Antioxidant treatment protects diabetic rats from cardiac dysfunction by preserving contractile protein targets of

Aslihan Aydemir-Koksoy1, Ayca Bilginoglu, Meltem Sariahmetoglu

  • 1Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey.

Abstract

Insights

Sodium selenate and omega-3 fish oil with vitamin E show therapeutic potential for diabetic cardiomyopathy by improving heart function and reducing oxidative stress. Both treatments helped preserve key proteins targeted by matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2).

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Biochemistry
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Diabetic cardiomyopathy is linked to reactive oxygen species (ROS).
  • ROS activate matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), impairing heart function by degrading proteins like troponin I (TnI) and alpha-actinin.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the therapeutic effects of sodium selenate and an omega-3 fish oil with vitamin E (omega-3E) on diabetic cardiomyopathy in a rat model.
  • To assess the impact of these treatments on cardiac function, oxidative stress, and MMP-2 activity.

Main Methods:

  • Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were treated daily for 4 weeks with sodium selenate (DMS group) or omega-3E (DMFA group).
  • Cardiac function (left ventricular developed pressure, +/-dP/dt), myocardial oxidative stress markers, and MMP-2 levels were evaluated.

Main Results:

  • Both sodium selenate and omega-3E improved cardiac function and reduced oxidative stress markers in diabetic rats.
  • Sodium selenate showed a greater improvement in left ventricular developed pressure compared to omega-3E.
  • Both treatments normalized myocardial MMP-2 levels and restored TnI and alpha-actinin protein levels.

Conclusions:

  • Diabetes-induced alterations in MMP-2 and TIMP-4 contribute to myocardial contractile dysfunction.
  • Sodium selenate and omega-3E demonstrate therapeutic potential for managing diabetic cardiomyopathy by mitigating oxidative stress and protecting cardiac proteins.

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