EFFECT OF AN ANTI-PROTEIN DENATURANT AND IMMUNOMODULATOR (BENDAZAC LYSINE SALT) ON THE INCIDENCE OF DIABETES AND INSULITIS IN THE NONOBESE

Protein denaturation may be one factor involved in the generation of the autoimmune process leading to diabetes in the non obese diabetic (NOD) mouse model. We have investigated whether treatment with an agent possessing anti-protein denaturant properties [bendazac lysine salt (BDZ)], also known to be a mild immunomodulator, may affect the insulitis process and the incidence of diabetes in this animal model. Ninety-six animals divided in two groups were treated with BDZ (0.15 % in the diet) or a control diet from 3 weeks of age and followed for 32 weeks. There was no difference in the cumulative incidence of diabetes between the two groups at 32 weeks; similarly no significant changes in the process of insulitis were observed although BDZ treated animals showed a milder degree of insulitis. We conclude that the use of this agent alone does not modify the time-course process of beta cell destruction in this animal model.