Trimetazidine Protects from Mercury-Induced Kidney Injury

INTRODUCTION

The presence of mercury in the environment is a worldwide concern. Inorganic mercury is present in industrial materials, is employed in medical devices, is widely used in batteries, is a component of fluorescent light bulbs, and it has been associated with human poisoning in gold mining areas. The nephrotoxicity induced by inorganic mercury is a relevant health problem mainly in developing countries. The primary mechanism of mercury toxicity is oxidative stress. Trimetazidine (TMZ) is an anti-ischemic drug, which inhibits cellular oxidative stress, eliminates oxygen-free radicals, and improves lipid metabolism. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the administration of TMZ protects against mercuric chloride (HgCl2) kidney damage.

METHODS

Adult male Wistar rats received only HgCl2 (4 mg/kg bw, sc) (Hg group, n = 5) or TMZ (3 mg/kg bw, ip) 30 min before HgCl2 administration (4 mg/kg bw, sc) (TMZHg group, n = 7). Simultaneously, a control group of rats (n = 4) was studied. After 4 days of HgCl2 injection, urinary flow, urea and creatinine (Cr) plasma levels, Cr clearance, urinary glucose, and sodium-dicarboxylate cotransporter 1 (NaDC1) in urine were determined. Lipid peroxidation (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels were measured in kidney homogenates.

RESULTS

Rats only treated with HgCl2 showed an increase in urea and Cr plasma levels, urinary flow, fractional excretion of water, glucosuria, and NaDC1 urinary excretion as compared with the control group and a decrease in Cr clearance. TMZHg group showed a decrease in urea and Cr plasma levels, urinary flow, fractional excretion of water, glucosuria, NaDC1 urinary excretion, and an increase in Cr clearance when compared to the Hg group. Moreover, MDA and GSH levels observed in Hg groups were decreased and increased, respectively, by TMZ pretreatment.

CONCLUSION

TMZ exerted a renoprotective action against HgCl2-induced renal injury, which might be mediated by the reduction of oxidative stress. Considering the absence of toxicity of TMZ, its clinical application against oxidative damage due to HgCl2-induced renal injury should be considered. The fact that TMZ is commercially available should simplify and accelerate the translation of the present data "from bench to bedside." In this context, TMZ become an interesting new example of drug repurposing.

Paquinimod prevents development of diabetes in the non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse

Quinoline-3-carboxamides (Q compounds) are immunomodulatory compounds that have shown efficacy both in autoimmune disease and cancer. We have in here investigated the impact of one such compound, paquinimod, on the development of diabetes in the NOD mouse model for type I diabetes (T1D). In cohorts of NOD mice treated with paquinimod between weeks 10 to 20 of age and followed up until 40 weeks of age, we observed dose-dependent reduction in incidence of disease as well as delayed onset of disease. Further, in contrast to untreated controls, the majority of NOD mice treated from 15 weeks of age did not develop diabetes at 30 weeks of age. Importantly, these mice displayed significantly less insulitis, which correlated with selectively reduced number of splenic macrophages and splenic Ly6Chi inflammatory monocytes at end point as compared to untreated controls. Collectively, these results demonstrate that paquinimod treatment can significantly inhibit progression of insulitis to T1D in the NOD mouse. We propose that the effect of paquinimod on disease progression may be related to the reduced number of these myeloid cell populations. Our finding also indicates that this compound could be a candidate for clinical development towards diabetes therapy in humans.

A new dammarane saponin and other triterpenoids from Siolmatra brasiliensis and evaluation of the antidiabetic activity of its extract

