Horm Metab Res 2002; 34(10): 577-582
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-35419
Original Clinical
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Adenoviral Insulin Gene Therapy Prolongs Survival of IDDM Model BB Rats by Improving Hyperlipidemia

W.  Zhang 1 , D.  Lu 1 , S.  Kawazu 2 , K.  Komeda 3 , T.  Takeuchi 1
  • 1Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, Maebashi, Japan
  • 2General Medical Center, Saitama Medical School, Kawagoe, Japan
  • 3Animal Research Center, Tokyo Medical College, Tokyo, Japan
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 10 January 2002

Accepted after second revision: 3 July 2002

Publication Date:
19 November 2002 (online)

Zoom Image

Abstract

Diabetes is frequently associated with hyperlipidemia, which results in atherogenic complications. Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) model BB/Wor//Tky (BB) rats exhibit both hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia and die within 3 weeks after the onset of diabetes unless insulin therapy is given. We performed insulin gene therapy in BB rats with adenovirus vectors through the tail vein. After infusion, plasma triglyceride levels dropped quickly and maintained low levels for 1 week, whereas blood glucose levels showed a slight decrease. The survival period of diabetic BB rats was prolonged to up to 75 days by infusing insulin gene-expressing adenoviral vectors. We suggest that the control of hyperlipidemia can be a life-saving measure when combined with hyperglycemia control in the treatment of diabetes.