Free radicals and oxidants are described as playing an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic endothelial dysfunction. Soriano et al (2001) have proposed that the activation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) can be a major mechanism contributing to beta-cell destruction in type I diabetes. In this study, we tested the effects of the potent, water-soluble, PARP inhibitor 5-aminoisoquinoline (5-AIQ) on the glucose levels, on serum AST levels (marker of tissue injury) and lipid profile of rats pre-treated with streptozotocin.Two weeks after the a administration of streptozotocin (diabetic group), an increase in basal levels of glucose, serum levels of AST, total lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL as well as a decrease in body weight gain was observed. 5-AIQ (3 mg/kg, i.p, 5 minutes and 24 h after the administration of streptozotocin) attenuated the rises in the serum levels of ALT, cholesterol, total lipids, HDL and reduced the hyperglycemia caused by streptozotocin. In addition, 5-AIQ caused an increase in body weight gain when compared with diabetic group.Our results suggest that inhibition of PARP can be beneficial against the liver injury and dyslipidaemia associated to diabetes.References: 1.Soriano FG, Virag L, Szabo C: Diabetic endothelial dysfunction: role of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species production and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activation. J Mol Med, 2001; 79(8): 437-48

Keywords: diabetes, dyslipidaemia, PARP, 5-aminoisoquinoline, Rat