Study on the antidiabetic mechanism of a shark liver peptide, S-8300, in alloxan-induced diabetes.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to evaluate the antidiabetic mechanism of S-8300 in alloxan-diabetic mice. METHODS: Diabetes was induced by a single intravenous injection of alloxan (60 mg/kg). The effects of S-8300 on diabetic mice were investigated by observing the change in fasting plasma glucose, detecting Fas mRNA by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, Fas protein expression in the pancreas by immunohistochemistry and Western blot, and the DNA fragmentation pattern forming a ladder by electrophoresis. KEY FINDINGS: A significant decrease in fasting plasma glucose was observed, and Fas mRNA and Fas protein expression in the pancreas were attenuated in diabetic mice treated with S-8300. Treatment with S-8300 also attenuated DNA ladder formation. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that S-8300 inhibits Fas protein-mediated apoptosis of pancreas cells.