Pleiotropic effect of pyridoxamine on diabetic complications via CD36 expression in KK-Ay /Ta mice

Abstract Aim Pyridoxamine inhibits the development of diabetic complications. CD36 is a receptor/transporter which binds fatty acids of lipoproteins. The objective of the present study was to examine the pleiotropic effects of pyridoxamine, especially CD36 expression in KK-Ay /Ta mice with type 2 diabetic nephropathy. Methods KK-Ay /Ta mice were divided into 2 groups as follows: pyridoxamine treatment group and a tap water group as controls. The urinary ACR, fasting serum insulin, TG and lipoprotein subclasses were measured as biochemical parameters. The renal expressions of malondialdehyde (MDA) were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. CD36 mRNA expressions in kidney and adipose tissue were also evaluated using real-time PCR. Results Pyridoxamine decreased levels of urinary ACR, serum TG, especially VLDL and fasting serum insulin. MDA accumulation in the pyridoxamine treated group was significantly lower than those in the non-treatment group. The CD36 accumulation and mRNA expressions in kidney and adipose tissue in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the non-treatment group. Conclusions It appears that pyridoxamine ameliorated lipid peroxidation and insulin resistance in KK-Ay /Ta mice. This pleiotropic effect of pyridoxamine was related to CD36 expression in the kidney and adipose tissue.