Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Endocrinology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Diabetes mellitus is associated with altered immune cell function.
• Leukocyte apoptosis is dysregulated in experimental diabetes mellitus (EDM).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of agmatine on leukocyte apoptosis in EDM.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying agmatine's action.

Main Methods:

• Induction of experimental diabetes mellitus in a model.
• Assessment of leukocyte apoptosis markers (DNA fragmentation, apoptotic index, p53/Bcl-2 ratio).
• Treatment with agmatine and subsequent analysis of leukocyte apoptosis.

Main Results:

• Diabetes significantly increased leukocyte apoptosis, characterized by DNA fragmentation and altered p53/Bcl-2 ratios.
• Agmatine administration normalized the p53/Bcl-2 protein ratio.
• Agmatine treatment reduced the apoptotic index and DNA degradation, diminishing early and late apoptotic leukocyte populations.

Conclusions:

• Agmatine exerts a corrective effect on leukocyte apoptosis in experimental diabetes mellitus.
• Agmatine normalizes key apoptotic markers, suggesting therapeutic potential in managing diabetes-related immune dysregulation.