Effect of resveratrol on resistin and apelin gene expressions in adipose tissue of diabetic rats

BACKGROUND/AIM: Adipose tissue plays a major role in glucose homeostasis. Dietary antioxidants such as resveratrol (RSV) may offer some protection against the early stage of diabetes mellitus and the development of complications. The present study investigated the effects of RSV on biochemical parameters and resistin and apelin gene expressions in adipose tissue of rats with type 2 diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Diabetes was induced using a single dose of streptozotocin + nicotinamide. Three groups of diabetic rats were treated with different doses of RSV (1, 5, and 10 mg/kg body weight per day). Oxidative status, serum biochemical parameters, insulin, and HOMA index were measured. Finally, resistin and apelin gene expressions were determined in rats' adipose tissue using RT- PCR (qRT-PCR). RESULTS: A significant reduction in serum glucose level was observed in rats treated with 5 and 10 mg/kg per day RSV compared with the diabetic control. Resistin expression in adipose tissue was reduced in RSV-treated groups, while no significant changes were observed in apelin expression. CONCLUSION: The results showed that RSV improves insulin sensitivity due to a simultaneous decrease in blood glucose and an increase in insulin. We concluded that RSV has potential hypoglycemic effect, probably by increasing insulin levels and changing the expression of resistin.