Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia, which results from either impaired insulin secretion or insulin resistance. Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications, and melatonin has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Objective
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of melatonin on AKT and SOD gene and protein expression in diabetic rats.
Methods
Rats were randomly assigned to four groups: control, diabetic, diabetic + melatonin, and diabetic + melatonin + wortmannin (a PI3K inhibitor). Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Melatonin was administered daily by intraperitoneal injection for 4 weeks. Gene expression was determined by real-time PCR, and protein expression was determined by Western blotting.
Results
Melatonin treatment significantly increased AKT and SOD gene and protein expression in diabetic rats. Melatonin treatment also significantly decreased blood glucose levels and improved insulin sensitivity. Wortmannin treatment blocked the effects of melatonin on AKT and SOD expression, indicating that melatonin’s effects are mediated through the PI3K/AKT pathway.
Conclusions
Melatonin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and may be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of diabetes.
Footnotes
Kind regards
Dr. R. Naples