Diacerein attenuates vascular dysfunction by reducing inflammatory response and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic rats

Abstract Aim To examine the effect of diacerein on vascular dysfunction in type 2 diabetic rats and elucidate the mechanism of action of diacerein. Methods In a rat model, type 2 diabetes was induced by high-fat diet and streptozotocin. Vascular function was assessed in vascular reactivity experiment. The effect of diacerein (10 or 20 mg/kg/day) on blood glucose, inflammation and insulin signaling, and modulators in vascular tissue in diabetic rats was investigated by molecular and biochemical approaches. Results In this study, diacerein inhibited diabetes-induced vascular dysfunction. Diacerein treatment normalized blood glucose, insulin tolerance test, inflammatory cytokine levels and nitric oxide synthases expression in diabetic rats. Moreover, diacerein inhibited NF-κB and NLRP3 pathways and activated insulin signaling pathway related proteins IRS-1 and AKT in diabetic rats. Conclusion Diacerein improved vascular function effectively in diabetic rats by suppressing inflammation and reducing insulin resistance. These results suggests that diacerein may represent a novel therapy for patients with diabetes.