Background: Peptides derived from the apolipoproteins (apo-mimetic peptides) have emerged as a potential candidate for the treatment of various inflammatory conditions. Our previous results have shown that peptides derived from human apolipoprotein-E interact with various pro-inflammatory lipids and inhibit their inflammatory functions in cellular assays.
Objective: In this study, two apoE-derived peptides were selected to investigate their antiinflammatory and anti-oxidative effects in streptozotocin-induced diabetic model of inflammation and oxidative stress.
Methods: The peptides were injected intraperitoneally into the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and their anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects were evaluated by monitoring various oxidative and inflammatory markers.
Results: Administration of 4F, E5 and E8 peptides decreased the oxidative and inflammatory markers in STZ-induced diabetic rats to different extent, while had no significant effect on the other diabetic parameters (viz. total body weight of animals and increased blood glucose level). E5 peptide was found to be relatively more effective than 4F and E8 peptides in decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress.
Conclusion: E5 peptide can be developed as a potential candidate for inflammatory conditions.
Keywords: Peptides, apolipoprotein-derived peptide, apoE, diabetes, inflammation, anti-oxidative effects.