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Apigenin alleviates STZ-induced diabetic cardiomyopathy
Huang-Jun Liu1,2,3, Yun-Lin Fan1, Hai-Han Liao1,2,3
1Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Jiefang Road 238, Wuhan, 430060, China.
Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry
|February 9, 2017
Summary
Apigenin, found in fruits and vegetables, shows promise in protecting the heart from diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). This study found apigenin effectively reversed cardiac dysfunction and fibrosis in animal models of DCM.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Metabolic Disorders
- Natural Product Chemistry
Background:
- Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a significant complication of diabetes mellitus, characterized by cardiac dysfunction and remodeling.
- Apigenin, a natural flavonoid, possesses known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but its role in DCM is not well-defined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cardioprotective effects of apigenin in a mouse model of diabetic cardiomyopathy.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying apigenin's action on cardiac remodeling in DCM.
Main Methods:
- Diabetic cardiomyopathy was induced in male C57BL/6J mice using streptozotocin (STZ).
- Cardiac function was assessed using echocardiography and hemodynamic measurements.
- Histological, oxidative stress markers (GPx, MDA, SOD), apoptosis (TUNEL assay, cleaved caspase3, Bax), and protein/mRNA expression (Western blot, real-time PCR) were analyzed.
- In vitro studies using H9c2 cells were conducted to compare apigenin and resveratrol.
Main Results:
- STZ-induced diabetes led to cardiac dysfunction, fibrosis, oxidative stress (increased MDA, decreased GPx/SOD), apoptosis, and NF-κB translocation.
- Apigenin treatment significantly ameliorated these pathological changes in vivo.
- In vitro experiments confirmed apigenin's protective effects on high glucose-treated H9c2 cells.
Conclusions:
- Apigenin demonstrates significant cardioprotective effects against diabetic cardiomyopathy in preclinical models.
- Apigenin mitigates cardiac dysfunction, fibrosis, oxidative stress, and apoptosis associated with DCM.
- Apigenin represents a potential therapeutic agent for managing diabetic cardiomyopathy.
