Serum CRP in STZ-diabetic rats and its correlation with cytokines: evidence for chronic inflammation and a trial for treatment

ABSTRACT

To find out the link between diabetes and inflammation and the possible relation between acute phase proteins and cytokines in experimental diabetes. In addition to study the role of hypoglycemic, natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents either individually or in combined forms to select the best combination for treatment. Setting: Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University. Design: Group comparative study. Animals STZ-diabetic male albino rats were allocated into groups and treated according to the following scheduel [1] glimepiride [G] [2] catechin [C] [3] aspirin [A] [4] G + C [5] G +A [6] C + A. A normal control group and STZ-diabetic one were used for comparison. Intervention Experimental diabetes was induced in rats by a single IP injection of STZ. Serum glucose was evaluated enzymatically, levels of inflammatory mediators [SAA and CRP] and cytokines [TNF-alpha and IL-6] were estimated by ELISA technique. Rats received STZ demonstrated significant increase in their serum levels of glucose, SAA, CRP, TNF-alpha and IL-6. Glimepiride administration induced significant hypoglycemic effect associated with non significant changes in the other tested parameters. Meanwhile, combination of G + C or G + A showed significant reduction in tested parameters. Catechin exhibited significant decrease in serum levels of glucose, SAA, TNF-ct and IL-6. On the other hand, catechin combination forms [G + C, C + A] demonstrated significant decrease in glucose, SAA, CRP, TNF-alpha and IL-6. Whereas aspirin decrease the levels of SAA, CRP, TNF-alpha and IL-6. Experimental diabetes showed evident of hyperglycemia joined with an increase in inflammatory markers [SAA, CRP] and cytokines [TNF-alpha, IL-6]. Marked differences were observed between the effect of the tested drugs. Glimepiride-catechin combination is preferable for its antidiabetic effects, whereas glimepiride-aspirin combined form is favorable for both antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties