Impact of in vivo glycation of LDL on platelet aggregation and monocyte chemotaxis in diabetic Psammomys obesus

Psammomys obesus (sand rat) is an appropriate model to highlight the development of hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, obesity, and diabetes. This animal species, with genetically predetermined diabetes, acquires non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus when exposed to energy-rich diets. In the present study, we explored the possibility that glycation of LDL may occur in diabetes-prone P. obesus and affect platelet and macrophage functions. The glycation of LDL, isolated from diabetic animals, was significantly (P < 0.05) higher (40%) than that of control animals. The incubation of platelets with glycated LDL enhanced the reactivity of platelets by 32-44% depending on the aggregating agents (thrombin, collagen, ADP). Furthermore, LDL derived from diabetic rats were chemotactic for normal monocytes and stimulated the incorporation of [C-14] oleate into cellular cholesteryl esters. The enhancement of platelet aggregation and cholesterol esterification in monocytes may contribute toward the accelerated development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in diabetic P. obesus animals. This study also illustrates the relevance of studying atherosclerosis in the P. obesus animal model, as it shows an increased tendency to develop diet-induced diabetes, which is associated with cardiovascular disorders.