Effect of Danzhijiangtang capsule on monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 mRNA expression in newly diagnosed diabetes subclinical vascular lesions

Abstract

AIM: To investigate the effect of Danzhijiangtang capsule (DJC) on monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) mRNA expression in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) subclinical vascular lesions.

METHODS: Sixty-two patients with newly diagnosed T2DM subclinical vascular lesions were randomly divided into a control group and treatment group of 31 cases each. Oral antidiabetic therapy with routine western medicine was conducted in both groups, and the treatment group was additionally treated with DJCs. The treatment course for both groups was 12 wk. Before and after treatment, the total efficiency and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score were calculated. The fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-h plasma glucose (2hPG), fasting insulin (FINS), insulin resistance index (IRI), hemoglobin (Hb)A1c, blood lipids, and hemorheology indices were determined. In addition, the levels of vascular endothelial growth factors including thrombomodulin (TM), von Willebrand factor (vWF), P-selectin and MCP-1 mRNA were determined.

RESULTS: After 12 wk of treatment, the TCM syndrome score was significantly decreased compared to before treatment in both groups. After treatment, FPG, 2hPG, HbA1c, FINS, IRI, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, whole blood low shear specific viscosity, plasma specific viscosity, TM, vWF, P-selectin and MCP-1 mRNA were significantly improved compared to before treatment in both groups. After treatment, the total efficiency and TCM syndrome score in the treatment group were better than in the control group. FINS, IRI, whole blood high shear specific viscosity, plasma specific viscosity, TM, vWF, P-selectin and MCP-1 mRNA level in the treatment group were significantly reduced after treatment compared with control group.

CONCLUSION: DJCs are efficacious in supplementing qi, nourishing yin and invigorating blood circulation, and upregulate MCP-1 mRNA expression in patients with T2DM subclinical vascular lesions.

Core tip: The occurrence and development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is accompanied by an inflammatory response. Monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 is a member of the CC chemokine subfamily, and is a key mediator of inflammation. MCP-1 also belongs to the chemokine superfamily. T2DM subclinical vascular lesions are a type of mild inflammation. Endothelial cell MCP-1 can be increased markedly. Danzhijiangtang capsule is a traditional Chinese medicine compound preparation. The technique can restrain mononuclear cell chemotactic activity by supplementing qi, nourishing yin and invigorating blood circulation, thereby preventing and treating subclinical vascular lesions.

INTRODUCTION

The occurrence and development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is accompanied by an inflammatory response, which then promotes the process of T2DM. Monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 is a member of the CC chemokine subfamily, and is a key cytokine mediator of the inflammatory response. MCP-1 also belongs to the chemokine superfamily[1]. As shown in a large number of experimental studies, MCP-1 is a risk factor for the occurrence and development of insulin resistance (IR), T2DM and related vascular complications[2].

Danzhijiangtang capsule (DJC) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compound preparation, and is efficacious in supplementing qi, nourishing yin and invigorating blood circulation. In this study, we investigated the effects of DJCs on general indexes, including fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-h postprandial plasma glucose (2hPG), fasting insulin (FINS), insulin resistance index (IRI), hemoglobin (Hb)A1c, blood lipids, and hemorheology indicators in newly diagnosed T2DM subclinical vascular lesions, and the effects on expression of vascular endothelial growth factors including thrombomodulin (TM), von Willebrand factor (vWF), P-selectin and MCP-1 mRNA. The objective was to investigate preliminarily the mechanism of TCM on delaying vascular lesions. This study has importance for achieving a comprehensive understanding of the efficacy of DJCs and illuminating the multichannel and multitarget regulating effects of TCM on newly diagnosed T2DM subclinical vascular lesions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

General data

A total of 62 outpatients and inpatients with T2DM in the Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui College of Traditional Chinese Medicine were enrolled in this study from 2009 to 2011. All patients conformed to the diagnostic criteria of diabetes according to World Health Organization (1999), without clinical manifestations of heart, brain or kidney vascular lesions. Color Doppler ultrasound showed that the intima-media thickness of the common carotid, femoral and iliac arteries was > 0.6 cm. The exclusion criteria were as follows: patients with diabetes duration > 1 year; pregnant or lactating women; patients with metabolic disorders (e.g., ketoacidosis) and complicated severe infection in the preceding month; patients complicated with a vascular lesion of the heart, brain, kidney or other region, or other severe primary diseases; patients taking anticoagulant, antiplatelet or antifibrinolytic drugs during the preceding month.

