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Alpha-lipoic acid and vitamin B complex slow down the changes in mice diabetic cardiomyopathy
Georgică Costinel Târtea1, Diana Ruxandra Florescu, Alexandru Radu Mihailovici
1Department of Cardiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania; ionut.donoiu@umfcv.ro.
Aim:
The aim of our study was to assess histologically and by cardiac ultrasound the effects of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) and vitamin B complex, as pathogenic therapies, in diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) in mice.
Materials And Methods:
We performed an experimental animal study, in which we analyzed from a structural and functional point of view the changes produced in DCM. To produce DCM, we induced diabetes mellitus (DM) in C57BL∕6 mice by intraperitoneal injection of a single 150 mg∕kg body weight dose of streptozotocin (STZ). We formed a sham group (animals without DM), a control group (animals with DM but without treatment, DM_Control) and a group of animals with DM that were treated with ALA and vitamin B complex (DM_Treated).
Results:
At six weeks after STZ administration, there was no decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in the sham group, while in the control group there was a significant decrease in LVEF, about 43.75±3.37%, compared to the group that received treatment with ALA and vitamin B complex, in which LVEF decreased to 49.6±5.02% (p=0.0432). Also, the degree of interstitial myocardial fibrosis was higher in animals with DM compared to animals without DM, but the applied therapeutic protocol considerably improved the accumulation of interstitial collagen. The same observation was maintained regarding the evaluation of polysaccharide deposits.
Conclusions:
We can say that the administration of ALA and vitamin B complex in mice with STZ-induced DM, improves the degree of myocardial fibrosis, the accumulation of polysaccharides, and prevents severe deterioration of systolic and diastolic function of the heart.
Insights
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) and vitamin B complex improve heart function in diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) mice. These therapies reduce fibrosis and polysaccharide buildup, preventing cardiac dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a cardiac complication of diabetes mellitus (DM).
- Diabetic mice exhibit structural and functional cardiac changes, including fibrosis and impaired systolic function.
- Therapeutic interventions are needed to mitigate DCM progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the therapeutic effects of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) and vitamin B complex on DCM in a mouse model.
- To assess histological and echocardiographic changes in diabetic cardiomyopathy following treatment.
Main Methods:
- Diabetes mellitus (DM) was induced in C57BL/6 mice using streptozotocin (STZ).
- Groups included sham (no DM), DM control (untreated), and DM treated with ALA and vitamin B complex.
- Cardiac function (LVEF) and myocardial structure (fibrosis, polysaccharide deposits) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Diabetic mice showed significantly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) compared to controls.
- ALA and vitamin B complex treatment preserved LVEF in diabetic mice.
- Treatment also reduced interstitial myocardial fibrosis and polysaccharide accumulation.
Conclusions:
- ALA and vitamin B complex administration ameliorates cardiac fibrosis and polysaccharide deposition in STZ-induced diabetic mice.
- These therapies prevent severe deterioration of cardiac systolic and diastolic function in DCM.
- ALA and vitamin B complex represent a potential therapeutic strategy for diabetic cardiomyopathy.
