The influence of arcenic contaminated water in insulin receptors in mice tissues

Th. Papamitsou; I. Tsomidis; I. Lialias; S. Karachrysafi; A. Toskas; A. Sioga

Volume : VII, Issue : IV, April - 2018

The influence of arcenic contaminated water in insulin receptors in mice tissues

Th. Papamitsou, I. Tsomidis, I. Lialias, S. Karachrysafi, A. Toskas, A. Sioga

Abstract :

Background: Arsenic is one of the most potent environmental carcinogens. Chronic exposure to the element has been associated with various non–cancerous diseases, including diabetes mellitus. Although mechanisms of arsenic–induced diabetes have not been identified, it seems that the element or its metabolites interfere with insulin–stimulated signal transduction pathway or with critical steps in glucose metabolism. The aim of this in vivo study was to correlate type 2 diabetes development with chronic arsenic exposure and to investigate the distribution of insulin receptors in kidneys and muscles.

Methods: Sixteen Balb/c mice were divided into two groups: the first group was chronically exposed to arsenic (50 ppm) in drinking water, whereas acontrol group consumed distilled water. After the end of a 6 week period, animals were sacrificed and the kidneys and sciatic muscles were prepared for immunohistocemical analysis.

Results: All animals in the arsenic group presented fasting hyperglycemia.The weight gain in both groups was not statistically significant different. The immunohistochemical staining revealed significant decrease in the number of insulin receptors in both kidneys and sciatic muscles of the arsenic exposed mice.

Conclusion: Our results have shown that prolonged drinking of arsenic–contaminated water is associated with decreased insulin Receptor (IR)concentrationand increased glucose levels which may play a role in type 2 diabetes induction. Morphological and immunohistochemical changes caused by arsenic predominate in organs like kidneys and skeletal muscles.