Patients were randomly divided into a control group (31 cases, 7 male and 14 female, mean age 53.67 ± 9.32 years) and treatment group (31 cases, 16 male and 15 female, mean age 51.90 ± 10.13 years). There was no significant differences in age, sex, FPG, 2hPG, HbA1c, FINS, body mass index and IRI between the two groups (P > 0.05).

Experimental methods

Basic treatments including diabetes education, alimentary control, and regular exercise were conducted in both groups. According to actual conditions, patients were treated with one or more antidiabetic drugs, with uniform administration in both groups. The antidiabetic drugs were as follows: metformin hydrochloride tablets (Glucophage; 0.5 g; Shanghai Squibb Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., China), Acarbose (Glucoba; 50 mg; Bayer Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Leverkusen, Germany), pioglitazone hydrochloride (Kasiping; 15 mg; East China Pharmaceutical Group, Zhejiang, China), gliclazide sustained release tablets (Gliclazide tablets; 30 mg; Servier Pharmaceutical Company, Paris, France), and repaglinide tablets (NovoNorm; 1 mg; Novo Nordisk Pharmaceutical Industries, Bagsvaerd, Denmark). In the treatment group, in addition to the oral administration with the above western medicines, the patients were treated with DJCs (provided by the Pharmaceutical Formulations Centre, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui College of Traditional Chinese Medicine; 1.8 g of effective extract in each capsule) at a dose of five capsules, three times daily (a total daily dose of 15 capsules).

Observational indexes

Blood glucose and blood lipid: Blood glucose was determined by the glucose hexokinase method. Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) with fasting for > 12 h were determined using a Hitachi-7600 fully automatic biochemical analyzer.

Hemorheology indices: High shear specific viscosity and low shear specific viscosity of whole blood, plasma specific viscosity, hematocrit and fibrinogen were determined using a rotary whole blood viscometer and plasma viscometer in the Experimental Centre, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui College of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Vascular endothelial growth factors: Fasting venous blood was obtained during the early morning. After anticoagulation with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and centrifugation (4 °C, 3000 g, 10 min), the plasma was separated and stored at -70 °C. TM was quantitatively determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit (ADL Company, CA, United States). vWF was quantitatively determined by the double antibody sandwich ELISA method (Shanghai Sun Biotechnology). P-selectin was quantitatively determined by the ABC-ELISA double antibody sandwich method (R and D Systems, Minneapolis, MN, United States).

MCP-1 mRNA: Expression of serum MCP-1 mRNA was determined using the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (Promega, Madison, WI, United States) according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Statistical analysis

Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 17.0 statistical software. Non-normally distributed data were logarithmically transformed to normally distributed data. Normally distributed measurement data are expressed as mean ± SD. Analysis of variance was performed for comparisons of multiple means. Student’s t tests were used to analyze the differences between two samples. χ² tests were conducted to compare the enumerated data. P < 0.05 or P < 0.01 was considered to be statistically significant.

RESULTS

Comparison of blood glucose and blood lipid levels

Before treatment, there was no significant difference in FPG, 2hPG, HbA1c, FINS, IRI, TC, TG, LDL and HDL level between the two groups (P > 0.05 for all comparisons). After treatment with western medicines, the above indexes were significantly improved in both groups (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). In addition, after treatment, FINS and IRI levels in the treatment group were significantly lower than in the control group (P < 0.05), and HDL in the treatment group was significantly higher than in the control group (P < 0.05) (Table 1).

Table 1.

