Evaluation of the modulatory effect of fish oil on Von Willebrand factor as an early marker of endothelial dysfunction in Streptozotocin diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus is a complex disease characterized by chronic hyperglycaemia responsible for complications affecting micro- and macro vascular systems. Von Willebrand factor (vWf), a multimeric glycoprotein mainly synthesized by endothelial cells, is involved in platelet adhesion and aggregation and acts as the carrier of coagulation factor VIII in plasma. This study aimed to explore the role of vWF as an early marker of endothelial dysfunction as well as the modulatory effect of n-3 PUFA-rich dietary fish oil in improving endothelial dysfunction, vWF and lipid metabolism in streptozotocin diabetic rats. Forty albino rats were divided into four groups :control group, treated control group, diabetic group and treated diabetic group (received fish oil). Plasma vWF, glucose, insulin, lipid profile, interleukin-1beta (IL-1 beta), 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) and lipoxin A4 (LXA-4) were estimated. Our results revealed that using fish oil induced significant decrease in plasma level of vWF, glucose, 5-LOX and IL-1 beta, but it induced increment in LXA-4 and modulate lipid profile parameters. Increased level of vWF can be used as an early marker for detection of endothelial dysfunction in diabetes. Moreover, treatment with fish oil as a natural product may have significant effects on elevated levels of vWF and hence restore endothelial dysfunction in streptozotocin diabetics.