Effect of testosterone on intracellular signaling pathway of angiogenesis in sciatic nerve of male diabetic rats

Abstract

Induction of angiogenesis in the damaged area can be usefulin diabetic neuropathy. Various factors can be effective on angiogenesis, such as steroid hormones. We investigatedeffect of testosterone ona the signaling pathway of angiogenesis in sciatic nerve( AKT/ERK pathways).Twenty four wistar rats (250-300 g)were subdivided randomly in four groups (n=6): 1) diabetic (D), (streptozotocin, 50 mg/kg, IP), 2) diabetic gonadectomized (D+GDX), diabetes was induced aftergonadectomy. 3) diabetic with testosterone (D+T), after induction of diabetes, testosterone(2mg/kg/day, SC, for 6 weeks). 4) diabetic gonadectomized with testosterone (D+GDX+T), after gonadectomy and induction of diabetes, testosterone was injected. ThenAKT and ERK proteins were measured. Forevaluation of angiogenesis was used from Immunostainingmethod( PECAM-1/CD31).Testosterone decreased Akt protein in the diabetic and diabetic gonadectomized groupssignificantly (p<0.05).Also testosteronedecreased ERK protein in gonadectomized condition significantly(p<0.05). Testosterone treatment or gonadectomy had no significant effect on angiogenesis, but combination of testosterone and gonadectomy showed significant effect onangiogenesis(p<0.05).According to results, can be offered that testosterone decreased angiogenesis by reduction of AKT in sciatic nerve in diabetic condition.