Comparison of fasting plasma glucose, 2-h plasma glucose, haemoglobin A1c, fasting insulin, insulin resistance index, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein, haemorheology indices, thrombomodulin, von Willebrand factor, P-selectin levels and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 mRNA levels

Index	Control group		Treatment group
	Before treatment (n = 31)	After treatment (n = 29)	Before treatment (n = 31)	After treatment (n = 30)
FPG (mmol/L)	8.74 ± 1.42	8.01 ± 1.09b	9.02 ± 1.14	7.94 ± 0.91b
2hPG (mmol/L)	12.42 ± 1.76	10.03 ± 1.39b	11.96 ± 1.53	9.81 ± 1.34b
HbA1c (%)	7.98 ± 0.71	7.11 ± 0.69b	8.03 ± 0.68	6.98 ± 0.65b
FINS (uIU mL-1)	12.05 ± 2.93	8.68 ± 1.83b	11.93 ± 2.45	7.58 ± 1.82bc
IRI	1.81 ± 0.24	1.60 ± 0.19b	1.79 ± 0.23	1.48 ± 0.19bc
TC (mmol/L)	5.36 ± 0.76	4.55 ± 0.59b	5.27 ± 0.69	4.32 ± 0.49b
TG (mmol/L)	2.01 ± 0.38	1.78 ± 0.36a	1.99 ± 0.42	1.76 ± 0.31a
LDL (mmol/L)	3.15 ± 0.31	3.06 ± 0.29a	3.24 ± 0.28	3.07 ± 0.28a
HDL (mmol/L)	1.41 ± 0.19	1.66 ± 0.17b	1.37 ± 0.21	1.77 ± 0.15bc
High shear specific viscosity (mPa.s)	5.37 ± 0.78	5.10 ± 0.71	5.43 ± 0.65	4.73 ± 0.54bc
Low shear specific viscosity (mPa.s)	12.65 ± 0.89	11.91 ± 1.02	12.51 ± 0.92	11.84 ± 0.94b
Hematocrit (%)	42.95 ± 3.69	42.89 ± 3.51	43.15 ± 4.31	41.98 ± 3.01
Plasma specific viscosity (mPa.s)	1.93 ± 0.35	1.72 ± 0.37	2.01 ± 0.31	1.54 ± 0.24bc
Fibrinogen (mg/L)	4.52 ± 0.48	4.36 ± 0.37	4.61 ± 0.38	4.39 ± 0.35
TM (μg/L)	25.68 ± 6.54	23.27 ± 4.06	25.41 ± 6.28	19.32 ± 4.29ac
vWF (U/L)	1540.17 ± 74.70	1480.66 ± 72.32	1551.92 ± 82.23	1146.70 ± 94.45b,d
P-selectin (ng/mL)	25.03 ± 6.06	22.57 ± 5.56	25.39 ± 6.81	17.08 ± 5.82ac
MCP-1 mRNA (%)	0. 537 ± 0. 136	0.473 ± 0.134a	0. 541 ± 0. 148	0.421 ± 0.132bc

^aP < 0.05,

^bP < 0.01 vs before treatment;

^cP < 0.05 vs control group. FPG: Fasting plasma glucose; 2hPG: 2-h plasma glucose; HbA1c: Haemoglobin A1c; FINS: Fasting insulin; IRI: Insulin resistance index; TC: Total cholesterol; TG: Triglycerides; LDL: Low density lipoprotein; HDL: High density lipoprotein; TM: Thrombomodulin; vWF: von Willebrand factor; MCP-1: Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1.

Comparison of hemorheology indices

Before treatment, there was no significant difference in high shear specific viscosity and low shear specific viscosity of whole blood, plasma specific viscosity, hematocrit, and fibrinogen level between the two groups (P > 0.05 for all comparisons). After treatment, the whole blood high shear specific viscosity, plasma specific viscosity and hematocrit in the treatment group were significantly lower than in the control group (P < 0.05) (Table 1).

Comparison of TM, vWF and P-selectin levels

In the control group, after treatment, TM, vWF and P-selectin levels decreased, but the differences compared with baseline values before treatment were not significant (P > 0.05). In the treatment group, the above indexes were significantly reduced after treatment (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) and compared with the control group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) (Table 1).

Comparison of MCP-1 mRNA levels

Before treatment, there was no significant difference in MCP-1 mRNA levels between the two groups (P > 0.05). After treatment, the MCP-1 mRNA level in the treatment group was significantly lower than before (P < 0.01) and compared with control group (P < 0.05) (Figure 1 and Table 1).

Figure 1.

Electropherogram of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 mRNA obtained by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. MCP-1: Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1; M: Marker; 1: Normal group; 2: Control group; 3: Treatment group.

