Effects of Telmisartan and Moderated-Intensity Aerobic Exercise on Collagen Type I Expression in a Diabetes Melitus Model

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is an escalating global health issue that can lead to complications across various organs, including the urinary system. Diabetic Bladder Dysfunction (DBD) is a common urological complication of DM, characterized by increased collagen deposition in bladder tissue. Diabetes-induced bladder fibrosis results in loss of compliance and impaired contractility.
Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the effects of telmisartan administration and moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on collagen type I expression in a DM rat model.
Methods: To create a DM model, the Wistar rats were induced with 35 mg/kgBW of streptozotocin (STZ). The rats were divided into five groups: a control group, groups receiving telmisartan treatment, aerobic exercise groups, a combination of both treatments and an untreated DM group. Collagen type I expression was measured using immunohistochemistry. SPSS version 20 was performed for statistical analysis.
Results: Male Rattus norvegicus were divided into five groups: K0 (control), K1 (untreated DM), K2 (DM + telmisartan), K3 (DM + exercise), and K4 (DM + telmisartan and exercise). Body weight increased consistently with age, and all diabetic groups maintained fasting blood glucose levels above 150 mg/dL post-STZ injection. Type I collagen expression in the detrusor significantly differed among groups (p < 0.05). Similar results were observed in the lamina propria, where Group K4 significantly differed from all other groups (p < 0.05). Detrusor thickness also differed significantly between groups (p < 0.05), with Group K4 showing a significant reduction compared to K1 (p < 0.05). For lamina propria thickness, Welch ANOVA revealed significant intergroup differences (p < 0.05), with Group K4 significantly differing from K1 (p = 0.001).
Conclusions: Telmisartan and moderate-intensity aerobic exercise synergistically reduce DM-induced bladder fibrosis by lowering Collagen type I expression. These findings highlight the potential of combination therapy in preventing urological complications in DM patients.