Diabetic Goto-Kakizaki Rats Research Articles

Mild Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Reduces the Susceptibility of the Heart to Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury: Identification of Underlying Gene Expression Changes.

Despite clinical studies indicating that diabetic hearts are more sensitive to ischemia/reperfusion injury, experimental data is contradictory. Although mild diabetes prior to ischemia/reperfusion may induce a myocardial adaptation, further research is still needed. Nondiabetic Wistar (W) and type 2 diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats (16-week-old) underwent 45 min occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery and 24 h reperfusion. The plasma glucose level was significantly higher in diabetic rats compared to the nondiabetics. Diabetes mellitus was associated with ventricular hypertrophy and increased interstitial fibrosis. Inducing myocardial infarction increased the glucose levels in diabetic compared to nondiabetic rats. Furthermore, the infarct size was smaller in GK rats than in the control group. Systolic and diastolic functions were impaired in W + MI and did not reach statistical significance in GK + MI animals compared to the corresponding controls. Among the 125 genes surveyed, 35 genes showed a significant change in expression in GK + MI compared to W + MI rats. Short-term diabetes promotes compensatory mechanisms that may provide cardioprotection against ischemia/reperfusion injury, at least in part, by increased antioxidants and the upregulation of the prosurvival PI3K/Akt pathway, by the downregulation of apoptotic genes, proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α, profibrogenic TGF-β, and hypertrophic marker α-actin-1.

Atorvastatin-mediated protection of the retina in a model of diabetes with hyperlipidemia.

Insulin resistance, a key feature of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), results in a variety of metabolic and vascular abnormalities. Metabolic disturbances associated with diabetes could contribute to disrupting the structural and (or) functional integrity of the retina. The effects of atorvastatin on retinal cells in hyperlipidemic T2DM rats have not yet been investigated. We used Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats fed with an atherogenic diet (AD) for 4 months to investigate whether atorvastatin (administered for 1 month) would slow-down or reverse the progression of lesions in the diabetic retina. Fluorogenic substrates were used to measure the proteasome activities in retinal cells. The production of reactive oxygen species was determined by immunofluorescence in frozen retina sections, using dihydroethydium. Nitrotyrosine levels were assessed using immunohistochemistry. Protein levels of ubiquitin conjugates, free ubiquitin, and ubiquitin activating enzyme E1 were determined with Western blotting. Atorvastatin significantly reduced the levels of oxidative stress that were induced by the AD and restored the proteasome activities in the diabetic GK rats. Atorvastatin therapy significantly improved local oxidative stress levels in GK rats fed with AD. Atorvastatin can, at least in part, restore the ubiquitin proteasome system, and may represent a pharmacological approach to prevent some of the complications associated with diabetic retinopathy.

Systematic profiling of mRNA and miRNA expression in the pancreatic islets of spontaneously diabetic Goto-Kakizaki rats.

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a complex multifactorial metabolic disorder that affects >100 million individuals worldwide, yet the mechanisms involved in the development and progression of the disease have not yet been fully elucidated. The present study examined the mRNA and micro (mi)RNA expression profiles by microarray analysis in the pancreas islets of spontaneously diabetic Goto-Kakizaki rats with the aim to identify regulatory mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of T2DM. A total of 9 upregulated and 10 downregulated miRNAs were identified, including miR-150, miR-497, miR-344-3p and let-7f, which were independently validated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays. In addition, differential expression of 670 genes was detected by mRNA microarray analysis, including 370 upregulated and 247 downregulated genes. The differentially expressed genes were statistically associated with major cellular pathways, including the immune response pathway and the extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction pathway. Finally, a reverse regulatory association of differentially expressed miRNAs and their predicted target genes was constructed, supported by analysis of their mRNA and miRNA expression profiles. A number of key pairs of miRNA-mRNA was proposed to have significant roles in the pathogenesis of T2DM rats based on bioinformatics analysis, one example being the let-7f/collagen, type II, alpha 1 pair that may regulate ECM-receptor interactions.

Gender differences in nerve regeneration after sciatic nerve injury and repair in healthy and in type 2 diabetic Goto-Kakizaki rats.

