The Influence of Blood Glucose Instability on Aortic Health in Diabetes: Evaluating the Role of G-CSF Therapy.

BACKGROUND/AIM: To evaluate the adverse effects of glucose fluctuations on the aorta in diabetic rats and to investigate the potential therapeutic role of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF).

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Thirty-nine adult male albino rats (10-12 weeks old, 150-180 g) were divided equally into three groups: diabetic, control, and Filgrastim (a human G-CSF)-treated. Diabetes was induced using alloxan in the diabetic and Filgrastim groups. The Filgrastim-treated group received intraperitoneal glucose injections every four hours for four days, followed by subcutaneous Filgrastim (200 μg/kg/day) for five days. Histological analysis of aortic sections was conducted using Hematoxylin and Eosin staining.

RESULTS

Significant differences were observed between groups in insulin levels (p=0.011), tunica intima thickness (p=0.004), tunica media thickness (p=0.000), and the proportions of collagen and smooth muscle fibers in the aortic wall (p<0.01). Diabetic rats exhibited increased endothelial damage and structural alterations in the aortic wall, while Filgrastim treatment mitigated these changes.

CONCLUSION

Glucose fluctuations caused more severe endothelial damage in the aorta of diabetic rats compared to controls. G-CSF shows promise as a potential therapy for cardiovascular complications associated with fluctuating hyperglycemia.