Rosiglitazone Prevents Renal Injury through an Anti-inflammatory Mechanism in STZ-induced Diabetic Rats

Objective To investigate the reno-protective effects of rosiglitazone and its possible mechanisms associated with inflammatory reaction. Methods 24 Wistar Rats were assigned to normal control (group C,n = 8),streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes mellitus group (group D,n = 8) and rosiglitazone treatment group (group R,n = 8). Peripheral blood glucose was tested weekly. At 8th week,we tested HbA1c,serum intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) as well as urinary excretion rates of albumin,retinal-binding protein,ICAM-1and MCP-1. The renal tissues of diabetic rats were obtained for the observation of electron microscope and the examination of ICAM-1 and MCP-1 mRNA expression by using RT-PCR and real-time PCR. Results At the 8th week. Not only every parameter in serum and urine,but also the relative kidney index (ratio between left kidney weight and body weight) were markedly increased in group D compared to those in group C (P 0.01). The renal pathological and lesions of rats in group D were obvious. However,rosiglitazone treatment could significantly decrease the parameters above (P 0.05or 0.01) and lessen the renal pathological lesions in comparison with those in group D except the blood glucose and HbA1c. Conclusion Rosiglitazone has a reno-protective effect via inhibiting inflammatory reaction in STZ-induced diabetic rats beyond its effect on glycemic control.