Effects of Liuwei Dihuang Pills on the level of adiponectin mRNA of adipose tissue in OLETF rats

Objective To investigate the effects of Liuwei Dihuang Pills(LWDHP) on adiponectin(APN) mRNA level of visceral fat in OLETF rats.Methods 40 male Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty(OLETF) rats were randomly divided into tow groups(n = 20 per group).Rats of one group were given LWDHP(2.4 mg/kg·d) by intragastric administration from 8 weeks of age,while the other group given water.10 male Long-evans Tokushima Otsuka(LETO) rats were made as normal control group.The levels of blood glucose,plasma insulin and adiponectin mRNA in adipose tissue in the rates of different weeks of age were determined.Results The levels of APN mRNA in OLETF rats of 32 and 40 weeks of age were significantly decreased(both P 0.01),the APN mRNA level of the rates of LWDHP group were significantly increased(both P 0.05).There was a positive correlation between the insulin sensitivity index(ISI)and the level of APN mRNA in the OLETF rates of different weeks of age(P 0.05).Conclusion The APN mRNA level is positively correlated to insulin sensitivity.LWDHP can increase APN mRNA level of adipose tissue and improve insulin resistance in OLETF rats.