BackgroundIn view of the global increase in diabetes, and the fact that recent findings indicate that diabetic neuropathy is more frequently seen in males, it is crucial to evaluate any gender differences in nerve regeneration in diabetes. Our aim was to evaluate in short-term experiments gender dissimilarities in axonal outgrowth in healthy and in genetically developed type 2 diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats, and also to investigate the connection between activated (i.e. ATF-3, Activating Transcription Factor 3) and apoptotic (cleaved caspase 3) Schwann cells after sciatic nerve injury and repair. Female and male diabetic GK rats, spontaneously developing type 2 diabetes, were compared with corresponding healthy Wistar rats. The sciatic nerve was transected and instantly repaired. After six days the nerve was harvested to measure axonal outgrowth (i.e. neurofilament staining), and to quantify the number of ATF-3 (i.e. activated) and cleaved caspase 3 (i.e. apoptotic) stained Schwann cells using immunohistochemistry.ResultsAxonal outgrowth was generally longer in male than in female rats and also longer in healthy than in diabetic rats. Differences were observed in the number of activated Schwann cells both in the distal nerve segment and close to the lesion site. In particular the female diabetic rats had a lower number. There were no gender differences in number of cleaved caspase 3 stained Schwann cells, but rats with diabetes exhibited more (such cleaved caspase 3 stained Schwann) cells both at the lesion site and in the distal part of the sciatic nerve. Axonal outgrowth correlated with the number of ATF3 stained Schwann cells, but not with blood glucose levels or the cleaved caspase 3 stained Schwann cells. However, the number of cleaved caspase 3 stained Schwann cells correlated with the blood glucose level.ConclusionsWe conclude that there are gender differences in nerve regeneration in healthy rats and in type 2 diabetic GK rats.

Abstract 307: Enhancement of Cerebrovascular Relaxation by Angiotensin II Type 2 Receptor Agonist, C21, is Lost in Type 2 Diabetes

Background: Angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) blockers provide vascular protection and improve stroke outcomes in young otherwise healthy animals. These effects are believed to be mediated by the indirect stimulation of AT2R signaling. The AT2R agonist, compound 21 (C21), improves endothelial function in peripheral vascular beds but its effect on cerebral endothelial function remains unknown. It is important to determine the vascular effects of C21 in diabetes, a comorbid condition which is known to worsen stroke outcomes. Methods: Endothelium-dependent relaxation was assessed in male Wistar and Type 2 diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats (n=3-6) by measuring acetylcholine (ACh, 1 nM - 5 μm) induced dilatory response in basilar arteries. In a subset of experiments C21 dose response curves were generated (0.1 nM - 1 μM) or vessels were pre-incubated with 100 nM C21 ± 1 μM PD123319 (AT2R blocker) for 30 min prior to Ach dose response curves. Area under the curve (AUC) and half maximal effective concentration (EC50 nM) were calculated as indices of total relaxation and receptor sensitivity, respectively. Angiotensin receptors expression was measured by immunoblotting of brain homogenates. Results: AT2R agonist C21 dose response curves showed no basilar reactivity in either control or diabetic animals. Pre-incubation with C21 enhanced relaxation to Ach in control animals (vehicle 146.7 ± 3.9 vs C21 pretreatment 229.6 ± 11.6), which was abolished by the blockade of AT2R (176.9 ± 25.5, p=0.007). Similarly, C21 improved sensitivity in control animals (vehicle 110.5 ± 32 vs C21 pretreatment 11.9 ± 2) which was abolished in the presence of PD123319 (93.8 ± 31, p=0.04). Basilar artery relaxation (AUC) was impaired in diabetic GK rats (93.9 ± 1.8%) as compared to controls (146.7 ± 3.9%) and C21 had no effect (98 ± 8.9%) indicating a disease and treatment interaction (p<0.001). Normalized AT1R expression levels were 1 ± 0.04 and 0.98 ± 0.05 in control vs diabetic rats and respective AT2R levels were 1 ± 0.1 and 0.84 ± 0.09. Conclusion: C21 improves vascular relaxation in control but not in diabetic rats in an AT2R-dependent manner. Underlying mechanisms blunting response to C21 need to be further investigated and may impact the subsequent development of C21 as a treatment for stroke.

