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The effect of tropisetron on peripheral diabetic neuropathy: possible protective actions against inflammation and
Amir Mohammad Ghazipour1, Bagher Pourheydar2,3, Roya Naderi4,5
1Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
Abstract:
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common nerve disorder of diabetes. The aim of this study was to explore the protective effects of tropisetron in DPN. Type 1 diabetes was created by a single injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg, ip). Tropisetron (3 mg/kg, ip) was administered daily for 2 weeks. Our analysis showed that nerve fibers and their myelin sheaths were thinned with decreased myelinated fiber number in diabetic animals. The intensity of Bcl-2 staining decreased and the intensity of Bax staining increased in the sciatic nerves of diabetic rats by using immunohistochemical staining. Furthermore, diabetes significantly increased tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin 1-β (TNFα and IL-1β) and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in sciatic nerves of rats. However, intraperitoneal injection of tropisetron significantly reversed these alterations induced by diabetes. These findings suggest that tropisetron attenuates diabetes-induced peripheral nerve injury through its anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects, and may provide a novel therapeutic strategy to ameliorate the process of peripheral neuropathy in diabetes.
Insights
Tropisetron shows protective effects against diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). It reduces nerve damage and inflammation in diabetic rats, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for DPN.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of diabetes, characterized by nerve damage.
- Existing treatments for DPN have limitations, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential neuroprotective effects of tropisetron in a rat model of type 1 diabetes-induced peripheral neuropathy.
Main Methods:
- Type 1 diabetes was induced using streptozotocin.
- Tropisetron was administered daily for two weeks.
- Nerve fiber morphology, myelination, apoptosis markers (Bax, Bcl-2), and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β) were assessed.
Main Results:
- Diabetes caused nerve fiber thinning, reduced myelinated fiber count, and increased apoptosis markers in sciatic nerves.
- Diabetic rats exhibited elevated levels of TNF-α and IL-1β.
- Tropisetron treatment significantly reversed these diabetes-induced pathological changes.
Conclusions:
- Tropisetron demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects in the context of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
- These findings suggest tropisetron as a promising therapeutic candidate for managing DPN.
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