Changes in the arginine methylation of organ proteins during the development of diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Aim In this study, we examined changes in asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH), nitric oxide synthesis (NOS), and the arginine methylation of organ proteins during the development of diabetes in mice. Methods Db/db mice developed significant obesity and fasting hyperglycemia during diabetogenesis. During diabetogenesis, the expression of ADMA and nNOS was increased, while that of DDAH1 and protein-arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) was decreased. Additionally, arginine methylation in the liver and adipose tissue was altered during diabetogenesis. Results Changes were evident at 75, 60, and 52 kDa in liver tissue and at 38 and 25 kDa in adipose tissue. Collectively, DDAH and ADMA are closely associated with the development of obesity and diabetes, and the arginine methylation levels of certain proteins were changed during diabetes development. Conclusion Protein arginine methylation plays a role in the pathogenesis of diabetes.