Influence of metformin on GLUT1 gene and protein expression in rat streptozotocin diabetes mellitus model.
BACKGROUND
Metformin improves hyperglycaemia via mechanisms which include activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Recent findings indicate that some metabolic actions of metformin occur also by AMPK-independent mechanisms.


OBJECTIVE
To study the action of metformin on expression of GLUT1 glucose transporter in rat streptozotocin model of diabetes mellitus.


METHODS
Streptozotocin-induced rats were treated with metformin while monitoring parameters of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. GLUT1 mRNA and protein expression in kidneys, heart, liver and muscles were studied by means of real time quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry correspondingly.


RESULTS
Metformin treatment decreased glucose concentration, glycated haemoglobin % and improved glucose tolerance. Streptozotocin diabetes provoked increase of both GLUT1 gene and protein expression in kidneys, metformin treatment produced normalization of the GLUT1 expression levels. In the liver, diabetes triggered an increase in GLUT1 protein expression, which was normalized by metformin.


CONCLUSIONS
Metformin is prospective for treatment of diabetic nephropathy.
Sokolovska
Jelizaveta
J
Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Riga, Latvia. lizsjak@yahoo.com
Isajevs
Sergejs
S
Sugoka
Olga
O
Sharipova
Jelena
J
Lauberte
Lasma
L
Svirina
Darja
D
Rostoka
Evita
E
Sjakste
Tatjana
T
Kalvinsh
Ivars
I
Sjakste
Nikolajs
N
D000818:Animals; D003921:Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000187:drug effects*; D005947:Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D005951:Glucose Tolerance Test; D051272:Glucose Transporter Type 1 / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics*; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000378:metabolism; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008687:Metformin / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
D005947:Glucose; D051272:Glucose Transporter Type 1; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D008687:Metformin