Insulin increases homocysteine levels in a dose-dependent manner in diabetic rats |
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Authors: | Gursu M Ferit Baydas Giyasettin Cikim Gurkan Canatan Halit |
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Affiliation: | Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey. |
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Abstract: | BACKGROUND: Even moderate increases in levels of homocysteine cause cardiovascular degeneration. Various genetic and nutritional factors affect plasma homocysteine concentrations, and hyperhomocysteinemia damages vascular endothelial cells; hence their functions are disrupted. In diabetes mellitus, homocysteine metabolism is altered and as a result, more severe diabetic complications are expected when hyperhomocysteinemia occurs. METHODS: In the present study we experimentally induced diabetes in rats and examined effects of low or high dose of insulin administration on homocysteine metabolism. RESULTS: We determined that homocysteine levels were reduced in STZ-induced diabetic rats. This reduction was normalized by insulin in a dose-dependent manner. On the other hand, increased levels of lipid parameters (cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL) were reduced by insulin. CONCLUSIONS: Hcy level in experimentally induced insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus is decreased and injection of insulin normalizes Hcy levels in a dose-dependent manner. We speculate that insulin increases activities of enzymes of transsulfuration and remethylation reactions and hence speeds up conversion of Hcy to methionine and cysteine. |
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