Normalization of NF-κB activity in dorsal root ganglia neurons cultured from diabetic rats reverses neuropathy-linked markers of cellular pathology

► NF-kB subunits c-rel and p50 are specifically reduced in diabetic DRG neurons. ► Insulin specifically increases c-rel and p50 in DRG neurons. ► Experimental reduction of NF-kB induces markers of diabetic neuropathy. ► Enhancement of NF-kB activity reverses markers of diabetic neuropathy. ► Deficient NF-kB causes reduction in antioxidant enzyme MnSOD.