Sulfaphenazole Treatment Restores Endothelium-Dependent Vasodilation in Diabetic Mice Publisher Pubmed



Elmi S¹ ; Sallam NA¹ ; Rahman MM¹ ; Teng X² ; Hunter AL³ ; Moienafshari F¹ ; Khazaei M⁴ ; Granville DJ³ ; Laher I¹
Source: Vascular Pharmacology Published:2008

Abstract

Vascular dysfunction is linked with increased free radical generation and is a major contributor to the high mortality rates observed in diabetes. Several probable sources of free radical generation have been suggested in diabetes, including cytochrome P450 (CYP) monooxygenase-dependent pathways. CYP-mediated superoxide production reduces nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. In this study, we focus on the contribution of monooxygenase enzyme-generated reactive oxygen species in vascular dysfunction in an experimental model of diabetes mellitus type II. Diabetic male mice (db/db strain) and their age-matched controls received daily intraperitoneal injections of either the CYP 2C inhibitor sulfaphenazole (5.13 mg/kg) or saline (vehicle control) for 8 weeks. Although sulfaphenazole did not change endothelium-dependent vasodilation in control mice, it restored endothelium-mediated relaxation in db/db mice. We report for the first time that CYP 2C inhibition reduces oxidative stress (measured as plasma levels of 8-isoprostane), increases NO bioavailability (measured as NO2-) and restores endothelial function in db/db mice without affecting plasma glucose levels. Based on our findings, we speculate that inhibition of free radical generating CYP 450 monooxygenase enzymes restores endothelium-dependent vasodilation to acetylcholine. In addition, it reduces oxidative stress and increases NO bioavailability. © 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.