Related Experiment Videos
Diabetes induces apoptosis in lymphocytes
R Otton1, F G Soriano, R Verlengia
1Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524, 05508-900, Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. rose@fisio.icb.usp.br
The Journal of Endocrinology
|July 1, 2004
Summary
Diabetic states increase DNA fragmentation in lymphocytes, potentially impairing immune function. Insulin treatment in diabetic rats reduced this lymphocyte apoptosis, suggesting a therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus is associated with impaired immune function.
- Lymphocyte apoptosis may contribute to immune dysfunction in diabetes.
- Alloxan-induced diabetes in rats and human diabetes were studied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate DNA fragmentation in lymphocytes from diabetic rats and patients.
- To explore the link between lymphocyte apoptosis and immune impairment in diabetes.
- To examine the role of insulin in regulating lymphocyte apoptosis.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry and agarose gel electrophoresis for DNA fragmentation analysis.
- Hoescht 33342 staining for chromatin condensation.
- Analysis of lymphocytes from alloxan-induced diabetic rats and human diabetic subjects.
Main Results:
- Lymphocytes from diabetic rats and patients showed significantly higher DNA fragmentation compared to controls.
- Increased apoptosis was observed both immediately after sample collection and after 48 hours in culture.
- Insulin treatment reduced lymphocyte DNA fragmentation in diabetic rats.
Conclusions:
- Elevated lymphocyte apoptosis is a characteristic feature of diabetes in both rats and humans.
- This apoptosis may underlie the compromised immune function seen in poorly controlled diabetes.
- Insulin therapy may help mitigate lymphocyte apoptosis in diabetic individuals.