Alpha2-macroglobulin in streptozotocin-treated rats

Abstract

The serum concentrations of several acute-phase proteins are increased during diabetes mellitus as a consequence of the activity of the main inflammatory mediators of the acute-phase response. The diabetic state leads to themetabolic syndrome, characterized by many negative effects. Our study was focused on ·2-macroglobulin (MG), one of the most prominent acute-phase proteins in the rat. Changes in MG concentration were examined in the laboratory model ofstrepto- zotocin-induced (65 mg/kg body weight) diabetes in the rat. Rocket immunoelectrophoresis revealed increased MG concentration by the 7th week after diabetes induction. During the period leading up to the 7th week, the observed elevated concentrations of triglycerides and cortisol were symptomatic of the progression of the metabolic syn- drome. Previously, we showed that MG exerts an immunosuppressive effect.Whereas during acute stressMGplays a role in restoring home- ostasis, its raised concentration during protracted stress exerts a harm- ful effect; moreover,MGis an established biomarker of cardiac hyper- trophy in diabetesmellitus.