Evaluation of the natural killer cytotoxicity and the levels of cytokines in rats with type i diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Type I diabetes mellitus (insulin-dependent DM = IDDM) is a chronic disease characterized by specific destruction of pancreatic β cells, resulting in an absolute lack of insulin. Immune mechanisms, genetic susceptibility, and environmental factors are all implicated in the pathogenesis of Type 1 diabetes. This study was aimed at determining the efficiency of cytokines, natural killer (NK) cells in the pathophysiology of IDDM. Therefore, we evaluated the plasma levels of cytokines by specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the cytotoxicity activity of NK cells by anti-candididal index in rats with type I diabetes. We found that the cytotoxicity activity of NK cells in IDDM groups significantly decreased compared to the control groups. The levels of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in IDDM groups were slightly higher than in healthy controls. These results indicate that the changes of TH1 type cytokines such as IFN-γ and NK cell activity can play a role in the etiology of IDDM. The data may provide new strategies for the treatment of IDDM.