Context Siolmatra brasiliensis (Cogn.) Baill (Cucurbitaceae) is a climbing plant widely used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus symptoms. Objective This work evaluates the antidiabetic activity of an extract of S. brasiliensis in streptozotocin-diabetic rats and promotes the phytochemical investigation to isolate the major compounds of the same extract. Materials and methods Male Wistar rats were divided into normal (N) and diabetic rats (DC) treated with water; diabetic rats treated with 3U insulin (DI) or with 250 (DSb250) or 500 mg/kg (DSb500) of hydroalcoholic extract of the stalks of S. brasiliensis, via oral gavage, for 21 days. Physiological and biochemical parameters classically altered in diabetes were monitored. The triterpenoids were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction under silica gel column chromatography and Sephadex-LH20 methods and their structures were determined by NMR, HR-ESI-MS and DC analysis. Results When compared with DC, DSb250 rats showed a reduction in the hyperglycemia (DC: 26.46 ± 0.69 versus DSb250: 19.67 ± 1.06 mmol/L) and glycosuria (DC: 43.02 ± 3.19 versus DSb250: 28.46 ± 2.14 mmol/24 h) and increase in hepatic glycogen (DC: 14.44 ± 1.26 versus DSb250: 22.08 ± 4.26 mg/g). Three known cucurbitacins were isolated from a hydroalcoholic extract of S. brasiliensis, i.e., cayaponosides A1, B4, D, and a new dammarane saponin 3-O-β-d-gentiobiosyl-26-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-20-hydroxydammar-24-ene. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by spectral data analysis of the natural products and their acetyl derivatives. Discussion and conclusion The known cucurbitacins and/or the new identified saponin may be related with the antidiabetic activity of S. brasiliensis.

Effects of self-monitoring of glucose on distress and self-efficacy in people with non-insulin-treated Type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled trial

AIMS

To investigate the effects of self-monitoring of glucose in blood or urine, on diabetes-specific distress and self-efficacy, compared with usual care in people with non-insulin-treated Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

One hundred and eighty-one participants with non-insulin-treated Type 2 diabetes mellitus [diabetes duration ≥ 1 year, age 45-75 years, HbA1c ≥ 53.0 mmol/mol (7.0%), self-monitoring frequency < 3 times in the previous year] were randomly assigned to blood self-monitoring (n = 60), urine self-monitoring (n = 59) or usual care (n = 62). Primary outcomes were between-group differences in diabetes-specific distress [Problem Areas in Diabetes scale (PAID)] and self-efficacy [Confidence in Diabetes Self-Care questionnaire (CIDS-2)] after 12 months. Secondary outcomes included changes in HbA1c , treatment satisfaction and depressive symptoms.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant between-group differences in changes in PAID and CIDS-2 after 12 months. Mean difference in PAID between blood monitoring and control was -2.2 [95% confidence interval (CI) -7.1 to 2.7], between urine monitoring and control was -0.9 (95% CI -4.4 to 2.5) and between blood monitoring and urine monitoring was -2.0 (95% CI -4.1 to 0.1). Mean difference in CIDS-2 between blood monitoring and control was 0.6 [95% CI (-2.0 to 2.1), between urine monitoring and control was 2.8 (95% CI -2.3 to 7.9)] and between blood monitoring and urine monitoring was -3.3 (95% CI -7.9 to 1.3). No statistically significant between-group differences in change in any of the secondary outcome measures were found.

CONCLUSIONS

This study did not find statistical or clinical evidence for a long-term effect of self-monitoring of glucose in blood or urine on diabetes-specific distress and self-efficacy in people with moderately controlled non-insulin-treated Type 2 diabetes mellitus. (Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN84568563).

Validation of a novel method for determining the renal threshold for glucose excretion in untreated and canagliflozin-treated subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus

CONTEXT

The stepwise hyperglycemic clamp procedure (SHCP) is the gold standard for measuring the renal threshold for glucose excretion (RT(G)), but its use is limited to small studies in specialized laboratories.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to validate a new method for determining RT(G) using data obtained during a mixed-meal tolerance test (MMTT) in untreated and canagliflozin-treated subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

DESIGN

This was an open-label study with 2 sequential parts.

SETTING

The study was performed at a single center in Germany.

PATIENTS

Twenty-eight subjects with T2DM were studied.

INTERVENTIONS

No treatment intervention was given in part 1. In part 2, subjects were treated with canagliflozin 100 mg/d for 8 days. In each part, subjects underwent an MMTT and a 5-step SHCP on consecutive days.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

For both methods, RT(G) was estimated using measured blood glucose (BG) and urinary glucose excretion (UGE); estimated glomerular filtration rates were also used to determine RT(G) during the MMTT. The methods were compared using the concordance correlation coefficient and geometric mean ratios.