DISCUSSION

The disease course of newly diagnosed T2DM is < 1 year. There are different degrees of vascular lesions in 50% of patients with newly diagnosed T2DM. Subclinical vascular lesions exist in some patients with newly diagnosed T2DM, but the clinical symptoms are atypical[3-5]. They are the pathological basis of diabetic complications, with an extensive scope. Once the subclinical vascular lesions occur, they develop rapidly and both large and small vessels, arteries, capillaries and veins may be involved, with complicated lesions in many organs, such as angiocarpy, brain, kidney, eyeground, nerve and skin. T2DM subclinical vascular lesions are caused by many factors including abnormal glucose metabolism, IR, lipid metabolism disorders, inflammatory factors, and oxidative stress[6,7]. Vascular endothelial injury is the initiating step of T2DM subclinical vascular lesions, and the anatomical endothelial layer is also the first involved site. During T2DM, continued hyperglycemia and high capillary pressure can cause vascular endothelial cell injury and dysfunction, changing angiostasis and hemodynamics, activate the coagulation system and platelets, and increase the vascular permeability, thus leading to a series of pathological changes[8]. Therefore, studying the change in endothelial cell function is beneficial for further preventing the occurrence and development of T2DM subclinical vascular lesions.

In recent years, TM has been confirmed as a molecular marker of endothelial cell injury[9,10]. In addition, it can be used as a marker for judging the severity of atherosclerosis of peripheral arteries and coronaries, and a sensitive detection index for the occurrence of vascular complications[11]. As found in prospective studies, vWF is involved in blood coagulation, and can promote platelet adhesion[12]. It is an important marker for predicting early subclinical endothelial cell injury in T2DM and development of urinary albumin excretion rate[13]. In addition, it is an important risk factor for new microvascular lesions. P-selectin has been a research hotspot for vascular lesions in recent years. It is an important marker of endothelial cell injury and platelet activation, and is considered to be an important factor in the initial pathological process of atherosclerosis[14].

MCP-1 is one member of the CC chemokine subfamily, and is a key cytokine mediator of the inflammatory response[15]. In T2DM, high-level blood glucose, non-enzymatic glycated protein, angiotensin, oxidative stress, interleukin-1, and tumor necrosis factor-α can all upregulate MCP-1 expression[16-19]. MCP-1 can specifically induce blood monocytes to enter the endothelium of the lesion. This is an important mechanism in the occurrence and development of T2DM vascular lesions[20]. MCP-1 mainly attracts monocytes and T lymphocytes, and induces monocytes and endothelial cells to express adhesion molecules. It can promote various inflammatory cells, especially monocytes, to aggregate in the lesion sites, and respond to stimulation of the inflammatory cytokines[21]. In addition, MCP-1 can promote peripheral blood mononuclear cells to adhere, chemoattract and migrate to the intima, and then phagocytose lipids and transform into foam cells[22]. The activated leukocytes and vascular wall cells can release a variety of growth factors, which promote vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, stimulate inflammation[23], and participate in the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis. It has been found that MCP-1 plays an important role in atherosclerosis in diabetes, and can be used as a useful index for predicting T2DM subclinical atherosclerosis[24]. At the same time, MCP-1 is considered to be a potential biochemical marker for reflecting early atherosclerotic changes and prognosis[25].

Therefore, MCP-1 is closely related to the occurrence and development of T2DM vascular lesions. Further study of MCP-1 will enrich the theoretical basis for pathogenesis of T2DM vascular lesions. Analysis of the chemokine dynamic change, regulatory mechanism and interactions, and treatment aimed at chemokines and receptors is a new method for therapy of T2DM vascular complications. The deepening awareness of the complexity of the chemokine network has provided new methods and means for prevention and treatment of T2DM vascular lesions.

