Rosiglitazone reverses endothelial dysfunction but not remodeling of femoral artery in Zucker diabetic fatty rats

Endothelial dysfunction precedes atherogenesis and clinical complications in type 2 diabetes. The vascular dysfunction in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats was evaluated at different ages along with the effect of treatment with rosiglitazone (Rosi) on endothelial function and mechanical remodeling.

The Rosi treatment was given to ZDF rats for 3 weeks. The endothelium-dependent vasodilation and α-adrenoceptor-dependent vasoconstriction of femoral arteries were studied using an ex-vivo isovolumic myograph. The biomechanical passive property of the arteries was studied in Ca²⁺-free condition. The expressions of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), α-adrenoceptor, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), and elastase were evaluated.

Endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation of the femoral artery was blunted at low doses in ZDF rats at 11 weeks of age and attenuated at all doses in ZDF rats at 19 weeks of age. The expression of eNOS was consistent with the endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation. The α-adrenoceptor was activated and the mechanical elastic modulus was increased in ZDF rats at 19 weeks of age. The expressions of α-adrenoceptor, MMP9, and elastase were up regulated in ZDF rats at 19 weeks of age. Rosi treatment for 3 weeks restored endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation and the expression of eNOS and the adrenoceptor activation at the doses below 10^-6 mole/L in ZDF rats at 19 weeks of age. Rosi treatment for 3 weeks did not, however, improve the mechanical properties of blood vessel, the expressions of α-adrenoceptor, MMP9, and elastase in ZDF rats.

The endothelial dysfunction and mechanical remodeling are observed as early as 19 weeks of age in ZDF rat. Rosi treatment for 3 weeks improves endothelial function but not mechanical properties.