Effect of metformin on the expression of SNARE proteins in the skeletal muscle of rats with type 2 diabetes

• Main Authors: Yaser Mohammadi, Azam Rezaei Farimani
• Format: Article
• Language: fas
• Published: Birjand University of Medical Sciences and Health Services 2021-09-01
• Series: Journal of Birjand University of Medical Sciences
• Subjects: diabetic rats; metformin; snap-23; snare proteins; stx-4; type 2 diabetes; vamp-2
• Online Access: http://journal.bums.ac.ir/article-1-3032-en.html
• ISSN: 1607-2197; 2423-6152

Background and Aims: SNARE proteins are composed of a combination of SNAP-23, Stx-4, and VAMP-2 isoforms that are significantly expressed in skeletal muscle. These proteins control the transport of GLUT4 to the cell membranes. The modifications in the expression of SNARE proteins can cause Type 2 diabetes. The present study aimed to assess the effect of metformin on the expression of these proteins in rats. Materials and Methods: For the purpose of the study, 40 male Wistar rats were randomly selected. Streptozotocin and Nicotinamide were used for the induction of type 2 diabetes. The animals were assigned to five groups (n=8), including healthy and diabetic groups as control, as well as three experimental groups which were treated with different doses of metformin (100, 150, and 200 mg/kg body weight) for 30 days. The quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) method was applied to evaluate the expression of SNARE complex proteins.. Results: Based on the results, metformin (100, 150, and 200 mg/kg body weight) decreased serum glucose levels and increased serum insulin levels. This difference in dose of 200 mg/kg body weight was statistically significant (P<0.05). Moreover, all three doses of metformin increased the expression of SNAP- 23, syntaxin-4, and VAMP-2 proteins in skeletal muscle tissue. Metformin at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight demonstrated the most significant effects (P<0.05). Conclusion: As evidenced by the results of the current study, another anti-diabetic mechanism of metformin is to increase the expression of SNARE proteins, which effectively improves insulin resistance and lowers blood glucose.