Immunomodulatory effects of a multi-component pharmacological intervention on diabetic peripheral neuropathy in type 2 diabetic rats: An exploratory study

by Lu Zhang, Si Wang, Jie Lei, Lingrui Zeng, Ailin Lu, Yongqing Wu, Yuan Shi, Jing Yang, Mengrui Yuan, Hongyi Liu Background Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and is closely linked to immune and inflammatory dysregulation. Multi-component pharmacological interventions have been explored as complementary approaches for metabolic and immune modulation; however, their effects on DPN and related mechanisms remain incompletely understood.

Methods A rat model of T2DM-associated peripheral neuropathy was established, and a multi-component pharmacological intervention (MPCI) was administered for 8 weeks. Peripheral nerve dysfunction was evaluated by motor and sensory nerve conduction velocities (MNCV and SNCV), behavioral outcomes, and histological/ultrastructural assessments.

In parallel, spleen tissues were collected for transcriptomic profiling. RNA sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed genes and immune-related pathways, and representative molecules involved in inflammatory regulation were further validated using western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR in sciatic nerve tissue.

Results MPCI administration significantly ameliorated peripheral nerve dysfunction in T2DM rats, as evidenced by improved nerve conduction velocities and pathological features.