Abstract 064: Toll-like Receptor 2 Signaling Contributes To Cerebrovascular Dysfunction And Decreased Cerebral Blood Flow In Type-1 And Type-2 Diabetes.

We have shown that type 2 diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats develop cerebrovascular endothelial dysfunction, impaired cerebral blood flow (CBF) and mild cognitive deficits. It is increasingly recognized that vascular cognitive impairment may be a new complication of the disease in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Toll-like receptor-2 (TLR2) plays a role in cardiovascular complications of diabetes but its involvement in diabetic cerebrovascular disease is unknown. Since brain function heavily depends on constant perfusion, and decreased CBF precedes development of inflammation and cognitive deficits, we hypothesized that enhanced TLR2 signaling in both type 1 and 2 diabetes would contribute to cerebrovascular dysfunction and decreased CBF. Endothelium-dependent relaxation was assessed by measuring acetylcholine (ACh, 10-9 -10-4 M) induced dilatory response in basilar arteries from GK rats in the presence and absence of an anti-TLR2 (1μg) antibody. Vascular contractility to serotonin (10-9 -10-5 M) stimulation was also assessed. Area under the curve (AUC) and maximal effective concentration (Emax as % of max KCl response) were calculated as indices of total relaxation and total contraction, respectively. Basilar artery relaxation was significantly improved in the vessels preincubated (30’) with antiTLR2 (184.8± 24.0 vs. 87.7± 4, p =0.007). The EMax in response to serotonin stimulation in the anti-TLR2 treated vessels was not significantly different than the vessels from the untreated diabetic GK rats (110.6± 4.9% vs 99.4.±4.5%). To further assess the in vivo functional effects of TLR2 signaling, CBF (relative intensity) was measured using laser speckle imaging in wild type and TLR2-knockout (KO) mice using an STZ induced diabetes model. Six weeks after induction of diabetes, wild-type diabetic mice exhibited a significant decrease in CBF vs. control (210±22.5 vs. 300.3±18.4, p<0.05). This decrease in cerebral perfusion was attenuated in the TLR2-KO diabetic mice compared to TLR2 KO control (322.6±10.1 vs. 344. 5±11. 04). These findings suggest that TLR2 signaling leads to vascular dysfunction through decreased endothelium dependent relaxation, and could contribute to decreased CBF in diabetes predisposing to vascular cognitive impairment.

Premature chondrocyte apoptosis and compensatory upregulation of chondroregulatory protein expression in the growth plate of Goto–Kakizaki diabetic rats

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is much more detrimental to bone than previously thought. Specifically, it is associated with aberrant bone remodeling, defective bone microstructure, poor bone quality, and growth retardation. The T2DM-associated impairment of bone elongation may result from a decrease in growth plate function, but the detailed mechanism has been unknown. The present study, therefore, aimed to test hypothesis that T2DM led to premature apoptosis of growth plate chondrocytes in Goto–Kakizaki (GK) type 2 diabetic rats, and thus triggered the compensatory responses to overcome this premature apoptosis, such as overexpression of Runt-related transcription factor (Runx)-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the essential mediators for bone elongation. The terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) of epiphyseal sections successfully revealed increases in chondrocyte apoptosis in the hypertrophic zone (HZ) and chondro-osseous junction of GK rats. Quantitative immunohistochemical analysis further confirmed the overexpression of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP), Runx2 and VEGF, but not Indian hedgehog (Ihh) in the HZ. Analysis of blood chemistry indicated suppression of bone remodeling with a marked decrease in parathyroid hormone level. In conclusion, GK rats manifested a premature increase in chondrocyte apoptosis in the HZ of growth plate, and a compensatory overexpression of chondroregulatory proteins, such as PTHrP, Runx2, and VEGF. Our results, therefore, help explain how T2DM leads to impaired bone elongation and growth retardation.

Dan-gua fang improves glycolipid metabolic disorders by promoting hepatic adenosine 5'-monophosphate activated protein kinase expression in diabetic Goto-Kakizaki rats.

