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Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) Isoflavones Reduce Plasma Levels of Extracellular DNA and Histone Proteins in Rats
K V Sokolova1,2, D A Tukanov3,4, I F Gette1,2
1Ural Federal University Named after the First President of Russia B. N. Yeltsin, Yekaterinburg, Russia.
Abstract:
Endogenous immunotropic factors that promote the development of non-infectious inflammation can act as pathogenetic targets in the development of new agents for the treatment and prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Nucleotide motifs circulating in the blood can activate the immune system, thus playing an important role in the pathogenesis of T2DM and its vascular complications. We studied the effect of isoflavones extracted from red clover flowers (Trifolium pratense) on the plasma levels of extracellular nucleic acids and histone proteins in rats with a model of T2DM. It was shown that oral administration of isoflavones for 1 month to animals with diabetes reduced the plasma content of extracellular DNA and histones, which was accompanied by restoration of the number of granulocytes and alleviation of glycemia.
Insights
Red clover isoflavones reduced extracellular DNA and histones in diabetic rats, improving granulocyte counts and blood sugar. This suggests a new therapeutic approach for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by targeting inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Non-infectious inflammation is key in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) pathogenesis.
- Circulating nucleotide motifs activate the immune system, contributing to T2DM and vascular issues.
- Endogenous immunotropic factors are potential therapeutic targets for T2DM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of red clover isoflavones on extracellular nucleic acids and histone levels in a T2DM rat model.
- To assess the potential of isoflavones in mitigating T2DM-related inflammation and hyperglycemia.
Main Methods:
- Oral administration of isoflavones from Trifolium pratense to rats with a T2DM model.
- Measurement of plasma extracellular DNA and histone levels.
- Analysis of granulocyte counts and glycemia.
Main Results:
- One-month isoflavone treatment significantly reduced plasma extracellular DNA and histone levels in diabetic rats.
- This reduction was associated with a restoration of granulocyte numbers.
- Improved glycemic control (alleviation of glycemia) was observed.
Conclusions:
- Red clover isoflavones demonstrate a therapeutic effect in a T2DM rat model.
- Isoflavones may exert their beneficial effects by reducing inflammatory markers like extracellular DNA and histones.
- These findings support the development of isoflavone-based agents for T2DM treatment and prevention.

