CARDIOMYOCYTE DNA CONTENT AND ITS LINK TO CSE/ H2S SYSTEM IN THE HEART OF EXPERIMENTAL DIABETIC RATS

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Biology
• Metabolic Diseases
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Diabetic cardiomyopathy is a common diabetes mellitus complication, characterized by inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis.
• Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) plays a key role in cardiac and vascular function, but its role in diabetic heart disease is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) system modulators on DNA fragmentation and H2S levels in the hearts of rats with experimental diabetes mellitus.
• To explore the correlation between H2S metabolism and cell cycle dysregulation in diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Main Methods:

• Experimental diabetes mellitus was induced in rats using streptozotocin (STZ).
• Modulators of the H2S system, including propargylglycine (an inhibitor) and NaHS (an H2S donor), were administered.
• H2S concentration was measured using spectrophotometry, and DNA content/cell cycle phases were analyzed by flow cytometry.

Main Results:

• Diabetes mellitus significantly decreased myocardial H2S concentration and increased myocyte apoptosis, polyploidization, and proliferation.
• Propargylglycine exacerbated H2S deficiency and increased apoptosis, while NaHS administration improved H2S levels and reduced apoptosis, polyploidization, and proliferation.
• A significant inverse correlation was found between H2S levels and indicators of apoptosis, proliferation, and polyploidization in the diabetic heart.

Conclusions:

• Disruption of the H2S/cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE) system contributes to myocyte apoptosis, polyploidization, and proliferation in experimental diabetic cardiomyopathy.
• Modulating H2S metabolism presents a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing cardiovascular complications associated with diabetes mellitus.