The Effect of Gliclazide Use on BDNF and NGF Levels in Rats with Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Objective: In this study, the effects of gliclazides, a second generation sulfonylurea group, on BDNF and NGF plasma levels, which are considered neurodegeneration biomarkers, will be examined. When designing our study, we assumed that gliazides might have positive neu- ronal effects. Thus, the possible positive effects of gliclazide will be emphasized in our study. Methods: In the experiment, 21 adult male Wistar-Albino rats were used. Serum BDNF and NGF levels were determined by analyzing with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit in accordance with the recommendations. Results: BDNF levels were significantly lower in gliclazide-treated diabetic rats and non- medicated diabetic rats compared to the healthy control group (p=0.017, p<0.001, re- spectively). Although the BDNF level of rats with diabetes given gliclazide was increased compared to rats with and without diabetes, this difference was not significant (p=0.107). Similarly, NGF levels were significantly lower in rats given gliclazide (p=0.009) and diabetic rats not given gliclazide (p=0.001) compared to the healthy control group. When the dia- betic groups were compared among themselves, although the NGF level was increased in the gliclazide group, this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.638). The differences between the groups were significant in cyclic AMP regulatory element binding (p<0.001), c-FOS (p<0.001), amyloid precursor protein (p<0.001), B-SECRETASE1 (p=0.004), and dou- blecortin (p<0.001) levels. Conclusion: As a result, serum BDNF and NGF levels were significantly higher in non-dia- betic healthy control group rats than in diabetic rats. While low serum levels of BDNF and NGF neurotrophins, which increase in neurodegeneration, were observed in diabetic rats, this level was observed to be higher in diabetic rats given gliclazide.