Protective effect of losartan and ramipril against stress induced insulin resistance and related complications: Anti-inflammatory mechanisms

Chronic restraint stress (CRS) is known to cause various behavioural and biochemical alterations, leading to several negative health outcomes. The present study was designed to explore the impact of inhibiting Renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) and inflammatory pathways in stress pathophysiology. In the present study, male LACA mice were subjected to restraint stress daily for 30 days. Losartan, nimesulide, ramipril, minocycline and their combinations were administered 45 min prior to restraint stress daily and their effects were observed. Restraint stressed mice depicted depression like behavior along with increased oxidative stress markers in their brains. CRS induced insulin resistance depicted by hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, hypercholesteremia, increased glycosylated hemoglobin and HOMA-IR. Besides, treatment with losartan, nimesulide, ramipril and minocycline significantly restored the behavioural and biochemical alterations and improved insulin sensitivity in stressed mice. Combination treatments synergistically reversed depression like behavior and decreased plasma glucose levels. Moreover they restored insulin levels, glycosylated hemoglobin levels and HOMA-IR values to the normal. This study signifies the synergistic effect of simultaneously blocking RAS and inflammatory pathways in stress pathophysiology.