To investigate the effect of Dan-gua Fang on adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP) activated protein kinase (AMPK) α expression in liver and subsequent improvement of glucose and lipid metabolism. Forty 13-week-old diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats were randomly divided into model, Dan-gua Fang, metformin and simvastatin groups (n=10 for each), and fed high-fat diet ad libitum. Ten Wistar rats were used as normal group and fed normal diet. After 24 weeks, liver expression of AMPKα mRNA was assessed by real-time PCR. AMPKα and phospho-AMPKα protein expression in liver was evaluated by Western blot. Liver histomorphology was carried out after hematoxylin-eosin staining, and blood glucose (BG), glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), food intake and body weight recorded. Similar AMPKα mRNA levels were found in the Dan-gua Fang group and normal group, slightly higher than the values obtained for the remaining groups (P<0.05). AMPKα protein expression in the Dan-gua Fang group animals was similar to other diabetic rats, whereas phospho-AMPKα (Thr-172) protein levels were markedly higher than in the metformin group and simvastatin group (P<0.05), respectively. However, phosphor-AMPKα/AMPKα ratios were similar in all groups. Dan-gua Fang reduced fasting blood glucose with similar strength to metformin, and was superior in reducing cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol as well as improving low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in comparison with simvastatin and metformin. Dan-gua Fang decreases plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) significantly. Dan-gua Fang, while treating phlegm-stasis, could decrease BG and lipid in type 2 diabetic GK rats fed with high-fat diet, and effectively protect liver histomorphology and function. This may be partly explained by increased AMPK expression in liver. Therefore, Dan-gua Fang might be an ideal drug for comprehensive intervention for glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Diabetes disease progression in Goto-Kakizaki rats: effects of salsalate treatment.

This study investigates the antidiabetic effects of salsalate on disease progression of diabetes in non-obese diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats, an experimental model of type 2 diabetes. Salsalate was formulated in rat chow (1,000 ppm) and used to feed rats from 5 to 21 weeks of age. At 5 weeks of age, GK and Wistar (WIS) control rats were subdivided into four groups, each composed of six rats: GK rats with standard diet (GK-C); GK rats with salsalate-containing diet (GK-S); WIS rats with standard diet (WIS-C); and WIS rats with salsalate-containing diet (WIS-S). The GK-C rats (167.2±11.6 mg/dL) showed higher blood glucose concentrations than WIS-C rats (133.7±4.9 mg/dL, P<0.001) at the beginning of the experiment, and had substantially elevated blood glucose from an age of 15 weeks until sacrifice at 21 weeks (341.0±133.6 mg/dL). The GK-S rats showed an almost flat profile of blood glucose from 4 weeks (165.1±11.0 mg/dL) until sacrifice at 21 weeks of age (203.7±22.2 mg/dL). While this difference in blood glucose between 4 and 21 weeks in GK-S animals was significant, blood glucose at 21 weeks was significantly lower in GK-S compared to GK-C animals. At sacrifice, salsalate decreased plasma insulin (GK-S =1.0±0.3; GK-C =2.0±0.3 ng/mL, P<0.001) and increased plasma adiponectin concentrations (GK-S =15.9±0.7; GK-C =9.7±2.0 μg/mL, P<0.001). Salsalate also lowered total cholesterol in GK-S rats (96.1±8.5 mg/dL) compared with GK-C rats (128.0±11.4 mg/dL, P<0.001). Inflammation-related genes (Ifit1 and Iigp1) exhibited much higher mRNA expression in GK-C rats than WIS-C rats in liver, adipose, and muscle tissues, while salsalate decreased the Ifit1 and Iigp1 mRNA only in adipose tissue. These results suggest that salsalate acts to both increase adiponectin and decrease adipose tissue-based inflammation while preventing type 2 diabetes disease progression in GK rats.

