Insulin increases homocysteine levels in a dose-dependent manner in diabetic rats


Gursu M. F., Baydas G., Cikim G., Canatan H.

Archives of Medical Research, vol.33, no.3, pp.305-307, 2002 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 33 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2002
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/s0188-4409(01)00379-4
  • Journal Name: Archives of Medical Research
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.305-307
  • Keywords: homocysteine, diabetes mellitus, insulin, PLASMA HOMOCYSTEINE, MELLITUS, HYPERHOMOCYST(E)INEMIA
  • Erciyes University Affiliated: No

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Even moderate increases in levels of homocysteine cause cardiovascular degeneration. Various genetic and nutritional factors affect plasma homocysteine concentrations, and hyperhomocysteinemia damages vascular endothelial cells; hence their functions are disrupted. In diabetes mellitus, homocysteine metabolism is altered and as a result, more severe diabetic complications are expected when hyperhomocysteinemia occurs.

METHODS:

In the present study we experimentally induced diabetes in rats and examined effects of low or high dose of insulin administration on homocysteine metabolism.

RESULTS:

We determined that homocysteine levels were reduced in STZ-induced diabetic rats. This reduction was normalized by insulin in a dose-dependent manner. On the other hand, increased levels of lipid parameters (cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL) were reduced by insulin.

CONCLUSIONS:

Hcy level in experimentally induced insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus is decreased and injection of insulin normalizes Hcy levels in a dose-dependent manner. We speculate that insulin increases activities of enzymes of transsulfuration and remethylation reactions and hence speeds up conversion of Hcy to methionine and cysteine.