Polycythemia, Thrombocythemia, and Hyperfibrinogenemia are Associated With Streptozotocin-induced Diabetes and Salt-induced Hypertension in Male Wistar Rats

Background: Diabetes mellitus and anaemia are frequently reported to be associated with polycythemia in several studies. Furthermore, some studies also have linked polycythemia with hypertension. However, whether hypertension and diabetes comorbidity had polycythemia/erythrocytosis, thrombocythemia, or hyperfibrinogenemia is unknown. Objectives: This study investigated the incidence of polycythemia, thrombocythemia, and hyperfibrinogenemia in diabetic and hypertensive male Wistar rats. Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats were categorized into five groups, each with six animals: negative control (zero-salt diet), positive control (standard salt diet – 0.3% salt), high salt diet – 8% salt (HSD only), Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes fed with normal salt diet (STZ only), and high salt diet with STZ-induced diabetes (HSD+STZ). Hematological variables and fibrinogen concentration were measured after a 4-week experimental period. One-way ANOVA was used for statistical analysis and a P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: The heart rate and mean arterial pressure increased significantly in the HSD, STZ, and HSD+STZ groups, suggesting salt-induced hypertension. Compared to the controls, the STZ and HSD +STZ groups had significantly higher hematocrit, platelet estimate, and fibrinogen concentration. The STZ and HSD+STZ groups had a shorter clotting period, which correlated with higher platelet counts and fibrinogen levels. Compared to the controls, the HSD group had a lower platelet count and fibrinogen concentration, as well as a longer clotting time. Conclusion: This study suggests that polycythemia, thrombocythemia, and hyperfibrinogenemia are potential risk factors for hypertension in people with diabetes mellitus.