Effect of Avandamet on islet β cells in diabetic miniature pigs

Aim:To study the effect of Avandamet on islet β cells in diabetic miniature pigs and its mechanism of adjusting glucose metabolism.Methods:Fifteen Guizhou miniature pigs were randomly divided into 3 groups:normal control group(control diet),experiment group(high fat/high sucrose diet),treatment group(high fat high sucrose plus treatment by Avandamet).At the end of each month,the fasting blood samples were collected from the orbital sinus of the animals and the concentrations of blood glucose and insulin were detected.Oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT) and insulin sensitivity test were performed at the end of month 6.At the end of month 8,the animals were sacrificed and the pancreatic tissues were dissected from each animal.The insulin concentrations of pancreatic tissues were defected.The structure changes of pancreatic islet β cells were observed by HE staining and immunohistochemistry.Results:The levels of glucose and insulin in plasma increased significantly in experiment group(P0.01) and this diet also induced insulin resistance and impairment of pancreatic islet β cells.The concentration of fasting plasma glucose was decreased significantly in treatment group(P0.01).The clearance of plasma glucose and the acute phase of insulin secretion were obviously improved and the structure and function of pancreatic islet β cells were protected in treatment group.Conclusion:Avandamet has the roles of reducing plasma glucose,alleviating insulin resistance and protecting pancreatic islet β cells in diabetic miniature pigs.