Evaluation of plasma homocysteine status in streptozotocin induced-diabetes mellitus in rabbit

In this research, plasma homocysteine levels as an independent risk factor of cardiovascular disease was evaluated in streptozotocin induced diabetic New Zealand white rabbits. Twelve male New Zealand white rabbits were selected and allocated into two separate groups of test and control. Following confirmation of the rabbit’s health status (normal plasma glucose, urea and creatinine values), those in the test group received a single dose of streptozotocin at 65 mg/kg through the marginal ear vein while the control group were given normal saline solution. Blood samples were collected from the marginal ear vein after 24, 48 and 72 hours and then once every week for 12 weeks and plasma homocysteine, insulin and glucose levels were measured and statistically evaluated. The results indicated significant increase (p<0.01) of plasma homocysteine and glucose levels and significant decrease (p<0.01) of plasma insulin levels of the treatment group in comparison with the control group throughout the 12 week study period. In the present study, despite the decrease in plasma insulin level, increase of plasma homocysteine was observed as an independent risk factor of cardiovascular disease in New Zealand white rabbits.