Effects of C-Peptide Replacement Therapy on Bone Microarchitecture Parameters in Streptozotocin-Diabetic Rats

C-peptide therapy protects against diabetic micro- and macrovascular damages and neuropatic complications. However, to date, the role of C-peptide in preventing diabetes-related bone loss has not been investigated. Our aim was to evaluate if C-peptide infusion improves bone quality in diabetic rats. Twenty-three male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: normal control group; sham diabetic control group; diabetic plus C-peptide group. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin injection and C-peptide was delivered subcutaneously for 6 weeks. We performed micro-CT and histological testing to assess several trabecular microarchitectural parameters. At the end, diabetic plus C-peptide rats had a higher serum C-peptide (p = 0.02) and calcium (p = 0.04) levels and tibia weight (p = 0.02) than the diabetic control group. The diabetic plus C-peptide group showed a higher trabecular thickness and cross-sectional thickness than the diabetic control group (p = 0.01 and p = 0.03). Both the normal control and diabetic plus C-peptide groups had more Runx-2 and PLIN1 positive cells in comparison with the diabetic control group (p = 0.045 and p = 0.034). Diabetic rats receiving C-peptide had higher quality of trabecular bone than diabetic rats not receiving this treatment. If confirmed, C-peptide could have a role in improving bone quality in diabetes.