Mechanisms underlying increased serotonin-induced contraction in carotid arteries from chronic type 2 diabetic Goto-Kakizaki rats

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) plays important roles in the cardiovascular system; however, the relationship between 5-HT-induced vasocontraction and the arterial 5-HT system including metabolism and signal transduction, in the presence of chronic type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated 5-HT-induced contraction and associated mechanisms in carotid arteries from chronic T2D Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats. Contractions in response to 5-HT were examined in carotid arteries from GK rats (42–46 weeks old). To investigate the response mechanisms of arterial smooth muscle, we constructed concentration–response curves for TCB2 (5-HT2A-receptor agonist), BW723C86 (5-HT2B-receptor agonist), and 5-HT in the presence of various inhibitors using endothelium-denuded preparations. Carotid arterial expressions of monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A), serotonin transporter (SERT), and 5-HT2A were detected by immunoblotting. 5-HT-induced contraction was increased in carotid arteries from GK compared to control Wistar rats in both endothelium-intact and -denuded preparations. In denuded preparations, we found that: (1) TCB2-induced contraction was increased in GK rat arteries (vs. Wistar); (2) MAO-A inhibitor did not affect 5-HT-induced contraction, whereas SERT inhibitor augmented such contractions in both groups; and (3) differences in 5-HT-induced contractions were abolished by p38 MAPK, PI3K, and Rho kinase inhibitors. Carotid arterial expressions of MAO-A, SERT, and 5-HT2A remained unchanged in the groups. The results suggest that 5-HT-induced contraction is augmented in T2D GK rat carotid arteries. This augmentation is due to smooth muscle activation partly mediated by p38 MAPK, PI3K, and Rho kinases, and may also be partly due to arterial SERT activity.

Evidence for Cortical Neuronal Loss in Male Type 2 Diabetic Goto-Kakizaki Rats

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is strongly associated with early cognitive decline and may facilitate the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Despite the overwhelming amount of indirect evidence pointing toward the presence of cerebral neurodegeneration in T2D, no hard proof of it on histological and quantitative levels exists. This warrants more research to investigate whether T2D can lead to neurodegeneration in the central nervous system and to study the precise nature and temporal dynamics of such changes. We performed a comprehensive quantitative assessment of T2D-induced changes in neuronal and glial numbers in the cerebral cortex using stereological methods. We compared the cellular composition of 3- and 13-month-old male type 2 diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rat brains. Age and sex-matched Wistar rats served as healthy controls. Our results show a significant decrease in neuron numbers (≈11%) in the cerebral cortex of 13-month-old GK rats compared to young, or Wistar rats, while astroglia numbers were unchanged. We also recorded increased microglia activation in aged diabetic rat brains as indicated by significantly increased average microglia cell volume. Our observations provide quantitative evidence of T2D-induced changes in brain's cellular composition during aging. These findings may facilitate the mechanistic understanding of cognitive dysfunction and other neurodegenerative disorders in T2D.

Cerebrovasculoprotective effects of azilsartan medoxomil in diabetes

We have shown that Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats, a lean model of type 2 diabetes, develop significant cerebrovascular remodeling by the age of 18weeks, which is characterized by increased media thickness and matrix deposition. Although early glycemic control prevents diabetes-mediated remodeling of the cerebrovasculature, whether the remodeling can be reversed is unknown. Given that angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers reverse pathologic vascular remodeling and function independent of changes in blood pressure in other vascular beds, we hypothesized that azilsartan medoxomil, a new angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker, is vasculoprotective by preventing and reversing cerebrovascular remodeling in diabetes. Control Wistar and diabetic GK rats (n=6-8 per group) were treated with vehicle (water) or azilsartan medoxomil (3mg/kg/d) from the age of 14 to 18 or 18 to 22weeks before or after vascular remodeling is established, respectively. Blood glucose and blood pressure were monitored and middle cerebral artery structure and function were evaluated using pressurized arteriography. Blood glucose was higher in GK rats compared with Wistar rats. Azilsartan treatment lowered blood glucose in diabetic animals with no effect on blood pressure. Diabetic animals exhibited lower myogenic tone, increased wall thickness, and cross-sectional area compared with control group animals, which were corrected by azilsartan treatment when started at the onset of diabetes or later after vascular remodeling is established. Azilsartan medoxomil offers preventive and therapeutic vasculoprotection in diabetes-induced cerebrovascular remodeling and myogenic dysfunction and this is independent of blood pressure.