RESULTS

In untreated and canagliflozin-treated subjects, the relationship between UGE rate and BG was well described by a threshold relationship. Good agreement was obtained between the MMTT-based and SHCP-derived RT(G) values. The concordance correlation coefficient (for all subjects) was 0.94; geometric mean ratios (90% confidence intervals) for RT(G) values (MMTT/SHCP) were 0.93 (0.89-0.96) in untreated subjects and 1.03 (0.78-1.37) in canagliflozin-treated subjects. Study procedures and treatments were generally well tolerated in untreated and canagliflozin-treated subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

In both untreated and canagliflozin-treated subjects with T2DM, RT(G) can be accurately estimated from measured BG, UGE, and estimated glomerular filtration rates using an MMTT-based method.

Application and opportunities of pulses in food system: a review

Pulses are highly nutritious seeds of pod-bearing leguminous plants, specifically dry peas, lentils, and chickpeas. US farmers harvest about 2.6 million pounds of pulses every year but 75% of this is being exported internationally because of its increased consumption in the developing countries. In the current scenario, increasing costs of production, bad economy, and fluctuating food commodity prices have made a strong case for US producers to seek opportunities to increase domestic consumption of pulses through value-added products. Pulses are the richest sources of plant proteins and provide approximately 10% of the total dietary requirements of the proteins world over. Pulses are also high in dietary fibers and complex carbohydrates leading to low GI (glycemic index) foods. Pulses help to lower cholesterol and triglycerides as leguminous fibers are hypoglycosuria because of consisting more amylose than amylopectin. Pulses provide tremendous opportunities to be utilized in the processed foods such as bakery products, bread, pasta, snack foods, soups, cereal bar filing, tortillas, meat, etc. These show excellent opportunities in frozen dough foods either as added flour or as fillings. Pulses in view of their nutrient profile, seem to be ideal for inclusion in designing snack foods, baby, and sports foods.

Antidiabetic and antioxidant potential of β-sitosterol in streptozotocin-induced experimental hyperglycemia

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress, produced under diabetic conditions, may cause tissue damage. Although several drugs are currently available for the treatment of diabetes, their continued use may cause unwanted side effects. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant potential of β-sitosterol (BS), a phytosterol from Solanum surattense, using an experimental model for diabetes-induced oxidative damage.

METHODS

The effects of 21 days treatment with BS (10, 15 and 20 mg/kg, p.o.) on blood, serum, and tissue biochemical parameters were evaluated in control and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Nine experimental groups, including a control group, a diabetic group, and BS- and glibenclamide-treated diabetic groups, were evaluated.

RESULTS

All three dose levels dose dependently resulted in decreases in glycated hemoglobin, serum glucose, and nitric oxide, with concomitant increases in serum insulin levels. Furthermore, treatment with BS doses also increased pancreatic antioxidant levels, with a concomitant decrease in thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances.

CONCLUSIONS

β-Sitosterol has promising antidiabetic as well as antioxidant effects and may be considered in clinical studies for drug development.

Continuous subcutaneous hydrocortisone infusion (CSHI) in a young adolescent with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is an autosomal recessive enzymatic defect caused by mutations or deletions of the cytochrome P450 21-hydroxylase CYP21 gene. Oral therapy with glucocorticoids and mineralcorticoids is administered to prevent adrenal crisis and to control hyperandrogenism. During puberty this type of therapy is difficult to manage owing to physiological and hormonal changes and poor compliance. We describe a case of a pubertal boy affected by CAH, in whom continuous subcutaneous infusion of hydrocortisone led to improved metabolic control and compliance.

Protective effects of crocin against cisplatin-induced acute renal failure and oxidative stress in rats

BACKGROUND

The major side effect of cisplatin, used in some tumours, is nephrotoxicity. Reactive oxygen species and oxidative damage are the most important factors in cisplatin-induced acute renal failure. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the protective effects of crocin against cisplatin-induced acute renal failure and oxidative stress in rat.

METHODS

In this study, animals were randomly divided into 5 groups (6 each). Group one received normal saline (2 ml/day, i.p.). Group two received a single dose of cisplatin (5 mg/kg, i.p.). Groups 3 to 5 received crocin (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, i.p., respectively, for 4 consecutive days one hour before a single dose of cisplatin (5 mg/kg) only at the first day. Blood samples were taken out (on the fifth day) for measuring the level of urea and creatinine. The kidneys were removed for histopathological and biochemical examinations. Furthermore, 24-hour urinary factors were measured.

