase in thickness of total aortic wall, tunica intima, subendothelial space and adventitial layer, and a disorganization in smooth muscular cells of the tunica media were observed in diabetic animals. The aorta lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels were significantly increased and the aorta glutathione (GSH) levels were significantly reduced in STZ diabetic rats. In diabetic rats administered vanadyl sulfate for 60 days, aorta LPO levels significantly decreased and the aorta GSH level significantly increased. In conclusion, in vivo treatment with vanadyl sulfate of diabetic rats prevented the morphological and biochemical changes observed in thoracic aorta of diabetic animals.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Aorta, Thoracic/drug effects
- Aorta, Thoracic/metabolism
- Aorta, Thoracic/pathology
- Blood Glucose/metabolism
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/chemically induced
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/pathology
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/prevention & control
- Endothelium, Vascular/drug effects
- Endothelium, Vascular/pathology
- Endothelium, Vascular/ultrastructure
- Glutathione/metabolism
- Hypoglycemic Agents/administration & dosage
- Hypoglycemic Agents/pharmacology
- Injections, Intraperitoneal
- Lipid Peroxidation/drug effects
- Male
- Microscopy, Electron
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/ultrastructure
- Rats
- Streptozocin/administration & dosage
- Streptozocin/toxicity
- Tunica Intima/drug effects
- Tunica Intima/pathology
- Tunica Intima/ultrastructure
- Tunica Media/drug effects
- Tunica Media/pathology
- Tunica Media/ultrastructure
- Vanadium Compounds/administration & dosage
- Vanadium Compounds/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- Kadriye Akgün-Dar
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Istanbul University, Vezneciler, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Abstract
Agmatine is a metabolite of L-arginine. It is formed by the decarboxylation of L-arginine via arginine decarboxylase in bacteria, plants and mammals. It is becoming clear that it has multiple physiological functions as a potential transmitter. Agmatine binds to alpha2-adrenoceptors and to imidazoline binding sites. It blocks NMDA receptors and other ligand-gated cation channels. It also inhibits nitric oxide synthase, induces release of peptide hormones and antizyme and plays a role during cell proliferation by interacting with the generation and transport of polyamines. Although the precise function of endogenously released agmatine is presently still unclear, this review will summarize several aspects concerning the biological function of agmatine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reinhard Berkels
- Institut für Pharmakologie, Klinikum der Universität zu Köln, Gleueler Str. 24, D-50931 Köln, Germany.
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