Effect of valsartan on the expressions of Toll-like receptor 4 and myeloid differentiation factor 88 in the arteries of diabetic rats

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effect of valsartan on the expressions of toll-like recpter 4 (TLR 4) and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (Myd88) in the arteria of diabetic rats. Methods Thirty-one Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal control group (n = 7), diabetes mellitus group (n=12) and valsartan group (n=12). Diabetic rats induced by a single injection of streptozotocin were treated with valsartan 20mg·kg-1·d-1 intragastrically.The blood glucose and body weight were monitored periodically. The expressions of TLR4, Myd88 mRNA and protein in the arteria of the rats at 12th week were analyzed by RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Results The body weight of rats in diabetes mellitus and valsartan groups decreased significantly compared with that in normal control group (P 0.05). The expressions of TLR4 and MyD88 mRNA and protein in diabetes mellitus group were significantly increased as compared with normal control group(both P<0.01), but decreased after valsartan treatment (P<0.01). Conclusions Valsartan significantly reduces the expressions of TLR4 and MyD88 in the arteria of diabetic rats, suggesting that may be useful for preventing or treating early inflammation in the arteria of diabetic rats. Key words: Diabetes mellitus,experimental; Rats,Sprague-Dawley; Arteria; Toll-like receptor 4; Myeloid differentiation factor 88; Valsartan