RESULTS

Blood urea, creatinine and urinary glucose and protein concentrations in crocin-treated groups were significantly lower than those of cisplatin-treated group in a dose-dependent manner. Histopathological studies showed a massive damage in S3 segment of proximal tubules in cisplatin-treated group. No damage was observed in crocin-treated groups. Crocin treatment resulted in a significant and dose-dependent reduction in malondialdehyde concentration as compared to the cisplatin-treated group. Moreover, crocin produced a significant elevation in total thiol and glutathione peroxidase concentrations, as compared with cisplatin-treated group.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study suggest that crocin has a protective effect against cisplatin-induced acute renal failure and relative oxidative stress.

How self management therapy can improve quality of life for diabetic patients

Self-control led therapy is vital in the treatment of insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), allowing as it does, correct insulin therapy, a reduction in hospitalisation and modification of therapy for individual needs in relation to various factors. Undoubtedly it is the responsibility of the diabetes team (doctors, nurses, dietician, psychologist and social assistant) to instruct the patient and help him/her in this new situation. The patient must learn to live and develop normally, participating to the full in school, at work and in all social situations, by fully understanding how to manage the illness autonomously and how to prevent short and long-term complications. Thus, the team must set objectives: making the patient aware of his condition, giving him the knowledge of what to do and how to do it. In this way, quality of life can be improved for patients affected by this chronic illness and they can understand how to face the future with realistic optimism. Modern technology has brought many novelties into the diabetes field, such as the ever smaller and more accurate glucose meters, or finger-prick devices requiring minimal quantities of blood. They represent another step towards a less invasive or disruptive approach in the management of diabetes. Non-specialist press articles may raise false hopes, above all about new research in the field of diabetes, but at least they also raise awareness on a problem of national interest, i.e. insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.

[A diabetic patient with cystitis emphysematosa]

In a woman aged 80 years arriving in the Emergency Room with progressive malaise, anorexia and somnolence, a large resistance was found in the lower abdomen, which proved to be due to cystitis emphysematosa. The patient was known to suffer from non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Imaging revealed a large accumulation of gas in the urinary bladder, which was treated successfully with catheterization and antibiotics. Cystitis emphysematosa is a rare condition, characterized by collection of gas in the bladder and bladder wall and brought about by gas-forming micro-organisms that decompose glucose. In patients with diabetes mellitus optimal regulation of the blood glucose levels, with a view to preventing glycosuria, is a condition of speedy recovery. Although cases with a fatal outcome have been reported, the prognosis in general is favourable.

Improving effect of carteolol on bodyweight and carbohydrate and lipid metabolic responses in the OLETF rat

1. Carteolol, a non-selective beta-blocker with intrinsic sympathomimetic activity, admixed in a pellet diet was administered to Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats, an animal model of spontaneous non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus with mild obesity. A high dose of carteolol (0.02%) suppressed bodyweight gain without affecting food and water consumption until the appearance of glycosuria. Carteolol tended to reduce the cumulative incidence of glycosuria at 26 weeks after the beginning of administration (55, 17 and 25% in control rats, and in rats fed a low (0.002%) and high dose of carteolol, respectively). 2. At the 26th week of administration, the high dose of carteolol decreased visceral fat weight, such as that of retroperitoneal and epididymal adipose tissue, whereas the liver and the kidney were not affected. 3. Although plasma glucose and triglyceride levels in non-fasted rats were elevated with age, carteolol tended to delay the increases in those parameters. Carteolol suppressed the increase in plasma glucose levels, which indicate the diabetic pattern, in a 25th week oral glucose tolerance test. 4. These findings indicate that carteolol induces improvements in bodyweight and carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in an obese condition. Consequently, carteolol may be useful for the treatment of hypertension with obesity in order to prevent cardiovascular events.

Detecting GD and preeclampsia. Effectiveness of routine urine screening for glucose and protein

OBJECTIVE

To assess why urine collection and analysis for proteinuria and glycosuria is routinely performed during each antepartum visit at prenatal clinics.

STUDY DESIGN

Six hundred ten antepartum medical records were reviewed.

