Expressions of liver X receptor,11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 and glucocorticoid receptor in the liver of streptozotocin-induced diabetes rat

Objective To investigate the role and significance of liver X receptor (LXR), 11 hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11β-HSD1) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in the development of rat diabetes models. Methods Twelve male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into control group and streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetes group. The mRNA levels of LXR, 11β-HSD1 and GR in the liver were determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results The mRNA level of LXR more increased in diabetes mellitus (DM) group than that in control group(P0.01), and the mRNA level of 11β-HSD1 more decreased in DM group than that in control group(P0.05). The expression of GR mRNA also decreased in DM group, yet was not statistically significant. Conclusions The level of LXR increase compensatively in DM rats, accompanied by a decreased roll of glucocorticoid in local tissue. It might be a self-regulation mechanism to hyperglycemic stress in body.