Exendin-4 alleviates retinal vascular leakage by protecting the blood–retinal barrier and reducing retinal vascular permeability in diabetic Goto-Kakizaki rats

The breakdown of the inner endothelial blood–retinal barrier (BRB) and subsequent retinal vascular leakage are the main causes of vision loss due to diabetic retinopathy (DR). Exendin-4 (E4) is a long-acting agonist of the glucagon-like peptide 1 hormone receptor (GLP-1R) that is widely used in clinics and has shown a neuroprotective effect. Our previous studies demonstrated the protective effect of E4 in early experimental DR; however, the molecular and cellular mechanisms that mediate this protective effect are not fully known. The BRB plays a key role in DR. We speculated that E4 may exert its protective effects on the BRB. To test this hypothesis, E4 (0.1 μg/2 μL/eye) or vehicle were intravitreally injected into diabetic Goto-Kakizaki(GK) rats and control animals. The results revealed that E4 significantly inhibited the reductions in electroretinogram (ERG) amplitudes in the GK rats, particularly in the b-wave and oscillatory potentials (OPs). E4 upregulated retinal GLP-1R expression and downregulated the expressions of placental growth factor (PLGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) via the ERK and AKT/PKB pathways. Decreases in tight junction protein (i.e., claudin-5 and occludin) expression and increases in Evans blue permeation (EBP) were inhibited by E4. Similar results were also found in primary rat Müller cells in high glucose concentration cultures in vitro. We conclude that E4 may protect the BRB from diabetic insults by decreasing PLGF and ICAM-1 expression and maintaining the integrity of the BRB. Thus, E4 treatment may be an effective therapeutic approach for DR.

Amelioration of glycemic control by sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass in a lean animal model of type 2 diabetes: restoration of gut hormone profile.

In obese diabetic patients, bariatric surgery has been shown to induce remission of type 2 diabetes. Along with weight loss itself, changes in gut hormone profiles after surgery play an important role in the amelioration of glycemic control. However, the potential of gastrointestinal surgery regarding diabetes remission in non-severely obese diabetic patients has yet to be defined. In the present experimental study, we explored the effect of established bariatric procedures with and without duodenal exclusion on glycemic control and gut hormone profile in a lean animal model of type 2 diabetes. Forty 12- to 14-week-old non-obese diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats were randomly assigned to four groups: control group (GKC), sham surgery (GKSS), sleeve gastrectomy (GKSG), and gastric bypass (GKGB). Age-matched Wistar rats served as a non-diabetic control group (WIC). Glycemic control and plasma lipids were assessed at the beginning of the observation period and 4 weeks after surgery. Fasting and mixed meal-induced plasma levels of ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide-17-36 (GLP-1), and peptide tyrosine-tyrosine (PYY) were measured. In GK rats, glycemic control improved after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and gastric bypass (GB). Mixed meal-induced gut hormone profiles in Wistar rats (WIC) were significantly different from those of sham-operated or control group GK rats. After SG and GB, GK rats showed a similar postprandial decrease in ghrelin as observed in non-diabetic WIC. Following both surgical procedures, a significant meal-induced increase in PYY and GLP-1 could be demonstrated. SG and GB induce a similar improvement in overall glycemic control in lean diabetic rodents. Meal-induced profiles of ghrelin, GLP-1, and PYY in GK rats are significantly modified by SG and GB and become similar to those of non-diabetic Wistar rats. Our data do not support the hypothesis that duodenal exclusion and early contact of food with the ileal mucosa alone explain changes in gut hormone profile in GK rats after gastrointestinal surgery.

(–)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate attenuated myocardial mitochondrial dysfunction and autophagy in diabetic Goto–Kakizaki rats

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a risk factor for heart disease. However, the mechanisms of T2DM involvement in cardiac complications are still unclear. In the present study, we investigated mitochondria-related mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of myocardial disorders in diabetic Goto–Kakizaki (GK) rats. We found that remarkable myocardial mitochondrial deficiency and dysfunction as well as oxidative stress occurred in the heart of GK rats. In addition, our results suggested that the loss of mitochondria was in response to elevated autophagy and upstream FoxO factors in diabetic myocardium. More importantly, (–)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a polyphenol derived from green tea, successfully improved mitochondrial function and autophagy in the heart of GK rats. Our findings revealed that diabetes-associated myocardial mitochondrial deficiency and dysfunction was associated with enhanced autophagy in myocardium, and EGCG might be a potential agent in preventing and treating myocardial disorders involved in diabetes.