RESULTS

One hundred nine (18%) patients had proteinuria, while 17 patients (2.8%) developed preeclampsia. Fifteen patients (2.5%) had at least one episode of glycosuria (100 mg/dL), while 11 had gestational diabetes. Of those with gestational diabetes, four (36%) had glycosuria. Of those with preeclampsia, three (17.7%) had proteinuria that preceded the finding of hypertension.

CONCLUSION

These results support our observation that routine oral 50-g glucose diabetes screening and careful monitoring of blood pressure are better screens for gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. The increased patient inconvenience and clinic staffing necessary for routine urinalysis may be avoided by eliminating that ritual.

Protective effects of chelating agents against renal toxicity of gold sodium thiomalate in rats

The protective effects of various chelating agents such as D-penicillamine (D-PEN), 2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), 2,3-dimercaptopropane sulphonate (DMPS), and N-(2-mercapto-2-methylpropanoyl)-L-cysteine (bucillamine), on the renal damage induced by gold sodium thiomalate (AuTM) in rats were studied. Rats were injected i.v. with AuTM at doses of 0.026, 0.066, 0.132, and 0.198 mmol/kg. Urinary excretion of protein, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and glucose in rats injected with AuTM significantly increased compared to the control levels within 1 day after the injection and thereafter decreased nearly to the control levels at 3 or 7 days. Gold was excreted rapidly during the first day after AuTM injection and excreted gradually thereafter. The concentrations of gold in the kidney and liver at 1 or 7 days after AuTM administration were approximately dose dependent. Treatment with D-PEN, DMSA, DMPS, and bucillamine (1.2 mmol/kg) significantly prevented increases in the urinary excretion of protein, AST, and glucose and the BUN level after AuTM (0.026 mmol/kg) injection. The injection of the chelating agents after AuTM administration showed that D-PEN, DMSA, and DMPS enhanced mainly the urinary excretion of gold and that bucillamine enhanced mainly the fecal excretion of the metal. These chelating agents significantly decreased the gold concentrations in the kidney and liver. The findings suggest that the chelating agents tested can ameliorate the renal damage induced by AuTM.

Effect of N-benzyl-D-glucamine dithiocarbamate on renal toxicity induced by cadmium-metallothionein in rats

The effect of N-benzyl-D-glucamine dithiocarbamate (BGD) on the renal toxicity induced by acute exposure to cadmium-metallothionein (Cd-MT) in rats was studied. Rats were injected intraperitoneally with BGD (400 mumol/kg) 6, 12, or 24 h after intraperitoneal injection of Cd-MT (1.78 mumol Cd as Cd-MT/kg) and thereafter they received three injections of BGD (400 mumol/kg) daily for 3 days. Urinary protein concentration and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity significantly increased 1 day after Cd-MT treatment and decreased to control levels at 9 days after the treatment. Urinary excretion of glucose and amino acids rose gradually reaching maximum levels 5 days after Cd-MT treatment and returned to the control levels at 9 days. BGD injection significantly reduced the increases in the urinary excretion of protein, AST, glucose and amino acid, which were produced by Cd-MT treatment. Significant increases in urine volume were observed after Cd-MT treatment. BGD injection inhibited the increase in urine volume caused by Cd-MT treatment. A long time interval (12 and 24 h) between the administrations of Cd-MT and BGD resulted in a decreased protective effect of BGD against Cd-MT-induced renal damage. Following Cd-MT injection, the major route of excretion of cadmium (Cd) was via the urine and the kidney was the major site of accumulation of Cd. BGD injection remarkably increased the urinary excretion of Cd, resulting in a significant reduction in the kidney Cd concentration. The results of this study indicate that BGD injection is effective in decreasing the Cd concentration in the kidney, resulting in the protective effect on Cd-MT-induced renal damage.

Screening for hematuria, glucosuria and proteinuria in people aged 55-64. Technical, clinical and cost-benefit experience from a pilot study

A total of 754 persons randomly selected from the age group 55-64 years were invited by letter to take part in a screening for hematuria, proteinuria and glucosuria. Each person was asked to provide one sample of morning urine and immediately mail it to the laboratory. A total of 413 persons (55%) responded. Two dipsticks: BM-Test-5L and a new single strip for hematuria determination preliminary named BM 33075 were used, both manufactured by Boehringer Mannheim GmbH. The test strips gave positive reaction for hematuria in 21 persons (5.1%), for proteinuria in 14 persons (3.4%), and for glucosuria in six persons (1.5%). All persons with positive tests were invited to follow-up investigations. In the hematuria group we found one person with a malignant disease, 13 with benign conditions and in seven persons we found no reason for the hematuria. Among those with proteinuria one person had a nephritis. Four persons with glucosuria knew about their diabetes mellitus. The cost of the screening was NOK 99 per participant.

