Phosphorylated Connexin 43 Protein Levels Attenuation in the Retina of Adult Diabetic Male Rats, by Regular Moderate Exercise

Cell-to-cell interactions, through gap junctions that composed of connexin subunits, are now thought to be important in the molecular biology of diabetes. Raised phosphorylated connexin43 levels are considered an important factor involved in diabetic retinopathy. Also, beneficial effects of exercise in regulating glucose metabolism prove. Considering the role of exercise in diabetic patients, in this study the impact of regular moderate exercise on phosphorylated connexin43 levels were examined. 28 male Wistar rats (250?50g) were randomly divided into four groups. Diabetes was induced by injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/Kg). One hour treadmill exercise, five days a week with 22 (m/min) speeds was begun, a week after induction of diabetes. Phosphorylated connexin43 levels were measured by ELISA method. This study shows, not only the meaning of blood glucose levels is significantly decreased, but also phosphorylated connexin43 levels were reduced by increasing the days of exercise, in diabetic running group (P < 0.05). Thus regular moderate exercise reduced the amount of phosphorylated connexin43 levels in the retina which this application may result in partial inhibition of retinopathy observed in diabetic patient.