TCM believes that the prethrombotic status of T2DM is similar to the blood stasis syndrome of emaciation-thirst disease. The pathogenesis of emaciation-thirst disease is that the dryness-heat, impairment of yin, and body fluid scorching will cause blood viscosity and blood stagnation. The long-term yin deficiency injures the healthy qi, leading to qi and yin deficiency and weakness, which aggravate the blood stasis. Deficiency of yin affects yang, and insufficiency of yang brings about cold syndrome. The cold coagulation causes blood stasis. The blood stasis is present throughout the disease course, and is a common pathological product and pathogenic factor of emaciation-thirst disease. In the treatment of this disease, supplementing qi, nourishing yin, invigorating blood circulation and dissolving stagnant blood should be carried out, and the treatment emphasis should be focused on regulating qi-blood circulation and improving blood circulation. DJCs are composed of Radix Pseudostellariae, Radix Rehmanniae, Cortex Moutan, Dodder, Alisma, leech and others. Radix Pseudostellariae can invigorate the qi of the spleen and kidney. Radix Rehmanniae can nourish the yin of the spleen and kidney. Dodder can tonify the kidney to arrest spontaneous emission. Cortex Moutan and leech can promote qi circulation, invigorate blood circulation, dissolve stagnant blood, and resolve kidney collateral obstruction. Alisma can clear heat and purge phlegm. The whole prescription can supplement qi and nourish yin, invigorate blood circulation and dissolve stagnant blood, thus achieving the efficacy of balancing yin and yang, dispelling blood stasis, and making the kidney pulse unobstructed. Modern pharmacological research shows that Radix Pseudostellariae, Radix Rehmanniae and Alisma have certain antidiabetic and antihypertensive effects. Moutan bark can inhibit a cyclo-oxygenase reaction, thus inhibiting platelet aggregation. The hirudin contained in leech can inhibit the effect of thrombin on fibrinogen, impede blood coagulation, and prevent thrombus formation. In addition, Leech also secretes a histamine-like substance, which can directly expand the blood vessels, activate plasmin, and inhibit collagen synthesis, thus reducing the blood viscosity and improving the hemorheology.

Results of this study have shown that, after treatment with DJCs, FINS and IRI levels are significantly lower than those obtained from basic treatment, with an increase in HDL level. In addition, after treatment with DJCs, the whole blood high shear specific viscosity, plasma specific viscosity and hematocrit, as well as TM, vWF and P-selectin expression levels are significantly reduced, with downregulated peripheral blood MCP-1 mRNA expression. This indicates that DJCs can alleviate lipid metabolism disorders, downregulate expression of TM, vWF, P-selectin and MCP-1 mRNA, lower whole blood viscosity and plasma specific viscosity, reduce hematocrit, antagonize platelet activation, inhibit platelet aggregation, and protect vascular endothelial cells, thus intervening in the newly diagnosed T2DM subclinical vascular lesions. It is believed that this therapy, by supplementing qi, nourishing yin and invigorating blood circulation, can enhance the anticoagulant and fibrinolytic activity, intervene in the hypercoagulable state, and improve the function of impaired endothelial cells. This has important significance in delaying vascular complications associated with T2DM.

COMMENTS

Background

The occurrence and development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is accompanied by an inflammatory response, which in turn promotes the process of T2DM. Monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 is a member of the CC chemokine subfamily, and is a key cytokine mediatior of the inflammatory response. MCP-1 also belongs to the chemokine superfamily. As shown in a large number of experimental studies, MCP-1 is a risk factor for the occurrence and development of insulin resistance, T2DM and related vascular complications.

Research frontiers

The disease course of newly diagnosed T2DM is < 1 year. There are different degrees of vascular lesions in 50% of patients with newly diagnosed T2DM. Subclinical vascular lesions exist in some patients with newly diagnosed T2DM, but the clinical symptoms are atypical. They are the pathological basis of diabetic complications, with an extensive scope.

Innovations and breakthroughs

This study has important significance for comprehensive understanding of the efficacy of Danzhijiangtang capsules (DJCs) and illuminating the multichannel and multitarget regulating effects of traditional Chinese medicine on newly diagnosed T2DM subclinical vascular lesions.

Applications

DJCs are efficacious in supplementing qi, nourishing yin and invigorating blood circulation, and can upregulate MCP-1 mRNA expression in patients with T2DM subclinical vascular lesions.

Terminology

In recent years, thrombomodulin has been confirmed as a molecular marker of endothelial cell injury. In addition, it can be used as a marker for judging the atherosclerosis severity of peripheral arteries and coronaries, and a sensitive detection index for the occurrence of vascular complications.

Peer review

This manuscript describes a traditional Chinese medicine DJCs for treatment of T2DM subclinical vascular lesions, and it has significant research interest.