Comparison of serum glucose, insulin, and glucagon responses to different types of complex carbohydrate in noninsulin-dependent diabetic patients

We have studied the acute effects of oral ingestion of dextrose, rice, potato, corn, and bread on postprandial serum glucose, insulin, and glucagon responses in 20 diabetic subjects with nonketotic, noninsulin requiring fasting hyperglycemia. The carbohydrate loads were all calculated to contain 50 g of glucose. The data demonstrate that 1) dextrose and potato elicited similar postprandial serum glucose responses whereas rice and corn elicited lower responses, with bread intermediate; 2) postprandial insulin responses were relatively flat but rice ingestion led to significantly lower insulin responses than did potato; 3) urinary glucose excretion during the 3 h after carbohydrate ingestion was greatest following dextrose and least after rice and corn. In conclusion, there is a range in the magnitude of postprandial hyperglycemia after ingestion of different complex carbohydrates in diabetic patients with fasting hyperglycemia and emphasis on the use of the less hyperglycemic starches could be of therapeutic value in controlling hyperglycemia.

The effects of targeting improvements in urine glucose on metabolic control in children with insulin dependent diabetes

A treatment program designed to increase the percentage of negative urine tests was implemented using a multiple-baseline across groups design in a sample of 19 families of children with insulin dependent diabetes. The treatment involved instruction in insulin adjustment, decrease in intake of simple sugars and saturated fats, and increase in exercise, along with teaching the parents to support improvements in children's self-regulatory behaviors using a point economy and praise. New procedures designed to measure and reinforce adherence to the urine testing regimen were developed. Results showed significant increases in percentage of negative urines consistent with implementation of treatment across the three treatment groups, which were maintained over the follow-up period. Metabolic measures of control, including glycosylated hemoglobin and serum glucose did not show improvements even though the relationship between the percentage of negative urine tests and glycosylated hemoglobin was very high during treatment.

Clofibrate and diabetes control in patients treated with oral hypoglycaemic agents

1. Twenty-two maturity-onset type diabetics treated with oral hypoglycaemic agents entered a single-blind crossover study using placebo (periods A and C, 2 months each) and clofibrate (2 g/day; period B; 2 months). 2. In thirteen patients, under reasonably good control, clofibrate did not reduce fasting or post-prandial blood glucose, nor 24 h glycosuria; no improvement was noted in the M-value, an index of diabetes control. 3. In contrast, in nine patients, with poor diabetes control, clofibrate reduced 24 h glycosuria and significantly improved the M-value. 4. In all patients, clofibrate therapy was associated with a significant 19-23% reduction in plasma fibrinogen. 5. It is suggested that addition of clofibrate may be useful in maturity-onset diabetics not adequately controlled by diet combined with oral hypoglycaemic agents.

Failure of insulin therapy to prevent cardiovascular lesions in diabetic rats fed an atherogenic diet

In previous experiments, partially depancreatized diabetic rats, fed an atherogenic diet, consistently developed higher levels of serum cholesterol and more numerous and severe cardiovascular lesions than did similarly fed non-diabetic animals.

In the present experiment, insulin therapy prevented glucosuria from 80 to 95 per cent of the time in a group of diabetic rats fed an atherogenic diet. This therapeutic regimen was effective in promoting weight gain, improving food utilization, preventing ketonuria and, except during the first two weeks, in restricting the concentrations of serum cholesterol to within the same range as those of raline-treated nondiabetics. But this restriction in concentrations of serum cholesterol in the treated diabetics did not decrease the incidence or severity of their vascular lesions, as occurred when a comparable reduction of hyper-cholesterolemia had been effected by dietary methods.

Moreover, within groups, individual concentrations of serum cholesterol bore no relation to the severity of vascular lesions. We conclude that in this model, factors other than concentration of serum cholesterol must be important in the pathogenesis of vascular lesions.