Endocrinology & Metabolic Syndrome
Open Access

Abstract

Differential expression of glycoprotein IV on monocyte subsets following high-fat diet feeding and the impact of short-term low-dose aspirin treatment

Bongani B Nkambule

Objective: To assess the levels of glycoprotein GPIV (CD36) expression on peripheral blood monocyte subsets, in a mouse model of glucose intolerance. Moreover, to determine the effect of; low-dose aspirin (LDA) alone, LDA combined with metformin, or clopidogrel alone, on the expression of CD36 on subsets of circulating monocytes.

Method: The study consisted of two experimental phases. In experiment one, the mice (n = 14) were randomised to receive a low-fat diet (LFD) and a high-fat diet (HFD) for eight weeks. Whereas the secondary phase of the experiment, comprised of twenty-four HFDfed mice treated with LDA alone (3 mg/kg), or in combination with metformin (150 mg/kg), or clopidogrel alone (10 mg/kg) for six weeks. The surface expression of CD36 on monocytes was measured using flow cytometry.

Result: The levels of CD36 expression on monocytes were upregulated in the HFD-fed compared to LFD fed group (p < 0.05). In addition, HFD group showed; no significant changes in body weight (p = 0.3848), however, blood glucose (p = 0.0002) and insulin (p = 0.0360) levels were markedly increased following HFD-feeding. Interestingly, all treatments reduced the expression of CD36 on monocytes, decreased fasting blood glucose levels (p = 0.0024) and increased circulating monocyte levels (p = 0.0217) when compared to the untreated HFD group. Moreover, treatment with LDA alone increased basophils levels (p = 0.0272), while when combined with metformin showed an improved effect in enhancing eosinophil levels (p =0.0302).

Conclusion: HFD-feeding increased the expression of CD36 on monocyte subsets. LDA as a monotherapy or combined with metformin was as effective as clopidogrel mono-therapy, in down regulating the expression of CD36 on monocyte subsets. These treatments may be of relevance in preventing cardiovascular complications associated with impaired glucose tolerance.

Published Date: 2021-02-28; Received Date: 2021-02-22