Muscarinic receptors mediate cold stress-induced detrusor overactivity in type 2 diabetes mellitus rats.

This study determined if muscarinic receptors could mediate the cold stress-induced detrusor overactivity induced in type 2 diabetes mellitus rats. Ten-week-old female Goto-Kakizaki diabetic rats (n = 12) and Wister Kyoto non-diabetic rats (n = 12) were maintained on a high-fat diet for 4 weeks. Cystometric investigations of the unanesthetized rats were carried out at room temperature (27 ± 2°C) for 20 min. They were intravenously administered imidafenacin (0.3 mg/kg, n = 6) or vehicle (n = 6). After 5 min, the rats were transferred to a low temperature (4 ± 2°C) for 40 min where the cystometry was continued. The rats were then returned to room temperature for the final cystometric measurements. Afterwards, expressions of bladder muscarinic receptor M3 and M2 messenger ribonucleic acids and proteins were assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. In non-diabetic Wister Kyoto rats, imidafenacin did not reduce cold stress-induced detrusor overactivity. In diabetic Goto-Kakizaki rats, just after transfer to a low temperature, the cold stress-induced detrusor overactivity in imidafenacin-treated rats was reduced compared with vehicle-treated rats. Within the urinary bladders, the ratio of M3 to M2 receptor messenger ribonucleic acid in the diabetic Goto-Kakizaki rats was significantly higher than that of the non-diabetic Wister Kyoto rats. The proportion of muscarinic M3 receptor-positive area within the detrusor in diabetic Goto-Kakizaki rats was also significantly higher than that in non-diabetic Wister Kyoto rats. Imidafenacin partially inhibits cold stress-induced detrusor overactivity in diabetic Goto-Kakizaki rats. In this animal model, muscarinic M3 receptors partially mediate cold stress-induced detrusor overactivity.

Expressional changes in growth and inflammatory mediators during Achilles tendon repair in diabetic rats: new insights into a possible basis for compromised healing.

Dysregulation of growth and inflammatory mediators might contribute to defective tissue homeostasis and healing, as commonly observed in sedentary lifestyles and in conditions such as diabetes mellitus type-2. The present study aims to assess expression changes in growth and inflammatory mediators in the intact and healing Achilles tendon of type-2 diabetic rats. The study utilized 11 male diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) and 10 age- and sex-matched Wistar control rats. The right Achilles tendon was transected in all animals, whereas the left Achilles tendon remained intact. At 2weeks post-injury, intact and injured tendons were assessed for gene expression for VEGF, Tβ-4, TGF-β1, IGF-1, COX-2, iNOS, HIF-1α, and IL-1β by quantitative reverse transcription plus the polymerase chain reaction, and their protein distribution was studied by immunolocalization. In injured tendons of diabetic GK rats, VEGF and Tβ-4 mRNA and corresponding protein levels were significantly down-regulated compared with those of injured Wistar controls. Compared with intact tendons of diabetic GK rats, TGF-β1, IGF-1, and COX-2 RNA levels were higher, whereas iNOS mRNA levels were lower in injured tendons of diabetic GK rats. Within Wistar controls, healing at 2weeks post-injury led to significantly down-regulated VEGF and iNOS mRNA levels in injured tendons, whereas TGF-β1 and HIF-1α mRNA levels increased compared with intact tendons. Thus, dysregulation of inflammatory and growth mediators occurs in type-2 diabetes injured tendons. Our data suggest that therapeutic modulation of Tβ-4 and VEGF represent a new regenerative approach in operated, injured, or degenerative tendon diseases in diabetes.

BLX-1002 restores glucose sensitivity and enhances insulin secretion stimulated by GLP-1 and sulfonylurea in type 2 diabetic pancreatic islets.

