Late gestational testosterone exposure causes glucose deregulation and elevated cardiac VCAM-1 and DPP-4 activity in rats

Abstract

Context Increased vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) has been reported to be a critical link between obesity and atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases while dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) has been implicated in the development of disrupted glucose regulation and inflammation. Objective This study aimed to investigate the effect of gestational testosterone exposure on glucose metabolism, atherogenic dyslipidemia, as well as circulating and cardiac VCAM-1, oxidative stress biomarkers and DPP-4 activity in pregnant rats. Methods Pregnant Wistar rats received either vehicle or testosterone (0.5 mg/kg; sc) between gestational days 14 and 19. Results Gestational testosterone exposure caused impaired glucose homeostasis that was accompanied with atherogenic dyslipidemia, elevated circulating and cardiac levels of VCAM-1, uric acid, malondialdehyde as well as increased DPP-4 activity. However, nitric oxide levels were decreased. Conclusion This study shows that gestational testosterone exposure causes glucose deregulation and atherogenic dyslipidemia that is accompanied by increased circulating and cardiac VCAM-1 and DPP-4 activity.