Study on NF-κB activation in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in diabetic rats

Objective:To explore the role of the activated nuclear factor(NF)-κB in pathogenesis of the atherosclerosis in diabetic rats and relation between NF-κB activation and expression of ICAM-1.Methods:Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups:the control (group C),streptoxotocin-induced diabetic rats(group DM),N-acetylcysteine-treated diabetic rats(group NAC).After 1,2,3 and 4 months,all rats were killed and indexes as follows in the plasma were determined:HbA1C,triglyceridc (TG),total cholesterol(TC),high density lipoproteins(HDL).The NF-κB activation was analyzed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay(EMSA).Results:(1)The levels of blood glucose and HbA1C in group DM and group NAC significantly elevated(P0.01) compared with group C;(2)The level of blood lipids in group DM and group NAC was not increased after 1,2 months,but significantly raised(P0.01) after 3,4 months,compared with group C,and not reached the criterion of dyslipidemia;(3)There were NF-κB significantly activation and ICAM-1 significantly explession in diabetic rats after 3,4months(++);(4)There was early pathologic change of atherosclerosis in DM group in 12-week and 16-week,but no findings of AS in group NAC and control.Conclusion:(1)The NF-κB activation induced ICAM significantly expression and may be the key factor leading to the development of atherosclerosis in diabetic rats;(2)Hyperglycemia may contribute to the NF-κB activation,so strict control of hyperglycemia as early as possible may prevent the development of atherosclerosis in diabetic rats.