BLX‐1002 is a novel thiazolidinedione with no peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR) activity that has been shown to improve glycemia in type 2 diabetes without weight gain. We previously found that BLX‐1002 selectively augments glucose‐sensitive (but not basal) insulin secretion in normal mouse β‐cells. We have now extended these observations to other insulin secretagogues and to diabetic rat islets. To this end, dynamics of insulin secretion stimulated by glucose, GLP‐1, and the sulfonylurea tolbutamide were examined in pancreatic islets from nondiabetic Wistar and type 2 diabetic Goto‐Kakizaki rats ex vivo. BLX‐1002 restored normal glucose‐sensitive insulin secretion in otherwise “glucose‐blind” islets from GK rats, but did not affect basal or glucose‐stimulated secretion in normal Wistar rat islets. The stimulatory effect of BLX‐1002 on insulin secretion at high glucose required Ca2+ and involved phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) activity. Consistent with its effects on insulin secretion, BLX‐1002 also augmented insulin secretion and cytoplasmic‐free Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) stimulated by high glucose, GLP‐1, and tolbutamide in islets from GK, but not Wistar, rats. The inactive analog BLX‐1237 had no effects. In conclusion, our findings suggest that BLX‐1002 potentiates insulin secretion by different stimuli in diabetic β‐cells only, in a Ca2+‐dependent manner and involving PI3K.

Inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress attenuates aorta coarctation induced hypertension and kidney injury in diabetic Goto Kakizaki rats (LB724)

Hypertension (HT) is common in diabetes and substantially increases the risk for diabetic nephropathy. To investigate the mechanisms by which HT and diabetes interact to promote nephropathy, 6 month‐old male Goto‐Kakizaki (GK) rats, a model of spontaneous type 2 diabetes, were used in this study. HT was induced by aorta coarctation (AC) between the renal arteries to produce HT plus diabetes in the right kidney (above AC) and normal blood pressure (BP) plus diabetes in the left kidney (below AC). BP above AC increased to 151±8 mmHg 8 wks after AC (n=5, p&lt;0.05 compared to baseline of 108±5 mmHg). To examine the role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the development of hypertensive‐diabetic nephropathy, GK‐AC rats were treated with the ER stress inhibitor tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA, 200 mg/kg/day, IP) from 2 to 8 wks after AC. After 6 wks of treatment, ER stress marker, GRP‐78, was significantly reduced in the right HT kidney compared to the right HT kidney from untreated rats. TUDCA treatment also significantly lowered the BP above the AC (137±7 vs 151±8 mmHg, n=4, p&lt;0.05 compared to untreated group). Glomerular filtration rate in the right HT kidney was increased to 0.99 ml/min/g of kidney weight in the TUDCA treated group compared to 0.67 ml/min/g in the untreated group (n=4, p&lt;0.05). TUDCA treatment for 6 weeks also attenuated renal glomerular injury including thickness of glomerular basement membrane and expansion of mesangial matrix on the right HT kidney. These results suggest that ER stress contributes to kidney injury when HT is imposed on the diabetic kidney. Pharmacological inhibition of ER stress may attenuate increases in BP and kidney injury in hypertensive‐diabetic nephropathy.Grant Funding Source: Supported by NHLBI PO1 HL51971, NIGMS P20GM104357, AHA 14POST18160019

Iron exposure reduces viability and plasticity of brain microvascular endothelial cells after hypoxic injury (670.2)

Diabetes increases the risk, causes bleeding into the brain, and worsens functional outcomes after ischemic stroke. We have previously shown that diabetic Goto‐Kakizaki (GK) rats have increased yet dysfunctional angiogenesis, profuse bleeding into the brain and poor vascular repair if subjected to stroke. The effect of bleeding on endothelial cell survival and repair is unknown. Here, we test the hypothesis that iron exposure reduces brain microvascular endothelial cell (BMVEC) viability and plasticity after ischemia/reperfusion in diabetes. To test this hypothesis, BMVECs isolated from Wistar (non‐diabetic) and GK rats were treated with 0.1 mM iron (III) sulfate, incubated 6 hours in hypoxia, and reoxygenated overnight. The cells were subjected to cell proliferation, migration and tube formation assays. GK BMVECs showed increased cell proliferation, migration and tube length under normoxia. Hypoxia reduced all three measures of angiogenesis for GK BMVECs. In addition, iron treatment further reduced migration and tube length of GK BMVECs exposed to hypoxia while it did not have an effect on control cells. These results suggest that iron has a deleterious effect on survival and angiogenic properties of GK BMVECs. More work is needed to investigate the exact mechanism of iron‐induced impairments but our work identifies iron chelation as a possible novel therapy to improve recovery after ischemic stroke.