Catalpol ameliorates diabetic atherosclerosis in diabetic rabbits.
Catalpol, isolated from the roots ofRehmanniaglutinosa, Chinese foxglove, is an iridoid glycoside with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperglycemic agent. The present study was to investigate the effects of catalpol on diabetic atherosclerosis in alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits. Diabetes was induced in rabbits by a hyperlipidemic diet and intravenous injection of alloxan (100 mg/kg). Rabbits were treated for 12 weeks. The fasting blood glucose, insulin, homeostasis model of insulin resistance, total cholesterol and triglyceride were measured. The thoracic aorta was excised for histology. The plasma and vascular changes including some markers of oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines and fibrosis factors were examined. Plasma levels of fasting blood glucose, insulin and homeostasis model of insulin resistance were significantly decreased in catalpol group. Catalpol treatment ameliorated diabetic atherosclerosis in diabetic rabbits as demonstrated by significantly inhibited neointimal hyperplasia and macrophages recruitment. Catalpol treatment also enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and increased the plasma levels of total antioxidant status, meanwhile reduced the levels of malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl groups and advanced glycation end product. Furthermore, catalpol also reduced circulating levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1. Catalpol also decreased transforming growth factor-β1 and collagen IV mRNA and protein expressions in the vessels. Catalpol exerts an ameliorative effect on atherosclerotic lesion in alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits. The possible mechanisms may be related to inhibition of oxidative stress inflammatory response and anti-fibrosis and reduced aggregation of extracellular matrix.
Department of Pathophysiology, Weifang Medical University Weifang, Shandong, China.
Jiang-Yue
JY
Liu
Department of Thoracic Surgery, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital Weifang, Shandong, China.
Chen-Zhao
CZ
Zheng
Department of Intensive Care Unit, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital Weifang, Shandong, China.
Xin-Ping
XP
Hao
Department of Pathophysiology, Weifang Medical University Weifang, Shandong, China.
Dai-Juan
DJ
Zhang
Department of General Surgery, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai, China.
An-Wei
AW
Mao
Department of Cardio-Pulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, School of Medicine Shanghai, China.
Ping
P
Yuan
Catalpol; diabetic atherosclerosis; inflammatory response; oxidative stress