An anxiolytic drug buspirone ameliorates hyperglycemia and endothelial dysfunction in type 2 diabetic rat model

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Type 2 diabetes is a common metabolic disease and anxiety disorders are very common among diabetics. Buspirone is used in the treatment of anxiety, also having blood glucose-lowering effects. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of buspirone on the glucose and lipid metabolism as well as vascular function in type 2 diabetic rats. Methods A type 2-diabetic model was induced through a high-fat diet for eight weeks followed by the administration of low-dose streptozotocin (35 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) in rats. Buspirone was given at two different doses (1.5 mg/kg/d and 5 mg/kg/d) and combined with metformin (300 mg/kg/d). The fasting glucose and insulin levels, lipid profile were analyzed, and vascular response measured from the thoracic aorta was also evaluated. Results Both doses of buspirone caused a significant improvement in fasting blood glucose levels. In particular, the buspirone treatment, combined with metformin, improved endothelial dysfunction and was found to be correlated with decreased nitrate/nitrite levels. Conclusions Buspirone may be effective in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, either alone or in combination with other treatments, particularly in terms of endothelial dysfunction, inflammation and impaired blood glucose, and insulin levels.